Is it ok to JUST BE more

while we DO less??

It’s an irony of our modern lives that while technology is continually invented that saves us time, we use that time to do more and more things, and make our lives are even more hectic than ever.

Life was just seeming to pass us by before we could really enjoy it. However, the recent Corona times have just made us slow down this pace almost compulsorily (except for some). Though these are difficult times, there is definitely a silver lining. Some of us have had the privilege to be present with the extraordinary beauty and simplicity of the present moment. 

• A slow paced life means making time to enjoy your days, instead of the regular routine of rushing off to work in a frenzy. 
• It means taking time to enjoy whatever you’re doing, to appreciate the nature’s beautiful sounds, 
• to actually focus on whoever you’re talking to or spending time with — instead of always being connected some form of technology or information overload, instead of always thinking about work tasks and emails. 
• It also means single tasking instead of switching between a multitude of tasks and focusing on none of them.

To some, this may sound like heaven, while to others, perhaps it may be more like a terrifying nightmare. But there is no doubting the fact that once we are removed from all of the noise and activity of everyday life, the mind appears in a whole new way. As a direct consequence, our perspective on many things shifts and our experience of life could appear in a whole new way.

Slowing down is a conscious choice, and not always an easy one, but it leads to a greater appreciation for life and a greater level of happiness.

Here’s are a few pointers on how to do this.

1. Do less. It’s difficult to slow down when you are trying to do a hundred things. Instead, what if we could simply focus on what’s really important, what really needs to be done, and let go of the rest? How about spacing out the tasks and appointments, so that we can move through your days at a more leisurely pace? This is a privilege we could be having for the next few weeks which could really be truly transformational.
2. Be present. It’s not enough to just slow down. I invite you to explore the possibility of actually being mindful of whatever you’re doing at the moment. That means, when you find yourself thinking about something you need to do, or something that’s already happened, or something that might happen and falling trap to your thoughts, feelings and emotions… gently bring yourself back to the present moment. Focus on what’s going on right now. On your actions, on your environment, on others around you. This could take a little practice but is definitely a choice you could make.
3. Disconnect (a little). Do we have to always be connected? If we carry around any mobile device, how about shutting it off for sometime at-least? Better yet, what if we leave it behind when possible? If you are working on a laptop or computer most of the day, it could be a great idea to ensure you have times when you disconnect so that you can focus on other things. Being connected all the time means we’re constantly stressed about information coming in. It’s hard to slow down when you’re always checking for new messages coming in all the time.
4. Focus on people. Too often we spend time with friends and family, or meet with colleagues, and we’re not really there with them. We talk to them but are distracted by various other things, mainly our phones. We are there only physically, but our minds are on so many other things we need to do or what we rather could be doing. We listen, but are we really thinking about ourselves and what we want to say?  None of us are truly immune to this, but with a little bit of conscious effort you could choose to just be present with the person you’re with. This means that just a little time spent with whoever you are with right now can go a long way. It also means that we really connect with people rather than just meeting them.
5. Appreciate nature. Many of us are shut in our homes right now . During our daily lives generally, rarely do we get the chance to appreciate nature. And often even when people are outside, they’re talking on their mobile phones. This could be an excellent idea to take the time to go outside or to your balcony and really observe nature, the sounds of chirping birds without the interference of car sounds etc or even star gazing in the nights if that is a possibility. Take a deep breath of fresh air, enjoy the serenity of the space around you. If possible, take this time and opportunity to feel the sensations of water, wind and earth against your skin.
6. Eat slower. Instead of stuffing food down our throats as quickly as possible — leading to a lack of enjoyment of our food and possibly overeating,  we could make a choice to eat slowly while being mindful of each bite. Appreciate the flavours and textures. Eating slowly has the double benefit of making the food taste better and making you fuller on less food.
7. Reflect.Appreciate your surroundings. Make it a peaceful time to contemplate your life, and the things you could have been taking for granted up until now.
8. Find pleasure in whatever you are doing. This is the same as being present, but taking it one step further. Whatever you’re doing, be fully present … and also appreciate every aspect of it, and find the enjoyable aspects. For example, while washing dishes, instead of rushing through it as if it were boring chore to be finished quickly, really feel the sensations of the water, the soap suds, the dishes. It can really be an enjoyable task if you look at it that way. The same applies to other chores — sweeping, dusting, laundry — and anything you do, actually. Life could be so much more enjoyable if you learn this simple habit.
9. Single-task. The opposite of multi-tasking. Focus on one thing at a time. When you feel the urge to switch to other tasks, pause, breathe, and pull yourself back to the present moment.
10. Breathe. When you find yourself stressing out or getting anxious, pause, and take a deep breath. Take a couple more. Really feel the air coming into your body, and feel the stress going out. When you are  fully focusing on each breath, you bring yourself back to the present moment, and slow yourself down.

These times have made us Return to Simplicity and have more Gratitude. It surely has it’s own Joys.

~ Yours Consciously