I began to notice there was music
Distinct, familiar, but oh so faint
The slower I moved the better I could hear it
Until I realized it was her, singing
Quietly at first
But the slower I moved the stronger she sang
The most beautiful song I had ever heard
It was in allowing myself the space to slow down
To soften, to listen
That I discovered the natural pace of my own rhythms
And the beauty of my body's song
When I was a child, you could find me if you followed the sound of someone's sweet little voice humming. Always carrying a tune.
A couple of years ago, I began to slow down.
My nervous system had had quite enough of the hustle and bustle of a face paced life.
Rushing simply felt overwhelming and I couldn't do it any longer. I noticed my childhood song hadn't been present in quite some time. Decades perhaps.
So I started to move more slowly. It felt like an act of rebellion in a society that pushes for a pace the speed of sound.
Sloths became my spirit animal and I recently discovered that my little donkeys move slowly not out of stubbornness but actually in accordance to their natural pace. They allow themselves time to survey their surroundings. They hardly ever startle, unlike their pony companion. How lovely is this?
It's ok to go slow.
Most days I let myself breathe for a few minutes before I put my feet on the floor.
My family's morning rush has turned into an organized dance of doing things the night before, while also showing my growing children how to move through their routine without the stress of rushing. And while we are usually right on time, it is actually ok to be late.
Practicing the pause before responding. I learned this one from two of my teachers who modeled it beautifully for me in class. Did you know you can take a moment or two to allow your thoughts to come together before you respond? You can even stop in the middle of conversation and say that you need a moment to think about it. The silence becomes less awkward the more you practice. And when the response does form, it is articulate and trustworthy.
I love this.
I'm not sure why we insist on a break-neck speed. It doesn't feel good or natural. Reclaiming a pace of life that is harmonious with ones nervous system makes all of the sense in the world to me and is essential for true healing.
Slow down and listen for our bodies sing the most marvelous songs when they are given the chance. Imagine the sound of the world full of our songs? What a glorious chorus it would be.
I think the earth rejoices when we slow down enough to hear our own voices.
And just this weekend, as I was alone making dinner, I stopped for a moment and smiled when I heard it. The sweet sound of the childlike humming coming from the kitchen.
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