Why I Choose to Move Slowly Even When I Want to Go Fast. 😶

Intentional slow mornings, building tolerance, & befriending stray cats.

Slow down, friend.

No, for real, we have to… I tell myself this every day, many times a day:

Slow down and pause

before you speak,

before you sit down to create,

before you make daily choices.

Take a moment, breathe, and notice.

Photo by Francisco Gonzalez on Unsplash

Compared to most people, I live a very slow and uncomplicated lifestyle, whether I am in Europe or the US, yet sometimes I still get overwhelmed and stressed out. I’m human and I have anxiety, what can I say?

When I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease I quickly learned that if I didn’t take a break, my body wouldn’t be able to keep up.

Until it was pointed out by a chronic illness I wasn’t aware that I lived my life rushing around and making choices out of (bad) habit or inertia.

Can you relate at all?

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The Value of Slow Mornings

When I first began my daily yoga routine I structured it like this:

• 15 minutes of energizing vinyasa yoga

• 5 minutes of meditation

• 10 minutes of journaling

It seemed like a great format for me, since my Sankalpa, my intention for starting a daily practice, at the time was to create a morning habit and discipline myself just like I used to do when I was an elite figure skater.

This worked well for a while and truly helped me build a consistent routine, but as my practice evolved, I realized that what I truly need in the morning is a moment to pause and slow down.

When I wake up, my mind is usually already going a million miles per hour at 6 am, so why was I adding more fire to the fire?

As the intention shifted, so did my practice:

Now I start my days like this:

• 10 minutes of journaling

• 5 minutes of meditation

• 10 minutes of slow flow yoga or gentle movement

At first, I resisted the shift because my mind and body craved the speed, inertia, and movement that I was used to.

Learning to slow down on my mat helped me understand the importance of slowing myself down, breathing, and observing before I take action, and it also helped me tap into a resource that I desperately needed off the mat.

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Fostering Tolerance & Resilience with Yoga

To my own bullshit, primarily….

My mind can really reel if I let it, but I no longer let it. At least when I can notice and avoid it.

When I started to practice slower and more intentional movement, I realized that when I am truly in my body I can see my mind for what it is: not the master of my existence but another tool to experience the world, if I use it wisely.

Photo by Jordi Pros for LBY

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3 Yogic Concepts to Cultivate More Tolerance

Tolerance and patience are skills that require us to slow down, observe, and accept the present moment as it is.

Here are three yogic concepts to cultivate more tolerance in your daily life:

1. Ahimsa (Non-violence)

Ahimsa encourages you to practice non-violence in thoughts, words, and actions.

When you're stuck in traffic, for example, and someone cuts you off, instead of reacting with anger or aggression, practice Ahimsa by taking a deep breath and letting go of your frustration.

I just watched two people in a parking lot go at it… I doubt it was worth it for anyone involved.

By pausing and choosing kindness over anger or frustration, you’ll create a more tolerant and peaceful environment.

2. Santosha (Contentment)

Santosha teaches us to find contentment in the present moment, regardless of external circumstances.

Did you plan a productive morning but things are not going as expected? Instead of feeling frustrated and rushing to catch up, perhaps you take a moment to pause.

Can you be content with what you've accomplished so far and appreciate yourself for your hard work? This can build resilience against stress and help you maintain a sense of inner peace.

3. Svadhyaya (Self-study)

Svadhyaya involves self-reflection and understanding your own behaviors and reactions.

During a busy week, if you find yourself feeling particularly irritable, take time each evening to reflect on your reactions in a journal.

When you slow down and observe your thoughts and how they affect your experience, you become more aware of the triggers behind your impatience.

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Choose to Move Slowly

All this theory is great but, how can you put these concepts into practice?

I’d say… get on your mat!

Take time this week to do some Slow Flow yoga, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Allow each movement to be intentional and each breath to be full, utilizing the time on your mat to slow down and notice how that shifts your experience.

Try my new 20-minute slow flow class!

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Befriending Cats

Slowing down doesn't just apply to yoga and meditation; it extends to how we interact with the world around us.

This week, as I took my morning journaling practice outside because the weather has been gorgeous, I was befriended by a lovely stray cat.

He doesn’t have a name just yet, but it’s been a great source of entertainment & there is more that I will share soon (unless you can’t wait, then check out my notes).

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Slowing down is about cultivating a deep awareness that allows you to fully experience and appreciate each moment.

Through a gentle yoga practice, mindful journaling, or simply taking a deep breath in moments of stress, embracing the slow life can lead to greater tolerance, resilience, and kindness towards yourself, others, and the experiences that arise.

Until we meet again, pause often, breathe deeply, and be kind - especially to yourself.

Take care,

Laia 💛