By Leo Babauta
“Smile, breathe and go slowly.”
~ Thich Nhat Hanh
As I recently embraced slow running to improve my heart’s aerobic fitness, I discovered that slowing down can lead to falling in love with anything. Whether it’s music, work, eating, or walking, slowing down and savoring the experience can transform it in unexpected ways. In my case, slowing down with running helped me reconnect and fall in love with the activity all over again.
How Slowing Down Helped Me Fall in Love with Running Again
Initially skeptical about the benefits of slowing down my running pace, I decided to give it a try after reading various articles and a book called 80/20 Running. To my surprise, the slower pace allowed me to run longer without feeling tired or risking injury. It became a peaceful and enjoyable daily activity rather than a burden. This rekindled my love for running after a decade of lackluster feelings towards it.
The Way of Slowing Down to Re-Fall in Love
If there’s an activity in your life that you’re not excited about anymore, consider the way of slowing down. Set an intention to slow down, find a way to remember, savor the activity, and anticipate it with a sense of longing. This practice can reignite the joy and excitement for the things that have lost their luster.
“Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day.”
~ Winnie the Pooh
p.s. if you’re interested in practicing slowing down with me, join me in my London retreat in April: the Practice of Slowing Down.
