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Slowness – Spiritual Practice of Keeping Tempo

May 16, 2013 By Jean Wise

slowness
I was amazed at the comments and emails I received after Tuesday’s post about slowness and soul rest. You all made me feel better realizing I am not the only one struggling with busyness. Your words also reminded me to be grateful for the ability to be busy and to savor the opportunities as blessings.
Thank you.
Practicing slowness is a valuable spiritual discipline.
At one of the retreats I attended a few years ago we intentionally practiced slowness. We spoke slowly. We chewed our food longer. We put our forks down between bites. We deliberately looked one another in the eyes.
The routine at this retreat that struck me the most though, was how we physically moved from sitting to standing. I normally bounce up and get going. We moved in slow motion. More Eyorye than Tigger.
Try that sometime this week. When you need to stand up or sit down, move very slowly.
Slow down and enjoy life. It’s not only the scenery you miss by going too fast – you also miss the sense of where you are going and why.


- Eddie Cantor 
Slowness will help free us from this addicting fast pace and increase our awareness of the present moment. Slowness will help make room in our inner being for God. It creates space for stillness and peace.

“Life is so short, we should all move slowly.”

Thich Nhat Hanh

 

Musicians know the value of keeping tempo. The notes move quickly through many places but the best music also holds pauses and slower movements. If I keep racing all the time, I am sure not following the Conductor.
Pay attention to your speed this week. Make a conscious effort to slow down and savor the moments.

“Most men pursue pleasure with such breathless haste that they hurry past it.”

 — Soren Kierkegaard

 

What has slowness taught you?


PS:  I am also guest posting over at Johnnie Donley’s blog.  Check it out when you get time: 

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Filed Under: spiritual practices

Comments

  1. blankJean Wise says

    May 21, 2013 at 10:20 am

    Nancy I have been reading her book for a second time with a small group. lots of gems in that book, isn’t there? full attention to the current of time. great phrase

  2. blankJean Wise says

    May 21, 2013 at 10:19 am

    You are so right Clella about finding joy when we slow down. I even type too quickly and man do I make mistakes, being more intentional with this practice is something I want to do more of, of course at a slow pace.

  3. blankJean Wise says

    May 21, 2013 at 10:18 am

    Laughing that it is somewhat ironic that i am practicing slowness when answering blog comments. ha. but we have been traveling which is fun and full of blessings but also adds to the hecticness. today I will slow down intentionally even as I type! Thanks for stopping by the other day

  4. blankNancy Ruegg says

    May 17, 2013 at 6:54 pm

    Your post reminds me of Ann Voskamp’s book, One Thousand Gifts. She, too, lauds the virtues of slowing down. “Hurry makes us hurt,” she says. “Hurry always empties a soul.” Ann is right. Ouch. So what should we do? Slow time down, she suggests, by “sleuthing for the glory” in the persons, places, and things around us. Hold one thing mindfully, attentively, and thankfully for a moment. Full attention slows the current of time. When we are thank-full, we are time-full. Indeed, I would humbly add, a grateful, praising spirit can’t be frenzied!

  5. blankClella Camp says

    May 17, 2013 at 12:33 pm

    I have found in the past few weeks that I have been going at a slower pace and enjoying it. Some of the busyness that I feel is so important has been left for another day or not done at all. In doing this I have found much needed rest and a closeness with the Conductor. Thanks Jean

  6. blankJViola79 says

    May 17, 2013 at 10:42 am

    So many good thoughts here – being fast paced can be addicting; following the Conductor; practicing slowness. Thank you for reminding me this morning to make time TODAY to practice some slowness.

    Blessings,
    Joanne

  7. blankJean Wise says

    May 17, 2013 at 2:03 am

    Glad my words helped you, Laura. I know slowing down doesn’t come easy for me at all and something I have to be intentionally about. I find focusing on my breath makes a difference. Blessings on your slowing.

  8. blankLaura Boggess says

    May 17, 2013 at 1:17 am

    Oh, Jean. I so needed this tonight. Slowing down with you and breathing deep.

  9. blankJean Wise says

    May 16, 2013 at 5:50 pm

    I just knew we loved the same type of books! I love how you rest in the Lord. You inspire me. I have read quotes by Jeanne Guyon and know a little about her but haven’t read her book. I think you are right to get a newer translation too. I have found that true with the book The Cloud of the Unknowing. I am getting so much more out of it with newer language than reading the old style. I will get that book! Thanks so much for the suggestion and your ongoing friendship. Blessings on you too

  10. blankMia says

    May 16, 2013 at 11:29 am

    Sorry, I forgot to mention that you can download the book of Madame Guyon for free from the web, but it is still in that old kind of difficult language. I bought the newer version which was written in a more modern Englsh. My friend, I can TRULY recommend this book.
    Mia

  11. blankMia says

    May 16, 2013 at 11:27 am

    Dear Jean
    I see another author who we both like: Soren Kierkegaard. Oh, that man could poke fun at the Swedish orginized religion! Jean, about your answer to my previous comment. No, dear one, my mind does not rush often, but the secret lies only, like everything else, in our sweet Lord Jesus. Have you ever read the book of Madame Jeanne Guyon, An Easy And Short Method Of Prayer? I think the newest title is, Experiencing God Through prayer. She taught me how to draw deep into the life of our Lord Jesus and there is only rest and peace, contentment and joy. So whenever my flesh starts to rush here in my mind, I draw so near to Pappa, asking and receiving abundance of grace. You are such a joy and I truly appreciate your blog and friendship so much!
    God bless you, sweet Jean.
    Mia

Healthy Spirituality – a sacred space to nurture your faith, grow closer to God, and belong to a community, walking together on life’s journey. This blog is written by author, speaker and retreat leader Jean Wise

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