The effectiveness of being S-L-O-W

We are so used to rushing around.  In our busy daily schedule, we have so many tasks to fulfill and so many deadlines to meet.  The habit is formed and we would even feel guilty and worthless if we do not rush.

But in rushing, we missed out many things.  For example, we missed the points: why are we rushing? Do our life really have to be so busy and overcrowded? Are we rushing in the right direction? What are we really rushing for?  Have we missed life while we rush?

"You must be SLOW!  You cannot learn and experience the true essence of the movements unless you SLOW DOWN!", said my Taichi teacher Master Feng over and over during our lessons. 

When practising Taichi, the slower the movement, the more effective the practice becomes. Because we can experience each subtle movement and changes of our bodies and we can also feel the energy flow within our bodies.

"Be mindful and walk slowly around here", said the sister on my first arrival to the Plum Village early this year, "there is no need to hurry."

Indeed, slowing down helps me to heighten my awareness.  I feel so alive with this awareness and mindfulness.  In the Plum Village, I was doing everything slowly, aware of each movement, each breathe and each step I made. I could also touched deeply the blue sky, the sunshine, the plum tress, the starry nights, the lovely people, and much more. I could got so much things done in a day and felt effortless!  When I returned to work after the visit, I was able to keep this energy of mindfulness within the first week.  I could handle my work and huge backlog of emails without rushing but I completed all my tasks with so much ease!  It was amazing.  No need to rush and hurry, and yet so efficient!

But we all have strong habit energy.  After a week, I was back to the rushing mode again.  Fortunately, we have the Sangha practice where a few friends gather weekly to practice mindful sitting and walking meditations, and share our learnings.  Consistent practices are important for us to water our seeds of awareness, concentration and mindfulness continuously so that our habit of rushing can be transformed.

If you find that you are rushing all the time and feel overcrowded, try to slow down.  You may be surprised how slowing down can eventually let you move faster, in the right direction!