Value in being slow!

Bee Autumn

You might think I am crazy to even suggest slowing down! You might think – Really when there is so much to be done!

I have been noticing a lot of bees, butterflies, dragonflies this year! I have also realised how easy it is to miss seeing the bees when I am rushing, moving quickly, focussed on getting somewhere on time and therefore not fully present in the moment.

This is making me wonder what else do I miss when I move quickly! I know that it is not just the bees I notice when I slow down; I can also hear the sounds around me. Perhaps the sensory organs can engage better when I am able to slow down.

If I can remember to slow down for even one mouthful while eating, I know that I can savour the taste, the flavours better. My taste buds can engage and activate. The brain, digestive system, and all the organs, perhaps the whole body can engage and hopefully play its part in the whole process that food serves. We need to eat every day. It feels like food serves a much bigger purpose than simple nutrition. Perhaps by slowing down we can be present and deepen our understanding of this need we have and the value hidden underneath.

When I slow down while eating, I can remember to feel gratitude for all those involved in the process of helping to bring the food to me. Not just the people who may have helped prepare it, but all the people who helped procure, grow and sell it. And not just the people, but all the little creatures that play their part in helping food to grow like the bees, the worms… And not to forget all the elements – Light, Air, Water, Earth and the most subtle – Ether.

I invite you to take a few moments each day to slow down, perhaps while having a meal, or while walking home. And observe what is moving within you and around you in that moment. So much can move even when we slow down.

If you are a Reiki student, perhaps you would like to observe what the Life Force energy is moving inside you during your next Reiki self treatment – in those moments of being still and simply placing your Reiki hands on your body – when our own Life Force is aligned with the Universal Life Force energy and is being strengthened.

I know from personal experience that it is not easy to slow down. So please remember to bee compassionate to yourself if you struggle to slow down. I am still learning. Especially to be able to see the gift when life is forcing me to bee slow and things are not getting done!

I would love to hear what you gain by slowing down in this fast paced culture where speed is valued. Please do share your experience in the comments below so that we can learn from and inspire each other.

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