Finding a Kind Pace

Day 75: Finding a Kind Pace

“The faster we live, the less emotion is left in the world. The slower we live, the deeper we feel the world around us.” – Stanko Abadzic

Multitasking is something we often hear about as an attribute, and in a busy office it is, but the rest of the time it means we are not fully present. We choose to set the pace of our lives whether we realize it or not. Being present and setting the pace, the speed at which we live our lives, is related to how much we want to be present and how much we are willing to face our feelings. I can’t think of any other reason  why  we would choose to rush or avoid unless we did not want to be fully present and fully accepting of the moment and whatever it presents.

I’m discovering that if I sit in the feelings, honor them, feel them, hold space for them, they pass. Just as the saying goes: “this too shall pass.” Admittedly, sometimes, the feelings and emotions are so powerful, scary, and can even feel heartbreaking. However, I am realizing that by making space for the feelings and emotions without judgment, and letting them pass, I am left feeling lighter, wiser, and free from the burden of carrying so many unprocessed and avoided feelings. Once felt, it’s not so bad. Being present is very challenging and takes dedication and practice, but it can lead to amazing gifts. 

Kindness to Self:

We can start setting a kinder pace for ourselves by choosing to be present and doing one thing at a time. We can fully enjoy the meal we are eating, down to the taste and feeling in our mouths. We can think of it as moving meditation, whatever we are doing will soon move from doing to being; being in the moment, fully engaged in ourselves.

Kindness to Others:

Setting a kind pace for ourselves will positively affect those around us and will enable us to be present for all others. We always have the choice to slow down and give the others our full and undivided attention.

Kindness to Strangers:

Once we can set a kind pace by slowing down and embracing the present moment, we will have so much more time to dedicate to other people and causes. By feeling each feeling when it happens, we free ourselves, simply because it requires so much effort, energy, and time to push off and avoid the present moment.

Kindness to Our Planet:

See if you can begin to experience being present with the world that surrounds you. See if you can notice and feel the wind in your hair, the sun on your face, the rain coming down and the sensation of it. See if you can notice the sounds that nature provides, the chirping of birds, the musical sound wind and trees make together or the sound of silence when snow is falling. Wherever you are, begin to notice the present moment and the treasures that are abound.

Become the master of your life by setting a pace that allows you to be fully present Now. 

Jennifer Palazzo

Photo Courtesy of FreeImages.com and The Very Kind Andras Kovacs