I set off at quite a pace this morning to walk the dog. I have a lot to do today and found myself trying to work out how long the walk would take, and how much time that would leave me to get on with all my important tasks. One of those tasks was to write this post, and I found myself walking fast, thinking fast, hoping I’d come up with a quick subject to blog about.
Something then told me “hang on, slow down!”. I live on an estuary, and we have miles and miles of salt marshes and countryside where you can walk for hours without seeing another person, let alone a road. The most incredible abundance of space, fresh air and life. And there I was, striding along and taking very little notice of my surroundings.
I do know the importance of slowing down. I used to tell my GCSE poetry students that learning to slow down is one of the many benefits of studying poetry, especially short poems which require reading several times and plenty of reflection. I even know that it really helps to slow down when you are feeling rushed or overwhelmed, but remembering my own advice is another thing entirely.
Luckily, today, I did remember in plenty of time. I slowed my pace, and stopped a few times just to look. I noticed the sun shining on the mud (we have plenty – if it was a commodity we’d be one of the richest areas on the planet!), the birds, butterflies and sea lavender. I noticed how warm and humid it was and watched my dog playing in muddy puddles. I remembered to be present, and mindful. I took conscious breaths. I came back to myself and enjoyed feeling alive and free.
Did this mean I used up too much precious time? Not at all; the walk probably took a couple of minutes longer than it would have done if I’d kept rushing, but I got home calm, centred and feeling that life is manageable. So my thought for today is: when we feel rushed, that’s the very time we need to slow right down!
