by Michael Corthell
There is much evidence today that slowing down your life can actually improve your health and your productivity, which will lead you a positive mindset that will increase your happiness.
''Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity.''
—Henry Van Dyke
At the beginning of both the industrial age and information age it was promised that objects, and information storage would provide increased productivity for our society, meaning that people could work less and have more time to live a balanced healthy life. That isn't how it played out exactly. We had to wait for a new age—the much anticipated age we a currently entering—the Spiritual Age for that to happen.
Why will this age be different? It will be different because of time, or the perception of it and mankind's realization that everything does come in 'due time' as well as everything does happen for a reason. We are to wake up to embrace our spiritual natures and slow down.
Why will this age be different? It will be different because of time, or the perception of it and mankind's realization that everything does come in 'due time' as well as everything does happen for a reason. We are to wake up to embrace our spiritual natures and slow down.
Let's look:
Write down and understand Parkinson’s Law. ''Work expands to fill the time available for its completion.'' Put it on your bathroom mirror or refrigerator. This law not only applies to bureaucracies, it applies to every system and person.
Do not multi-task, do one thing at a time. There is something about concentrating on one task that transcends time. It will create space in you life. Do one thing at a time—well.
Just say...NO. Everyone knows the old saying that 'good fences make good neighbors'. That means to set firm boundaries. By setting those boundaries, we find the freedom to behave in our best self-interest, with fewer distractions and fewer unwanted intrusions.
Stop filling empty time. Instead of always finding more things to do. Do 'nothing'. Sit. Have tea or read or take a short nap. The short rest will increase your ability to be more productive later.
Be present, be 'in the moment'. You always need to be mindful of whatever you're doing at the moment. That means, STOP it when you find yourself thinking about something that needs to be done, or something that has already happened, or something that will or might happen. It takes practice to bring yourself back into the present moment, but do it.
Appreciate the outdoors by being in it. Exercise outdoors as much you can, go on nature walks, hiking, swimming, etc. Feel the life around you and enjoy the sensations of water and wind and earth against your skin. The feeling of being alive. Do it daily.
Eat slowly. Instead of rushing to eat and so you can get back to work (which can lead to weight gain) — learn to eat slowly. Be mindful of each bite. Appreciate the flavors and textures. Enjoy the fuel.
Drive slower. Observe posted speed and road conditions, then appreciate your surroundings. Make driving a peaceful time to contemplate your life, and the things you’re passing. Try audio books. Driving will be enjoyable, and safer. You will use less fuel too.
Find pleasure in everything. Remember that everything that is happening to you, is happening for a reason. Finding this pleasure in life is related to being present and in the moment, but takes it a bit further. Whatever you’re doing, be fully present but also appreciate every aspect of it, and find the enjoyable aspects. For example, when washing dishes, instead of rushing through it as a boring chore to be finished quickly, feel the feel of the water, the bubbles, the texture of the dishes and be of positive mind. Life can be endlessly enjoyable if you learn the simplicity of positive thought.
Breathe deep. When you find yourself getting would up with stress, just pause, and take a deep breath. Take a few more. FEEL air coming into your body, and FEEL the stress going out. Focusing on each breath will bring you back to the present, and slow you down. STOP reading and do it now.
These small, important changes will slow down your pace without hindering productivity. They will allow you to keep getting things done. Just remember that you never need to panic. When you find a slower and more peaceful process to do, all you do, you will be more productive and happier because you will be healthier in body mind and spirit.
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All it takes is 10 mindful minutes
by Andy Puddicombe
When is the last time you did absolutely nothing for 10 whole minutes? Not texting, talking or even thinking? Mindfulness expert Andy Puddicombe describes the transformative power of doing just that: Refreshing your mind for 10 minutes a day, simply by being mindful and experiencing the present moment. (No need for incense or sitting in strange positions.)
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