We had a great webinar this week with people who have done our HANDLE® Level 1 and 2 Course on the subject of ‘Slower is Faster’. From the feedback we’ve had people found the ideas very helpful and we even got to do some practice of feeling the impact of doing something slowly.
We discussed how doing HANDLE Activities slowly can help calm our brains and the branch of the autonomic nervous system that is triggered when we are stressed. It can create a moment of mindfulness to balance the busyness of everyday life.
The other benefit of SLOW is that it enables us (and the other person if we are doing an Activity together) to pay more attention to what is happening, both in ourselves and around us. Research is showing how when we do things with attention the learning is dramatically accelerated and we are less likely to remain stuck in our habits.
Here is an activity for you to feel the value of slow in your life. It only takes 5-10 minutes, doing something you would already be doing anyway. Choose something you enjoy doing like drinking tea, bathing, going for a walk or cooking, and do it very slowly. Give yourself the time to really be present with what you are doing and enjoy the experience. Notice how it feels in yourself, for example the warm feeling of the mug in your hands, the sensation of your feet contacting the ground as you walk, the smell of something you are cooking. Allow yourself to luxuriate in the sensations that are always there if only we’d notice them. This time is 100% yours. Switch off mobiles or other distracting devices and rest back in being present with what you are doing for just these moments. You don’t need to do everything slowly, just 5-10 minutes. When you go back to moving at everyday speed, notice what feels different.
When I did this on a daily basis it dramatically changed the whole of my day. I approached what I was doing with more energy and alertness. I’d love to hear if it makes a difference for you.
Sean
Snailspace art trail in Brighton this autumn reminding us to cherish ‘life in the slow lane’ #BeMoreSnail