SLOW DOWN - Life is happening, and you might miss it!
Where are my recovering workaholics—those of us still trying to push through regardless of what the season is sharing with us? This is me… or at least it has been for most of my life. My self-worth was always pinned on my busy-ness. Growing up in a working-class family, that’s what was mirrored back to me. My dad, a truck driver, was away for every birthday. Mum was a hairdresser working from home, and there was always someone in the house and the smell of perm solution lingering in the air. Yep, it was the ’80s!
Life was busy, and I learned that this was just how it had to be—being slow was not an option. Add to that my ADHD mind that races at a million miles an hour, and slowness was never really my jam.
But in this moment, I am discovering a deep joy in embracing this wintering time. The productivity that is coming from being slower, from finding more stillness, is immense. It turns out that slowing down has actually sped me up!
In the whirlwind of modern life, it's easy to get swept up in the constant push to do more, achieve more, and be more. But life isn't meant to be a checklist or a race - it’s meant to be lived, savoured, and experienced in its fullness. As the season of wintering invites us to turn inward, it’s a poignant reminder to slow down and embrace the beauty of the present moment.
Wintering, a time of rest and reflection, is nature’s way of teaching us to pause. The trees shed their leaves, animals hibernate, and the earth seems to breathe deeply. We too are called to honour this slower rhythm, to breathe, walk, eat, and live more intentionally.
Here are 10 ways to embrace slowness and reconnect with the rhythm of your life:
1. Breathe with Intention
Take a few moments each day to sit quietly and focus on your breath. Breathe in deeply through your nose for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale slowly through your mouth for six. This simple practice grounds you in the present and calms the mind.
2. Savour Your Walks
Instead of rushing to your destination, walk mindfully. Notice the sound of your footsteps, the rustle of leaves, or the crispness of winter air on your face. Let walking become a meditation. Even when you are just moving around the kitchen, can you do it slower!
3. Eat Slowly and Mindfully
Take time to appreciate your meals. When was the last time you really tasted your food. Chew slowly, notice the flavours and textures, and give thanks for the nourishment. Let eating be a sacred act rather than a rushed necessity.
4. Reconnect with Nature
Spend time outdoors, even if it’s cold. Observe the stillness of the season, the bare branches, and the quiet whispers of the wind. Let nature remind you of the beauty in slowing down. I have been for two beautiful afternoon walks this week with my teen, left the phones at home and just embraced the nature around us, it was such a powerful reminder of the quiet hush time we are in.
5. Limit Screen Time
Digital distractions often pull us away from the present. Set boundaries around your phone and screen use, especially in the evenings. Create space for quiet reflection or meaningful conversations. Can you take some family screen downtime, where everyone hands them over at the same time and chooses something different!
6. Adopt a Simple Ritual
Incorporate a daily practice that helps you slow down, such as journaling, lighting a candle, or drinking tea mindfully. Let this ritual become a touchstone for peace in your day.
7. Pause Between Activities
Instead of rushing from one task to another, pause. Take a deep breath, stretch, or simply enjoy a moment of stillness before moving on. This practice helps you transition with ease.
8. Prioritise Rest
Winter is the season for hibernation. Honour your need for rest by going to bed earlier, taking naps if needed, and letting go of the pressure to be constantly productive. This can take a real leaning into the feelings that arise, for me there is often a guilt that arises with taking a rest especially in the day, what a beautiful chance to step into your own story, and healing those old belief patterns.
9. Practice Gratitude
Slowing down allows you to notice and appreciate the small joys in your life - a warm blanket, a kind word, or the way sunlight filters through the window. Write down three things you’re grateful for each day.
10. Be Fully Present
Whether you’re with loved ones, reading a book, or enjoying a quiet cup of cacao, practice being fully there. Set aside distractions and immerse yourself in the moment.
This time of wintering is not about doing less to achieve more; it’s about doing less to be more. It’s a call to embrace the quiet, to listen to the whispers of your soul, and to remember that life is happening right now. Don’t miss it.
Let this be your gentle reminder: slow down. Your life isn’t going anywhere, but you might miss its beauty if you’re always rushing ahead.
How will you embrace slowness today? 🌿
