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21-Day Kindness Project: Day 10
– Geir Berthelsen
Slow Down:
On the surface this may not seem connected to kindness, but if you think about it, when we go slower we are often kinder. We have time to let someone in the congested traffic lane, or let someone who is in a hurry go in front of us in the grocery store line. When we slow down we have time to notice what is going on around us and be aware of someone who might be in need – whether it be of assistance, opening a door, or in need of a greeting and a warm smile. When we slow down we are more likely to have time to be helpful and considerate – and to be present to the moment.
Slowing down means not over-scheduling one’s day, not trying to fit “one more thing” in before rushing to an appointment or meeting, and leaving extra time to get where we are going early. It means not multitasking or reading/texting while walking. Going slow allows for small interludes in our day for noticing the trees, light and shadow, the feel of the air, and to appreciate the small things that ground us in the simple essence of life. It allows for time in our day to touch in to our selves, how we feel and what we need in order to realign with our deepest desires and intentions.
Slowing down not only can give us the space to be kinder to to others, it is kind to ourselves and enhances our own enjoyment of life. As Annie Dillard says, “how we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.”
