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Slowing down
The last 6 months have completely warped my perception of time. As days, weeks and months drag on in this quarantine-esque state of life, it's hard to believe I haven’t seen many friends, boarded a plane, or left the house without a mask on my face since March. At times, it feels like my old life was yesterday, sometimes it feels distant and unfamiliar.
The hours by which I used to live my life seem so rigid and inaccessible now. Time I spent with a book, in solitude, or just running errands seems to have disappeared, and in its place, a jumble of rushing to do things safely and quickly, then returning to where it is "safe". The places I used to enjoy lingering - the farmer’s market, a bookstore, my coffee shop - are now constant sources of anxiety; a race to see how quickly I can get what I need, and GTFO.
In turn, I’ve found my body slowing down, being a bit less efficient, and taking longer to get going each day. I don’t spring out of bed the way I used to, no matter what time I wake. The warmup of my workout feels less like a kickstart and more a huge undertaking. Getting through a book is a months longer endeavor.
I can’t remember the last time I was in a rush.
This slowing may be imperceptible to the outside eye - I still get up, I still work out, I still read books. I’m grateful for the ability and freedom to do these things, but it's taking me awhile to learn to recognize my new flow, move with my energy levels, and respect my body’s current pace.
As someone who is very used to Doing Things Quickly and Well, taking more time, doing a bit less, and relishing in the slowness of my current reality is growth. And these days, I’ll take growth in any shape or form.
Q: What's your body's current pace?
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