by Bill Cumming

On my way out of a store recently, I found myself walking behind two elderly women. Their pace was very, very slow and one was using a walker. Due to the layout of the store, in order to exit, I would need to follow behind them. Seconds later, a line began to form of people looking to leave the store. I could feel my frustration growing and the frustration of all those behind me as the women took each tiny little step toward the exit. At one point, a man jumped out of line and decided to see if he could exit through the automatic “IN” doors. Everyone in line, except the two women, was watching him. He managed to exit and several others followed suit. On their way out, several people looked back at me, encouraging me to do the same. I shook my head no and mouthed thanks, deciding instead to stay where I was. These women had unknowingly given me an opportunity to slow down. Why is it that slowing down often allows us to move forward more effectively? – Kelly

We often race through life, from one place to the next place, from one subject to another subject and from one relationship to the next relationship. What are we racing towards? What are we racing for? What determines our pace? Who determines our pace?

There is level of unconsciousness that exists within us regarding our every day movements. We can go to the store or we can go to the store. Just like we can brush our teeth every day and also have a mindful experience each time we choose to brush our teeth.

Imagine performing every day tasks, projects, errands, conversations with a level of mindfulness, where we purposefully and actively choose to “slow down” and be in the moment. Imagine discovering where we are racing towards and for what purpose. Imagine choosing to stop running and move forward in a different way. Imagine simply being present where you are.

The opportunity to set our own pace, is a power each of us has. Yes, we may at times feel like a salmon swimming upstream and we may be perceived as interrupting the pace of others – imagine a very crowded and bustling train station or a shopping center during the holiday season. Still, the way in which we move and interact within our life is up to us. Each moment is ours to shape.

Exercise: The next time you are going somewhere, consider the pace at which you are moving. Is your pace fast? Is your pace slow? Do you feel like you are rushing, running, racing to get somewhere, someplace? Are you aware of where you are at right now? And of the space between where you are and where you are headed? Pause during the journey of where ever you are headed that day and notice everything around you. Purposefully, slow down.

Written by Kelly Williams, 2005

Often times, the most important insights we receive are a function of being present to the little choices we make every step along the way of our lives!