The Beautiful Life

Quick tips for Slowing Down

Sorry for the title. I couldn’t resist the irony. On to the tips…

We try to practice these in our house.

1. Never run to answer the phone. If it’s that important, they will call you back. We also don’t own a cell phone, so I’m often unavailable, and I LOVE that.
2. Eliminate “hurry up” from your vocabulary. I’m not so good at this one yet, but I’m working on it.
3. Make eye contact. Actually looking someone in the eye causes you to slow down and focus on what they are saying. And it makes them feel like you are interested. It’s a win-win.
4. Get outside every day. There’s really nothing like a breath of fresh air. Why do you think people spend so much on air fresheners?
5. Spend a few minutes in prayer at the beginning of each day. I recently did a Beth Moore Bible study, and she talked about getting on her face before God every morning, literally. Whenever I do this, it helps me remember Who I am dependent on.
6. Make a home-cooked meal, from scratch, at least a couple of times a week. We are bombarded by instant everything, and it’s doesn’t even taste very good. Enlist the kids, your spouse, or a friend and spend some time together making dinner. Then sit down and savor it. Stay at the table and talk, even after you are all finished.
7. Record everyday moments. Take the time to snap a few photos, jot down something funny your toddler said, journal your prayers. You’ll be glad you did later.
8. Sew things by hand. Earlier this Spring, I made several dolls for some young friends who were having birthdays. My sewing machine has been broken, so I sewed them all entirely by hand. It was wonderful to have something quiet to do that didn’t require something that made noise. I don’t think I’ll ever do them by machine again. For less-ambitious moments, try sewing on that missing button or repairing a seam. It’s very rewarding and you’ll feel just like Ma Ingalls.
9. Play. When you go to the park with your kids, go down the slide, play hopscotch and swing. Get out the playdough and make something alongside the kids. Do a family art night.
10. Read aloud. Read novels, read poetry, read short stories–and do it slowly.

For more great tips on slowing down, and to pre-order what looks like a fabulous book by the lovely Ann Kroeker, mosey on over here.

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