Slowing Down: Expanding Your Field of Attention

Lately I have been paying more attention to my habits, how I move, and the thoughts that are associated with each movement. I tend to do things fast to check something off my list, yet in my work, fast = mistakes. My attention to detail is essential to the quality of service I provide; when I’m scattered and darting from one thing to the next, a ball is bound to drop.

This really hit home for me in recent weeks while traveling in an airport. I’d been thinking of my own need to slow down, as I rushed from baggage check to TSA Pre-Check, and then my awareness drifted outward. As I was walking through the airport, I noticed how frenzied everyone seemed. I also noticed my own need to want to be at pace with the person in front of me. Then I stopped and thought, why? I have plenty of time to get to my gate, begin boarding, and get buckled safely into my seat before take-off. When I started paying closer attention to those around me, it was as if time had slowed.

People’s faces were crisper, almost as if you can sense the thoughts in their heads based on their body language. The sounds amplified and the world around me became more open. This is when I decided to no longer rush through my days. This is when I decided that focused attention is key to picking up clues the Universe provides. This is when I committed to treat each moment as the gift that it is.

In an article from NessLabs.com, author Anne – Laure Le Cunff notes that being fast to do something results in a “harmful mindset, poor decision making, and bad communication.” Le Cunff goes on to state that slowing down allows for 3 things to occur:

• Intentionality
• Quality
• Sustainability

So how do we begin to transition into a slower, more effective way of being? Le Cunff suggests practicing slowness by first implementing a reduced pace while eating, communicating, exercising, and decision making. When we can do this, then we can better realize that slowness, as Le Cunff says, is a luxury, providing us the ability to question artificial time constraints which we pose upon ourselves.

The question then becomes, if time constraints are created due to our own need to fit everything in, then what would life look like if slowing down the pace became your practice? In an article on YourTimetoGrow.com, author Charlotte Ashley-Roberts points out that slowing down allows for:

• Presence of productivity
• Mindful living
• Gratitude & contentment
• Effective decision-making
• Improved relationships

These states of mind can be reached through:

• Practicing mindfulness
• Setting boundaries
• Disconnecting from technology
• Savoring moments
• Prioritizing self-care

These practical tips are applicable over a broad range of areas and serve as a reminder to us that we always have a choice. So how do you want to live? Hurried and stressed or relaxed and precise?

Consider the possibilities that could unfold when you can consciously slow yourself down. According to Andy Mort – Sound Artist, Songwriter, and Slow Coach, slowing down creates opportunity; how much more will you see, explore, and experience by not rushing? This goes back to Le Cunff’s use of the word luxury when it comes to slowing down, which I would also equate to leisure. When you take the time to simply enjoy the routine parts of your day-to-day world, you’ll see the sunrise is spectacular, you’ll hear birds chirping and smile, you’ll hear the laughter of children playing, or maybe you simply enjoy your favorite home cooked meal. Enjoying simplicity allows appreciation and understanding of how gratitude plays such a huge role in this process, as if to remind each of us of just how lucky we are to be alive.

Your aliveness directly relates to the values in which you hold true for your personal definition of happiness. According to Mort, when you slow down you are in a heightened state of alertness lending to the question of are you able to see, hear, and feel things as they are, or does your reality conform to what you expect or anticipate? Our own habit of predicting and assuming our lives will go a certain direction, only sets us up for disappointment. Yet if you are grounded in the moment, in your intention each day, and in your values and principles, the NOW is the only place to be.

Take it easy, take it easy. Don’t let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy.

- The Eagles