If you have a busy life, you may find it difficult to slow down and get moments of peace in your stressful everyday life. The peace of mind you are seeking may seem elusive. I have experienced that too — having too much to do, and simply not enough time.
One of my favorite ways of receiving guidance, healing and inspiration during challenging times in my own life is through connecting with spirit, whether it be spirit guides, animals, nature or my soul. So, as I was seeking inspiration for living The Slow Life, I did a Sacred Spirit Journey and connected with my spirit guide.
As I begin the journey, I find myself standing on green grass. It’s a summer day and I walk barefoot on the grass. “When did I last do that?” I reflect. “It’s been too long.”
“You’re doing it now,” I hear my spirit guide say. “That’s a start. Even if it’s only in spirit, you’re still getting the experience of what it feels like to walk barefoot on the grass on a warm summer day. A day filled with peace. Really feel the grass under your feet. Feel the Earth — your connection to the Earth. Take a deep breath in, and on the exhalation relax into the peace of the present moment — of being here now.
“That is what The Slow Life is really about: Becoming fully present with whatever you’re doing or wherever you are. You can’t live The Slow Life when you’re not present. It is in the present you’ll find the peace, which is what you seek when you’re seeking The Slow Life.
“With that comes also a need for increased awareness or mindfulness. Are you mindful of the many things you’re doing during the course of a day?
“Choose, for example, one thing today, and practice being fully conscious and present when doing that one thing. It could be an ordinary daily thing like doing dishes or brushing your teeth.
“You asked how to live The Slow Life when you have a busy life. Well, besides what I just mentioned, if your life is busy — too busy, perhaps — one thing you need to do is prioritize. In fact, now that we’re at the beginning of a new year, it is a good time to contemplate what in your life you can let go of, so you can make space for what you choose to have or do.
“Are there things or activities on your to-do list, you can say goodbye to? And what things or activities do you prioritize? Take some time with this exercise.
“Besides choosing what you do, you can also ease into the slow life by scheduling or making time for your priorities. For example, if you want to start a yoga or meditation practice, you may need to get up half an hour earlier each morning and make that your sacred self-care time. How you start out your day affects the rest of your day.
“Take a close look at your life and ask yourself: What step can I take today that will get me closer to living The Slow Life? Peace and blessings.”
I thank my spirit guide and end the journey.
I have had much benefit by implementing the suggestions above in my life. I especially recommend creating a morning ritual or routine with practices like yoga, meditation or something similar that can help you start your day feeling energized, centered and focused.
What steps have you taken or are you inspired to take — to live the Slow Life?
