Slow and Engaged (The SLK Practice)

Slow and Engaged

When life asks us to slow down and do less, the mind may judge that experience as less than or not good enough.

I believe embracing the "lack of doing and slowing down" is an advanced task, whether forced upon us by sickness and aging, or chosen consciously.

When I first recognized the need for, and wisdom, of slowing down, I would intentionally walk very slowly from the kitchen to the bedroom. I found the task challenging. We have been indoctrinated to go fast and do more, and the body has gotten used to a rhythm that may not align with what’s best for us.

Teaching both the mind and body that slow can be good medicine takes awareness and persistence.

Counteracting the programmed belief that going slow or lack of engaged activity is doing nothing, this practice is about actively engaging with doing less or simply being.

This practice can be done while sitting quietly, or while walking, or moving your body consciously and slowly. Allow yourself to become aware of micro movements, of the muscles engaged in the shaping of your face, the blood pumping through your organs and veins, your breath going in and out.

If you're walking or dancing, notice all the additional systems engaged, playing a role in moving slowly. There’s a lot more involved in “doing nothing” than we recognize.

And next time someone asks you what you're doing, and you say “nothing,” know that you're lying. 🤗

P.S. There’s another application for this practice. When you are feeling lethargic, stuck, or unmotivated, this practice reminds you of how much is already happening internally. When you start paying attention to the movement that is present, more movement may become available.