The Beauty of Slowing Down

In our fast-paced world, the speed at which information travels has shaped our expectations, making immediacy the norm. We crave instant gratification, and our attention has become fractured, bombarded by fleeting snippets of data. The destination has eclipsed the journey, reducing progress to mere checkmarks on our to-do lists. The flavors of progress are no longer savored; we only want the end result and when we get it, it often doesn’t feel gratifying the way we thought it would. 

I see this happening in different forms: in the clinic, patients want the fastest way to either get rid of a symptom or the quickest way to lift heavy again. In the classroom, students perseverate over the grades rather than the application of the lesson learned. They daydream about graduation, missing the significance of each day spent with their peers—moments that, once gone, can never be reclaimed. In our society, we often overlook the small victories, as our minds race ahead to the next task.

So what can we do about this? Little, easy things, often. Take notice of how you are sitting. Where is your tongue as you read this? Let it relax away from the roof of your mouth, and gently release your jaw. Look around you, there are likely thousands of little things you can be grateful for that often don't get noticed. When was the last time you appreciated something you did that you may not have initially wanted to do, but ended up teaching you something about either yourself or something else? These moments often arise during vacations when our schedules slow, allowing us to turn our attention inward and reconnect with the reasons behind our work, not just the outcomes.

Embracing small joys can renew our gratitude in profound ways. In our quest for efficiency, we often merge daily rituals, inadvertently sacrificing the pleasure they can bring. For instance, when you drink your morning coffee while multitasking—scrolling through emails or listening to the news—you might miss the rich aroma, the comforting warmth of the cup, and the soothing taste. Before you know it, the cup is empty, leaving little memory of the experience. Instead, take a few mindful sips while gazing out the window. Consider jotting down a brief list of things you’re grateful for or personal goals for the day. You may be surprised at how this simple act can shift your mindset, enhancing your professional responsibilities and revealing the unnoticed blessings that influence your day.

Every evening at 6 PM, an alarm on my phone prompts me to reflect on one thing I’m grateful for. If nothing comes to mind, I read the list, which often sparks a reminder of something I’ve overlooked.This practice broadens my perspective, deepening my appreciation for the world around me.

I share this with you because, ultimately, you are one of the things I am most grateful for. May you find moments of peace throughout your day; the roses truly do smell great.