Slow Down and Let Life In

Every year as summer begins to fade, I feel myself release a deep surrendering sigh.

Our summers are so busy! Even when we’re not that busy, we’re planning for the next thing on the calendar.

It’s a cliché, but I love it when the kids begin school again. I am always surprised at how kid-centric my focus has become over the summer months and look forward to refilling my reserves and putting some energy again toward my own well-being.

Whether you have children or not, Fall is a great time to slow down. Sip a cup of tea outside once the kids (or partner) is off for the day. Relish the stillness of a quiet house. Stroll down the street after dinner. Step outside before bed, noticing the cooler air, and look up at the stars.

Slowing down could be as simple and choosing to do one thing at a time with awareness rather than multi-tasking.

Become more present by slowing down in small conscious ways. I don’t mean numbing out with a Netflix binge, or sleeping the day away. Slowing down could be as simple and choosing to do one thing at a time with awareness rather than multi-tasking. How about taking a few deep breaths before walking out the door in the morning? Get somewhere 10 minutes early and notice the breeze and the pretty foam on top of your Starbucks latte? Pick the last rose from your garden and put it in a vase by your bed, or use the “pretty” tea mug and consciously, without distraction, take the first few sips with an attitude of savoring.

Create some gaps quiet enough for contentment, joy and gratitude to enter.

It takes time to enjoy our lives. Fall is the perfect time to take a few opportunities to sink into the moment we are in, to let it expand around you and inside of all the cramped spaces inside of us. Notice how long 5 minutes can feel, when you are fully present with your breath, noticing the inhale and exhale and the sensation of inhabiting your body.

As the leaves change on the trees, so can some of the content of our lives. In the space of a few deep breaths, or the time it takes to take in beauty through our eyes and into our hearts, an instant reset is available. Create some gaps quiet enough for contentment, joy and gratitude to enter. Notice what slowing down allows to happen in your life.