Slowness is not a speed that I come naturally. As long as I remember, I put great pride on my ability to go go-go, to cross everything, to cross episodes of boredom, exhaustion and professional exhaustion. It was reality until I discovered peace and clarity that can come from moments of immobility.
In 2014, inspired by the book The artist's wayWho was offered to me by a dear friend to read on a month -long sabbatical leave, this state of mind began to change. I started to appreciate the practice of morning pages Julia Cameron presented in this book – a practice carried out daily, made up of three pages, written by hand to start your day. As an artist, mother of a young child and creative executive, this reflect of my day, who cares about my own thoughts was magic.
Unlocking has occurred. Curious to introduce more and more moments of immobility, introspection and calm in my life, I looked for other practices to extend this feeling to the structure of my days. Where I rush into my morning and on the next crisis of the day, I now have some simple rituals that I found to keep myself connected, live with intention and ready to meet everything that the world makes me with grace, humor and peace.
Journalization
Inspired by the morning pages of Julia Cameron, I start most days with some journalists. I note three to five pages of notes, a written flow of conscience, which covers all things, from dreams to fears at moments of gratitude to grocery lists. It is an exercise in bleeding the brain that facilitates my squirrel brain during the day. Made in a coherent way, I will see threads who need connection – an idea that I want to explore, a painting to try, the desire to travel, a relationship that needs attention. I do this practice the first thing, before the rest of my house was awake, with tea or coffee, sleepy eyes and always in pajamas.
Where I rush into my morning and on the next crisis of the day, I now have some simple rituals that I found to keep myself connected, live with intention and ready to meet everything that the world makes me do.
Meditation
I am not one of those people who love naturally meditation. Often, I find it hard to go to this practice, but the consequences lead me again and again. Most of the time, I take a break at noon (before or after the lunch), a reserve of ten to thirty minutes and I stop. One day, I hope to be a silent meditant, but for the moment, I am a big fan of Insight guided meditations – especially anything Sarah Blondin Or It's delirium. Taking a mini-time, especially the busiest days, maintains my coherent energy, open and arising from a state of love and gratitude.
Rest
As a mother, I see the value of my child from the first hand when life is hectic. It was only recently that I started to apply this lesson to my own life, occasionally taking a rest break in the middle of the afternoon to read under a blanket or rest my eyes for twenty to thirty minutes. I am always a GrassyBut for me, this quick disconnection gives my brain and my body the boost it needs to return to my day with a new perspective.
Slow and conscious practices may and should vary for each person, for each day and for each season of life. What works for me, right now, may not work for me tomorrow – or for you the next day. Experiment and try new ways to connect to yourself, to to slow downEven if it is only for a few minutes a day, is a great way to find the presence in the present moment. To provide clarity and curiosity in your routine. To appear as the best version of yourself – connected and curious – in your work, your relationships, your world.
Jill Elliott is an artist, a wallpaper designer and a writer looking for inspiration and balance. You can find Jill's wallpaper and original art to Colored studio. She can often be found doing art and disturbances alongside her daughter and puppy.
