09 Apr It’s in slowing down
It’s in slowing down that we get to see what we really have.
As I look back at the coaching work, I’ve been doing over the last year, I reflect on how I’ve spent time assisting clients to ‘slow’ down, rather than be ‘busier.’
Yes, that may seem like an oxymoron; a business coach who is not pushing clients to strive for bigger, better goals. What?
Setting goals and achieving them is all part of the process of coaching, but what is the point of attaining those goals, pushing yourself harder and harder, never feeling it’s enough and wondering why you’re feeling so exhausted. There’s no point. In fact, for some, it can even result in burn out.
“The only dream worth having is to dream that you will live while you’re alive and die only when you’re dead.”
Essay: The end of imagination, Arundhati Roy
Slowing down gives you an opportunity to ask yourself, real questions.
Is the goal you want to achieve in alignment with your deepest desires? Is it going to make you happier? Will it motivate you and give you strength, or will it add to the pile of ‘more’ and contribute to your restlessness?
Slowing down allows you to take stock of what you have and reflect on where you want to go.
Over the next couple of weeks, take some time out, slow down for just an hour and ask yourself, “What do I really, really want?”
What would you like more of? More time alone, more connection with others, more peace of mind, more breathing space? Or do you want to have more fun, and experience a more profound joy?
If you had more of that, how would you feel? Would you feel stronger? Would you feel more energised? Keep these words top of mind and reflect on them often. Have a firm intention that you will cultivate more of this and how it makes you feel. Stay awake to what appears, even if you’re feeling hesitant, experiment holding the word in your thoughts.
My wish for you is that you live your life ‘slowly’. That your life is not a set of goals, but instead a series of incredible experiences and connections with real friends, and most importantly, you allow yourself to feel the love that is out there waiting for you.
I look forward to hearing about your fantastic adventures.
Warmest Regards,
Helen
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