Slowing Down To Enjoy More

The other day I noticed I was rushing through a work of art I was creating so I could get to the next piece I wanted to paint. When I stopped long enough to think about what I was doing, I realized I was selling myself short. I wasn't fully enjoying the process of painting because I was so excited to get to the next painting, something I had felt before I started doing the current work of art, and what I feel most of the time when I am nearing the finish line. I realized I was missing out by rushing through. I needed to slow down.

I started to examine other areas of my life with "rushing through" in mind. It turns out I do it a lot more than I realize. I eat quickly and don't enjoy the flavors of the food. I also don't chew my food enough which isn't good for digestion. I rush when cleaning so I can get to something more fun. This isn't a bad thing until you notice a few spots you missed and have to go back and clean a second time. Sadly, I even rush through my prayers sometimes instead of spending quality time with God. Of all the things I DON'T need to rush through, my prayers are number one.

I think multitasking is packaged with rushing. When I (try to) do more than one thing at a time I am giving neither (none) of the tasks my full attention or my best work. Yes, there's a lot to do, but not everything has to be done at once and not everything has to be done that day. Of course, there will be exceptions, but I'd like to make those few and far between.

I feel like life is passing me by and I am missing out on so many moments by rushing around. I am tired of saying, "I can't believe it's already June. What happened to May?" And can honestly only remember a couple of big things that happened that month. I want to remember the little moments as well.

So, what does all of this mean for me? It means it's time to make some changes.

I want to become intentional and mindful in all I do. I want to stop multitasking as much as possible and give a hundred percent of my attention to whatever it is I am doing so I can fully enjoy it and do it to the best of my ability. Yes, even house cleaning. I want to stop rushing to the next thing. I want to remember how it felt when I slid a brush full of paint across a canvas or the moment I was able to shape the lips of a portrait just right. I want to notice things when I go for a walk that I wouldn't ever see if I wasn't paying attention. I want to stop looking at my phone when I am talking to someone face-to-face. I want to...

I am not naïve about the fact there will be interruptions and there will be times I have to do more than one thing at a time, but if it's in my control I'd like to be mindful of the task at hand only. I also realize that I can't do everything at once. I will pick a couple of areas to start with and build from there.

The first two areas I am going to work on slowing down and being intentional and mindful of are: eating and creating art. I am looking forward to savoring the taste of my food and pouring even more of myself into each work of art.

These new practices won't be easy and they'll take time and patience, but they will be worth it.

Is there an area(s) you would like to slow down and enjoy more?

Rebecca ~