I love the idea of moving through life, at a slower pace. Taking the time to really experience everything that comes my way. It is not always easy though. Even living as I do, out of the rat race, in my tiny home. My life can be quite hectic at times, because at the end of the day, we never do know what lies in wait for us. Being a solo parent of 3, means that a lot of the time, my days don't always get to turn out how I planned them. I sometimes find myself rushing to get from one place to another and I don't like to rush, my whole body, rejects it. Hence why I could never live in a city again.
I like to move at my own pace, to have time to move from A to B and smell the flowers on my way, if I choose. Have time to interact with the dogs I always meet along the way and the beautiful white Horse that sometimes grazes near my home. I love those moments in my day, when I get to just be fully present. To sit and watch the ants go about their business, or try and flow the flight path of a butterfly. If I need to go somewhere I try to always give myself extra time, to get there. But even with that extra time, I can sometimes find myself running late.
So what to do, rush. I do sometimes, especially if I really do need to get somewhere on time, but mostly I have learnt to just let myself be late. Rushing first thing in the morning, sets the pace for the rest of your day, so you got to make time to take a breath. Focusing on your breath, intentionally slowing down your inhale and your exhale, is the fastest way to calm yourself down. Something so simple, yet so often overlooked. Because so many of us, are disconnected with our own bodies. Instead of looking to ourselves for solutions, we so often look externally. I guess that is just the way that so many of us have been raised, to look outwards instead of inwards.
I think it is important to point out, that even if you do slow down in life, it doesn't mean you don't get things done. In fact I have found, that I am far more productive in life, when I take my time and approach my work and any project I have going on, from a place of calm. Living surrounded by nature, makes that easy for me. Surrounded by Mountains, with the river flowing at the edge of the land I live on, parked up in a Olive Grove, with a mixture of pomegranate and orange trees on the edge. I just have to look around me, listen to the trees, the birds, the flow of the river, that is enough to calm me.
Walking outside, barefoot, connecting with the earth, really helps me to stay present. It's how I always start my day. When I first step outside in the morning, it's always with my feet bare. Which is always right after I wake up, as I need to pee. Also our compost toilet is on the lower terrace, in amongst the Eucalyptus trees, which can be a little scary to use when it is windy, but great when it's hot, as they give us some wonderful shade. But that walk, with my feet making connect with the earth, listening to the morning sounds in nature, letting my hand make contact with some of the trees I pass, as I make my way. Always a peaceful start to my day, it's that simple really.
It's why I love living, as I do. Simply, but oh so enriched.
