A martial arts student approaches his teacher and asks, “How long will it take me to master this craft?”

“10 years.” The teacher replies.

The student, looking impatient, responds, “I want to master it faster than that. I will work harder than anyone else. I will push myself to practice for many hours every single day and I won’t stop until I’m done. How long will it take me then?”

The teacher considers this new information, smiles, and answers, “20 years.

Good Mornin’

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and are gradually transitioning into the warmth and relaxation of the summer season. As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, I trust you're finding time to savor the simple pleasures that this time of year brings.

On the Market front, May has been a noticeably better month for global markets, largely fueled by data from the U.S…..we are seeing a slower pace of job growth and inflation numbers that did not show the kind of acceleration seen in prior months, seeming maintain a slower pace as well, that has rekindled hopes that the U.S. Federal Reserve may start cutting interest rates in the second half of the year.

The Power of Slowing Down

I was fortunate enough to enjoy a game of golf recently, with my father-in-law. My golf game has a lot of room for improvement, but the reality is I don’t take a lot of time to get out and enjoy the game. Life, as we all know, is busy. As Robb was coaching me on slowing down my golf swing, I was reminded of something that I’ve wrote about in the past, the remarkable power of slowing down.

The Paradox of Reversed Effort

The principle of reversed effort suggests that the more effort we exert towards a goal, the less likely we are to achieve it. This counterintuitive phenomenon is rooted in the way our minds and bodies respond to stress and pressure.

When we approach a task with excessive force or determination, we often end up sabotaging our own progress. The heightened sense of urgency and anxiety can trigger a stress response, causing us to become tense, rigid, and less effective. This, in turn, leads to frustration, which further compounds the problem, creating a vicious cycle of diminishing returns.

On the other hand, when we approach a task with a more relaxed, mindful, and effortless approach, we're able to tap into our natural creativity, flexibility, and problem-solving abilities. This allows us to navigate challenges with greater ease and efficiency, ultimately leading to more successful outcomes.

The key is to find the right balance between effort and effortlessness, to harness the power of focused intention without succumbing to the pitfalls of strained determination. By cultivating a sense of ease and flow, we can unlock our true potential and achieve remarkable results, often with less struggle and strain.

The Art of Embracing Slow Living

In our fast-paced, constantly connected world, it's easy to get caught up in the endless cycle of busyness and productivity. We often find ourselves rushing from one task to the next, constantly seeking the next achievement or goal.

Ohhhh…..I understand, I’m as guilty as anyone with the curse of busyness. However, the true value in life lies in the moments we slow down and savor. Embracing the art of slow living can have a profound impact on our well-being, our relationships, and our overall sense of fulfillment.

When we slow down, we create space to truly be present and mindful. We can engage more deeply with our experiences, cultivate meaningful connections, and find solace in the simple pleasures of life. By slowing down, we can better reflect on our priorities, identify what truly matters, and make more conscious choices that align with our values.

Slow living is not about being unproductive or lazy; rather, it's about being intentional with our time and energy. It's about recognizing the importance of rest, reflection, and rejuvenation, and striking a healthy balance between work and leisure. By embracing the pace of slow living, we can find greater clarity, inner peace, and a renewed sense of purpose.

In a world that often rewards constant busyness, the act of slowing down can be a revolutionary act of self-care and personal growth. It's a way of reclaiming our time, our attention, and our well-being, and rediscovering the true essence of what it means to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.

The Navy SEALs have a well-known saying that captures this principle: "Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast." …..what does it imply?? It emphasizes the importance of taking a deliberate and controlled approach, even in high-stakes or high-pressure situations. The underlying idea is that by moving methodically and avoiding rushed or erratic actions, one can achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness in the long run.

Consciously slowing down may not always be an easy decision, but it often results in a deeper appreciation for life and a heightened level of personal contentment.

“Slow down, you’re doing fine, you can’t be everything you wanna be before your time.”

Billy Joel

Embrace the Slower Pace: Tips to Cultivate a Calmer Lifestyle

Embrace the Art of Simplicity

It’s Monday and our calendar’s are full, it's easy to get caught up in the constant pursuit of productivity, trying to tackle a million tasks at once. Instead, make a conscious choice to do less. Focus on what truly matters, what needs to be done, and let go of the rest. Create space between your tasks and appointments, allowing yourself to move through your days at a more relaxed, unhurried pace. Embrace the joy of reading and immersing yourself in the written word.

Embrace the Present Moment

Simply slowing down is not enough - you must actively be mindful of the present activity. When your mind starts to wander, gently guide it back to the here and now. Focus on your actions, your surroundings, and the people around you. This takes time and effort, but it is a crucial skill to cultivate.

Disconnect and Unplug

I know, this one is difficult…but we shouldn’t feel the need to be connected at all times. We all cruise around with mobile devides, some of us have more than one! It’s important that we make a conscious effort to switch it off occasionally. Even better, learn to leave it behind when you can. If you work on a computer for most of the day, make sure to have dedicated times when you disconnect from digital distractions so you can focus on other important tasks. Being constantly connected means we're susceptible to interruptions, constantly stressed about the influx of information, and at the mercy of the demands of others. It's challenging to slow down and be present when you're always checking for new messages or notifications.

Prioritize Genuine Engagement

It's easy to get caught up in the constant distractions of modern life, even when we're spending time with loved ones or colleagues. We may be physically present, but our minds are often elsewhere, preoccupied with our own thoughts or the digital devices that demand our attention. This disconnect can undermine the quality of our interactions and relationships. However, with a conscious effort, we can learn to shut out the external noise and be fully present with the people we're with. By doing so, even a small amount of time together can become far more meaningful and impactful. It's not about just going through the motions of a meeting or social gathering; it's about truly connecting with others and being fully engaged in the moment. This approach not only deepens our personal bonds, but also makes for a more efficient use of our time and energy.

Embrace the beauty of nature

Many of us are trapped in our routines, the confines of our homes, offices, cars, and trains, often disconnected from the natural world. Even when we venture outside, our attention is frequently consumed by the digital realm, as we engage in constant phone conversations. Instead, make the conscious effort to step outside and truly observe your surroundings. Take a deep, rejuvenating breath of fresh air and immerse yourself in the tranquility of water and greenery. Engage in outdoor exercises or explore activities like nature walks, hiking, or swimming to reconnect with the elements. Feel the sensations of water, wind, and earth against your skin. Strive to incorporate this practice into your daily routine, whether alone or with loved ones. By doing so, you'll rediscover the restorative power of nature and the profound impact it can have on your well-being.

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.”

Lao Tzu

As we cruise into the throws of summer, remember the great benefit of slowing down is reclaiming the time and tranquility to make meaningful connections–with people, with culture, with work, with nature, with our own bodies and minds. A few ways ideas to incorporate into our routines….

• Practice mindfulness and be present in the moment. Engage your senses and focus on your breathing to anchor yourself in the here and now.
• Prioritize your tasks and schedule breaks throughout the day. Give yourself permission to take short pauses to recharge and rejuvenate.
• Limit distractions and single task as much as possible. Avoid the temptation to multitask, which can lead to feeling rushed and overwhelmed.
• Get enough sleep, exercise, and nourishing meals. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being can help you maintain a more sustainable pace.

There is more to life than increasing its speed….slow living isn’t about determining how little we can live with; it’s about working out what we simply can’t live without. The misconception that energy is constant leads us to believe we’re able to rush things, that a faster pace means we’ll get more done.

I’m as guilty as anyone in having a difficult time to slow my roll…..slow living is not about living your life in slow motion; it’s about doing everything at the right speed and pacing instead of rushing. By that same logic, slow living is not about losing time by going slowly; it’s about gaining time by doing the things that are most important to you….to be slow means that you govern the rhythms of your life. You are in control of deciding how fast you have to go.

As we head into the busy week, be a curator of your life….slowing down is sometimes the best way to speed up.

“Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone. The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of non-essentials.”

Lin Yutang, The Importance of Living

Be well and enjoy the moments,

Derek Henderson