Slow Down

Life is really short, in terms of our time here in the Universe so it makes me wonder why we rush through it to get to the end... and where would that be? Oh, yeah, right... our deaths.

I guess that is one of the reasons why I moved from Cali to CT. The fast-paced life of Silicon Valley was getting to me and I wanted to slow things down and take life easier so that I can enjoy my short stay here. Rejuvenate my spirit, if you will. Reconnect with people and really enjoy each and every one of our moments together, whether face to face, phone or online video chats.

One of the things I learned is that when we rush through life, we tend to make mistakes; whether it be a project at work, a situation in life or a relationship with someone, because we are not focused and giving it our full attention that it deserves.

At work, we have emails and phone calls to contend with as well as getting our work done. There are always work place drama queens or kings that try to pull you in. A situation in life can take you off course and by not giving it your full attention, it can slide out of control. When you don't give the person you are with your full attention and focus when it is needed, that relationship is doomed to fail.

We have become a society of instant gratification and our kids are growing up thinking that is how life is. They want something and they get it. Parents have lost their patience in being a parent. it is easier to just give in rather than teach them to learn patience and doing the work for it.  In the end, it affects those kids. How hard is it going to be for them when they go out to the "real" world and find that it is quite the opposite. What an eye-opener it will be for them and how fast they get the awakening.

I think that is why I love knitting and crocheting. It takes time to create something. I have to work at it, slowly and steadily as not to make a mistake. I have to create it, stitch by stitch but eventually, it becomes a hat, scarf, sweater or whatever it is I am making at the time. It is slow and meticulous but in the end, the finished product makes it worthwhile. I hadn't really done a lot in the last few years but I took them both back up the last year and it has helped me to slow down and be in the moment. If we all took our time for the important things, we can minimize our mistakes. Give it our full attention and focus. Give it our all.

We don't take the time to be with people, one on one and give them our full attention. Take the time to turn off your phone while you are with them as to give them the respect they deserve by being there fully. Listen to what they say, not just hear the words. Stop thinking ahead of what you are going to say. Look into their eyes as they speak. See them clearly right there in front of you and not look around the room.

One of the things I noticed at the gym is that people are addicted to their phones. Sure, the policy is not to have their phones while they work out but it is not enforced. What a dis-service it is to themselves by not giving their full attention to their work out. Their phone rings or they get a text, they immediately are on it. It cracks me up but also makes me sad that they cannot give themselves the respect and time to just be alone with their workout. They don't get that the world will be there when they finish.

There are also times it is not about doing anything but about doing nothing. The Italians have a saying... il dulce far niente... the sweetness of doing nothing.

We need to take a page out of their book and rewrite our own. Taking the time for you; time to do nothing. Nothing but enjoy the sweet smell and taste of your warm cup of coffee as you sit on your comfy couch, listening to the ticking of the clock. Hearing the silence around you as you rest and breath slowly while you meditate. Savoring the taste of that warm cookie you are having with your tea, nibble by nibble. Watching the clouds float by slowly as you lay on the grass on a warm sunny day with a cool breeze across your face. Enjoying the sound of the rain outside your window as you watch the drops fall from the sky. Being on a high hill overlooking a spectacular view and just taking it in. Sitting on a dock by the ocean and watching the waves roll in.

When life is passing by so quickly, isn't time to slow down and savor all that life has around you, from time to time, so that you can enjoy your part of it in the Universe?