The Power of Less Part 4 of 5: Slow Down
January 14, 2010 by dr. lam
I really liked this one too. We are so hurried to get somewhere, to do something, to eat something, to call someone, we don’t even really experience what we are doing and we seriously create health risks to our bodies and mind. When we are doing something, we are thinking about the next thing we need to do and our minds are not even present in our current task.
An example he uses is with food. I have been a victim of my own obsessive eating habits in the past. Today, after reading Michael Pollan’s work, I realize the beauty of eating food, savoring it, relishing the company with whom I am enjoying my food. By slowing down our eating, we can become satiated more quickly rather than overeating and causing heartburn, weight gain, and stress. We need to focus on how we can focus entirely on our eating and be present during that experience.
Another great example is with driving. Yes, my mother has asked me not to rush so much. I am a very punctual person, and I hate being late. However, I tend to want to get to my destination in record time. Instead of speeding or rushing, we should leave earlier and save the anxiety, the risk, and the possible injury to the car and self. The road rage (fortunately, something that I am relatively immune to) is another symptom of our insanity.
Babauta also talks about establishing the rhythm of morning and evening rituals that permit you to savor those times more fully rather than feel rushed. For example, in the morning waking earlier, drinking a cup of coffee, going for a morning run, etc., can create a rhythm of enjoying life more slowly. Today, think about how you are going to slow down. Like the rest of the book, just figure out how to slow down in one area of your life and build from there.
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Great blog!! Thanks a ton, Dr. Lam!!! I especially like the part about slowing down and forming a rhythm to routines instead of just hurrying through. Great idea!