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Slow Down and Enjoy Life!
No one will disagree that modern life
can get insanely busy – if we let it. Are we too
busy though? How comfortable are we when we don’t
have anything to distract us? Are we content when we’re
not accomplishing something, moving ahead in our goals
or helping others? Is our sense of worth tied to our
busyness? Are we a slave to recognition? Are we lonely
when we’re by ourselves? It is important not only
to reflect upon such questions but to decide to behave
differently.
Perhaps we could set aside five minutes
of ‘thinking time’ a day. Some people might
just ‘be’ while others may choose to meditate
or pray. We might also do well to engage in a solitary
activity from time to time or even develop a hobby that
we quietly enjoy ourselves. Instead of only reading
work-related journals, we should read outside of our
area of expertise and read for pure pleasure.
Many of us are performance-oriented
and driven by success and competition. We should acknowledge
that one day we may be at a loss to know what to do
with ourselves when our career is over, retirement beckons,
or perhaps we become physically unable to actively pursue
the same interests. Can we still be happy even when
we’re not busy? We need to slow down and savor
life – not rush through it and miss so much potential
beauty and happiness along the way. It is entirely possible
to discipline ourselves to slow down and be more fully
present in each human interaction and each solitary
moment of our day.
Being fully present is impossible if
we are constantly rushing about, going over our ‘to
do’ list or mentally reviewing the meeting we just
left. To be fully present is to give 100% attention
to the task at hand or to whomever we’re talking.
It means maintaining a comfortable degree of eye contact,
verbally showing comprehension and asking open-ended
questions. Applied to family life, trying to slow down
and be more present brings irreplaceable rewards. The
dignity of each family member is recognized and deeper
relationships result. The next time your child or a
young person asks for attention in some way be reminded
that nothing is more important or sends a message of
love more than willingly giving them your time. It’s
a gift of self.
Do not miss the truly important parts
of life by being too preoccupied and busy. Slow down!
Resolve today to:
• Look for the beauty around you
• Begin to read a book for pleasure
• Spend some quiet time alone
• Listen better
• Spend some time visiting with family and/or friends
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