Choosing to slow down this summer
Every season I write about the importance of being intentional and share my list of things that I want to be certain not to miss. These are the things that can often be done at any time but in fact, unless we are intentional about them, usually end up not being done at all. Like the day at the beach, meal out with a friend, walk in the woods or that visit to a gallery.
In last week’s podcast – episode 42 – I was talking about the many benefits of slowing down. It’s summer here in the UK, schools are about to break up for the long holiday, offices get quieter as people take their summer holidays and the long light evenings encourage us to spend more time socialising and making the most of what good weather we get.
We can choose to slow down at any time of year but as I’ve already said, the things that can be done at any time can end up being done at no time. In other words they just don’t happen. And so I encourage you to take time to consciously slow down this summer. To give yourself the space to be in the moment and savour all that the season has to offer.
As I said in last week’s podcast, the time we take to slow down can allow us to indulge in our hobbies and interests or just to do nothing particular at all. To enjoy the garden you’ve put so much work into. To take an evening walk as a family whilst all the after school activities are on hold for the summer. To have an impromptu evening out with friends enjoying the light late into the evening.
Slowing down allows us to deepen our connection with ourselves and others.
Slowing down helps us to eliminate some of the stress in our lives.
Slowing down helps us to think more clearly and creatively.
Slowing down gives us the chance to listen to our own inner wisdom.
Who doesn’t want deeper connections. less stress, clearer and more creative thinking?
And indeed more pleasure, joy and fun?
When we give ourselves the permission and space to slow down, to take things a little easier we make space for the things that bring us pleasure, that make us smile.
I've had a long period of enforced slowing down this year thanks to the chemo and radiotherapy induced fatigue but I’m looking forward to a summer of slowing down on my terms. A summer during which I can rebuild my mental and physical strength and resilience doing the things I love with the people I love.
A summer of reading for pleasure, exploring the woods, laughing with friends, actual real hugs after two years of virtual ones, drawing, embroidery, knitting, cooking, writing, walks on the beach, eating out… the list goes on.
And with that list and my priorities in mind I’m practising what I preach and taking a break this summer and so there will be no more blogs, podcast episodes or weekly emails until September.
However you choose to spend these weeks of summer I wish you good health, good times and much joy!
See you in September!
