My Own Utopian Experiment #24: Slow down, do less and enjoy more.
Slow living, mindfulness and balance go hand in hand for me. My busy schedule does not change but how I feel about it can in a positive way when I slow down. I really need to prioritize on what really matters and let go of the rest. No matter how hectic the morning is, I take 10 mins to walk outside or do some quite coffee time. That resets the right mood.
I am a firm believer that I need to feel content in my ordinary days which consist of most of our lives. When you find the joy in your usual days, you master art of living! I am myself feeling centered and grounded when I slow down and do things one at a time. After the somewhat hectic summer school break, I am paying extra attention on how I spend my day and make sure I slow down to enjoy more. Here are some of the things that I noticed past one week practicing slow living. I can’t possibly list everything but I definitely enjoy more in details. Slow down, do less and enjoy more. Sending my love as always.
- Cicada orchestra.
Cicada makes the music of summer. Each has different timing, sounds and tones. The sound of nature is the best kind. Past one week has been cooler than usual so I opened the window and work. Enjoy the breeze and cicada orchestra. I will miss it soon so need to enjoy while I have it.
- Morning and morning dew
I love mornings and breakfast with coffee. It is the best time for me to take a walk as well. Morning is special. It opens the door for possibilities that a day can bring. I noticed morning dews on grass and leaves. They sparkle at sunlight. It is magical when you notice.
- Hints of fall coming
I have a tree by my house. The tip of tree is changing color. It still does feel like summer but the nature knows the timing. It reminds me to enjoy the last a few weeks of summer this year. I am watching the difference every day when I am outside.
- When I am at ease, so my family is.
We sometimes think happiness and feeling good are personal matter but it affects everyone. Even though I have the same busy schedule, my mood has been bouncing up this week by slowing down, focusing what is important one at a time and enjoy more. I notice a shift in my family’s mood and our energy at home. We enjoy each other more.
- The warmth of sunlight
It is free natural vitamin D and mood enhancer. I do not think it is an illusion that I feel uplifted not only see the sunlight but experience it. I love to feel the warmth against my skin especially in the morning. I suddenly feel ready to go about my day. Appreciation flows naturally.
- My child’s face
He grew so fast. I sometimes wish the time slows down. When I slow down being in the moment, I see the long-gone baby face in his current face. There are certain features remind me the trace of his baby face. I do not have to miss it in my memories. I have it now here.
- Feel my body and pay attention inward
Body, mind and soul are all connected and they are wise. It tells me what I need to pay attention whether it is good or bad. When I try a new hobby or a place, I feel joy. It knows it is good for me so it makes me feel to do it again. When I feel pain on my wrist, it tells me to take a break from working on computers. When I crave a very satisfying meal, my body probably needs nutrition. When I have trouble sleeping, I re-examine my days. I do not just pop the medicine but pay attention to the signs. It is real self-care.
- Be more attentive with kids
My child plays with kids in the neighborhood almost every day. I enjoy kids more when I am attentive whenever I have a chance. Watch their innocent plays, riding bikes, hind and seek, conversations with lots of made-up stories. Some of the stories are scary involving full yellow moon and ghosts. Some are funny. Some have unexpected twists. Of course, most of them are hard to believe but nobody is arguing if the story is true or not. They just want to be with stories and friends. As I watch them in this attentive way, I do not feel how the time goes. Suddenly, what to eat for dinner does not seem that important than this much fun. I feel free and curious what more fun these kids can bring. It is another way of making my day interesting for sure. I get to be a kid all over again.
- My busy schedule seems less busy
It is astonishing how my mood and attitude can change the feeling about the same thing. My schedule and commitment to work stay the same. When I slow down, I get it done one by one. It is more satisfying than hectic. It is important not to rush into things and go on without any breaks. It is sometimes hard but I at least try to keep my steady pace without rushing myself. I still get the work done and enjoy motherhood. Since my stress level is lower and well-managed, I enjoy my day and people more. I look forward to next day.