Slowdown a Bit

The world of today offers a variety of great things and possibilities. Recent inventions and innovations make our lives faster and more convenient - our tasks easier to accomplish. Yet, despite of it all, I wonder why many people still are uneasy and seem to be weary of everything that is happening.

Reflect on these scenarios:

Are you a person who barely meets your deadlines and always receives memos from your boss?

Are you always annoyed when other motorists block your path?

Can’t you stay in the same lane during long hours of driving?

When is the last time you read a good book?

Do you seldom spend quality time with your spouse and kids?

In the middle of a heartfelt conversation with someone you care about, does your mind drift to deadlines, appointments, and stuffs that need to get done?

Do you seem to be so impatient and short-tempered lately?

If your answers are all yes, I think you should start to pause for a while for discernment – to weigh things out. Admit it. You are moving too fast and you don’t even know what you are missing. Well, better take time to read this write-up as it aims to help those busy people who certainly need a break.

Maybe then, you should try to loosen up from your daily dealings and slow down a bit. Have some time to relax and free yourself from your worries, pressures and distractions brought about by your work, business and other unnecessary socializing.

Practically speaking, things in life have been changing so fast and people have become so busy with so many things – personal life, family, career, business, work, and others.

Sometimes, they tend to commit more mistakes and have many failures as they try to accomplish all responsibilities and meet them all. With their very busy schedule, they need more time to meet all these things and forget that they have their priorities.

Being preoccupied has never been healthy; instead, it only makes things worse, more complicated, and creates many lapses. Therefore, busy people must take a good break, a time for leisure, relaxation, fun and enjoyment. These can be in a form of having some quality time with their family, loved ones and friends; hanging out in a mall or park; visit a charitable institution; read a good book; or, attend a retreat or recollection.

I remember the story of a logger who outsmarted his two other fellows after a long day of work. These two other loggers persistently kept on cutting their subject without even having their break. Despite their effort and hard work, they still failed to meet their quota for the day.

Wisely, the thinking logger performs the task slowly, having ample time for resting. Yet, he accomplished the job earlier than what was really expected.

At the end of the day, the two loggers asked him why though he took time to rest and relax, he still managed to finish the task and meet his quota earlier.

The wise logger confidently said to his fellows, “It is because when I freed my mind and cleared my head from work anxieties and pressures during the whole time I was resting, I was also able to think of a better plan and strategy. And this really helps me achieve my objectives for the day. So, I think that was what you two missed out.”

Personally, this story has inspired me to find time to unwind and loosen up. I have valued the importance of taking a break and freeing my mind from work-related stresses. In this light, I do hope that the same things will happen to you, too.






Myraine