Learning The Art Of Slowing Down

PARISMITA GOSWAMI

Why are we always in a rush?

To be someone, to achieve something, and to attain all sorts of externalities of humankind. But neglect what non-material the world has to offer today.

What’s letting us get so overwhelmed with a worldly life?

Slowing down from a fast-paced life might seem difficult. But, not impossible. It has become essential to slow down. To think and relax.

If we look 20 years back from now, life is different. People were so attached to their native towns or community. They were more inclined to a sustainable lifestyle. But, what made them leave behind everything and settle down in a crowded city, is also well understood.

The answer is a modern lifestyle. People got powdered by globalization, money, power, and position. Well, this isn’t an anti-argument against the above facts. But an analysis of why we compromised our roots to attain a modern lifestyle. Or how we started measuring success and happiness.

Andrés MacGillivray was a project manager at a pharmaceutical company in Canada. Four years ago, he left behind his decent corporate job and returned to his native Argentina to work on his family’s farm. In turning to his farm, MacGillivray is bucking a global trend.

Today, he grows organic vegetables in Santa Fe province, in northeastern Argentina, and owns a hydroponic farm on the outskirts of Buenos Aires.

Not just Andres but many people are willingly switching to a self-sufficient lifestyle. According to an article, Satyajit Hange, a marketing professional from Pune, quit his 9-5 job to start a $4mn organic farming business.

Some people, even today, understand the importance of setting their trends. This is why many started switching jobs or starting their own company. Or switching to an old-school living style.

Today we are a generation living in a hustle culture. An age where you have to move with the pace of time or else you will be left behind. An era in which happiness is measured in terms of material possession and passion. Even though how you perceive your life is up to you.

Look how far we have come today and how well digitalization is making life much more convenient. Saving time and energy. But have you forgotten about rest?

Since ancient stretches, rest, time, and energy have been a pyramid to health, wellness, and happiness. You can still sit with your grandparents, talk to an old friend, visit a country farm and spend quality time alone in the woods. Slowing down doesn’t necessarily imply leaving your current job and starting farming. But resetting and revisiting life for the greater good.

Slowing down eliminates stress and makes you more creative and productive. It helps you understand the values of quality life. And make more room for self-reflection. Eknath Easwaran says, “By slowing down, we can train the mind to focus completely on the present.

Then we will find that we can function well whatever the difficulties. That means being stress-proof: not avoiding stress but being at our best under pressure, calm, cool, and creative during the storm.”

However, always lead an intentional and intuitive life. It’s always possible to start again.

[Images from different sources]

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