#96: The Power of Slow

A BRIEF MEDITATION

Imagine sitting beside this mountain stream in Romania – the crisp air tinged with the moist scent of pine and earth.

Consider how the stream meanders and takes its time to curve around obstacles. With each turn, the stream gathers more water, slowly expanding and deepening.

The stream does not force its way forward. It does not hurry, yet it is always moving, always purposeful. Consider how a slower pace might deepen your understanding and elevate your actions.

Visualize yourself moving forward with the calm certainty of the stream, confident that every slow, deliberate movement enriches your journey toward success.

➜ Go to your dashboard*

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POLL OF THE WEEK

MANTRA BREAKDOWN

The concept of slowness is often misunderstood.

It's seen as the opposite of fast. The least helpful lens is viewing it as an outright indulgence or luxury.

Rather, embracing slowness, particularly at the beginning of a new challenge, is a powerful strategy for effective work. It allows for clarity of purpose and minimizes friction.

When we rush, prioritizing speed over understanding, it's much more likely we take unnecessary detours. This wastes a bunch of time.

(Physiologically, this makes sense. Rushing overloads the prefrontal cortex, the brain's epicenter of executive functioning and decision-making.)

The irony is that you achieve true efficiency by tolerating, even embracing a slower pace.

Deliberate actions build genuine momentum. Your speed increases organically. Before you know it, the road ahead smooths out, and you are flying.

➜ Go to my dashboard*

MANTRAS TO DEEPEN PATIENCE

• "Less haste, more speed."

• "I move in step with nature's timing."

• "My pace sets my peace."

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TIP OF THE WEEK

Do you have a task on your list that’s been making you anxious? The kind you’ve repeatedly pushed aside?

Procrastination often springs from the fear of not meeting standards for ourselves, especially when the task steps beyond our comfort zone.

This creates resistance in the mind and body. (E.g., a buzzing mind, tight chest, shallow breathing.)

Consider the concept of the "thinking container."

Use Focus Mode to set a timer. Make it short – anywhere from 10-20 minutes.

The thinking container is a safe space. 

Here, give yourself full permission to think in the way that suits you best. Ignore how it's supposed to look. Forget productivity.

Maybe that means closing your eyes and inviting possible solutions to arise. Perhaps you're pacing back and forth, articulating your thoughts out loud.

Watch your resistance to the task slowly melt away. Don't be surprised if the clarity you get naturally energizes you to "officially" start the task.

IT’S ALL GOOD (NEWS)

Here are a few stories that may spark curiosity and wonder. ✨

• 🐟 Sustainability: Greece Becomes First EU Country To Ban Bottom Fishing in Marine Protected Areas

• 🌳 Climate: EPA Finalizes New Standards for Cancer-Causing Chemicals

• 🐨 Cute Creatures: World’s Oldest-Known Wombat Turns 35 in Japan

• 🚌 Education: Yes, Remote Learning Can Work for Preschoolers