I’m on vacation with my kids and friends on the central coast of California. I have rarely looked at my phone, checked my email or worried about chores or work to do. In fact, we have chosen to have almost no particular schedule at all and that freedom and flexibility has felt amazing. When we want to eat, we eat. Sit, we sit. Laugh and play, we laugh and play. When we are tired, we rest. Some of the time I am just soaking up this amazing panorama, looking out over beautiful rolling hills and country, feeling the sun on my face, the ground underneath my feet and the cool breeze in my hair.
Last night we went to a drive-in movie with the kids in San Luis Obispo. I love how they call it SLO for short…slow. Everything about that name reminded me of what this is all about – a much needed slowdown. It is about enjoying the simple pleasures that are all around us – enjoying a hike to see the amazing ocean from the cliffs, watching deer eat the sweet green grass, sipping a hot cup of coffee and wrapping up in a cozy blanket on the porch swing. We had nothing else to do but watch the movie, soak in the evening and to top it all off, we got to see the Space X rocket launch off into the sky. It reminded me of how much I have to be grateful for, how much I already have, how much there is in the world. An abundance. All just here…waiting for me, for you, for us. To see it, to taste it, to hear it, to smell it, to feel and touch it. To be taken in. And all we have to do is slow down enough and long enough to notice it and soak it up.
I think the practice of slowing down is made up of many elements. At the core it includes gratitude, mindfulness and relaxation. It can be incorporated into our individual beings and daily practices, into our families, used with our children, our work and all of our relationships. Slowing down and taking time to make room space to just be present can really change our perspectives and lift our spirits. It can make those around us feel heard and seen. When we are not running so fast or keeping up with the busy pace of this world, we are able to reflect on where we are, where we’ve been and where we are going. And the most important part? Being present and focused on the now. Much love and peace to you. I hope you take the time to slow down a little bit and take it in. Find your happy place!
If you want help slowing down and making space for your thoughts, feelings and self and would like a safe, non-judgmental atmosphere to work through those things at your own pace, I would love to help! To find our more about ways I can help support you on your journey, reach out to me at athen@therapywithheart.com or 480.788.2106.
This Post Written By:
Athen Fisher – MAS, LMFT – Therapy With Heart
8737 E. Via De Commercio, Suite 200
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Phone: (480) 888-5380
Fax: (480) 203-2881
Email: therapywithheart@gmail.com
Website: https://therapywithheart.com