slow, slow medicine, slow healing, slow down, my big slow down, letting go, mindfulness

My Big Slow Down

Ever feel like life is going too fast? There’s too much to do? Not enough time?

Me too.

But I realize it’s all a matter of perception… and the choices I make.

I choose what to do. I can do less. And time? I choose what to do with that too.

There’s plenty of time for what’s important. And what happens when I’m less stretched and more present? Timelessness.

My four-year book project went into edit this spring. I suddenly had a plate piled high and overflowing—huge book overhaul, work with clients, on-line course creation, articles, family, friends, dogs… The stiff hips, muscle spasms, and overwhelm grabbed my attention. Help!

Come to Jesus moment. You don’t have to DO IT ALL, KARYN! How many times do I have to tell you before YOU GET IT?

I got it.

My heart said, “Do the book.” I let go of all my other projects, scheduled big blocks of time away from the office to devote to writing and editing. I even pulled back on these precious emails—from biweekly to weekly, and now every ten days? Two weeks?

I’m working slower. Walking slower. Spending more time in my bird sanctuary. Planting things. Hanging with my family. Letting go of time. And I’ve loosened all the schedules set for me—by me, by others. My editor will wait longer for the chapters he wants (they’ll be better for it!). Clients and project partners will wait—I hope. If they don’t—I trust my best life is unfolding.

And you know what? No one’s mad or disappointed in me. Everyone is supportive—they relate! And there’s more space. My big slow down has created space. I’m happier, more rested and present, less stressed. I dare say the book is better (you’ll get to be the judge soon!).

This is good… slow and good.

Have a Beautiful day!

Karyn

p.s. From my Archives:

Learning to Practice “Slow.” 2017.

Karyn Shanks MD

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Karyn Shanks, MD, is a physician who lives and practices in Madison, WI. Her work is inspired by the revolutionary science of Functional Medicine, body-mind wisdom, and the transformational journeys of thousands of clients over her twenty-eight year career. She believes that the bones of healing are in what we do for ourselves.

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