There is a story in Zen circles about a man and a horse. The horse is galloping quickly, and it appears that the man on the horse is going somewhere important. Another man, standing alongside the road, shouts, "Where are you going?" and the first man replies, "I don't know! Ask the horse!" - Nhat Hanh

Good morning,

I hope the weekend was a relaxing one, and everyone found some time to slow down and embrace the slower pace.

I was out for a country drive over the weekend, it was fantastic weather to take our family’s 1972 International Scout II for a top-down sunrise drive. Given the numerous requests for another Monday Musing about the benefits of slowing down, I decided the soundtrack of the weekend would be made up of songs in the spirit of my last morning musing, themes of slowing down, simplicity, rest, and rejuvenation.

When Take it Easy from the Eagles made its way to my stereo, it was a seamless reminder that part of the true benefit of slowing down is to ensure that we are don’t let the sound of our own wheels drive us crazy.

Released in the same year as our classic truck, "Take It Easy" was Eagles debut single in ‘72 ……it was a time when simplicity was seen primarily as “downshifting” or pulling back but I’d suggest that several decades later, there is a growing recognition that slowing down and simplifying can be considered upshifting. In his book In Praise of Slowness: Challenging the Cult of Speed author Carl Honoré agrees, “Shifting the mind into lower gear can bring better health, inner calm, enhanced concentration, and the ability to think more creatively.”

A lesson in time from Warren Buffett and Bill Gates

Warren Buffett and Bill Gates, two of the most successful and influential individuals in the world, have consistently emphasized the importance of slowing down and making time, particularly for continuous learning and personal growth. Their shared wisdom offers a valuable lesson that can inspire us all.

Buffett, the renowned investor and philanthropist, has often stressed the significance of taking time to read and acquiring knowledge. He famously stated, "Read 500 pages like this every day. That's how knowledge builds up, like compound interest." This approach has been instrumental in shaping his remarkable investment acumen and business insights.

Similarly, Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and a prominent philanthropist, has advocated for the importance of lifelong learning. He has shared that he reads approximately 50 books per year, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to expanding his understanding of the world.

Both Buffett and Gates have attributed their success not only to their innate abilities but also to their relentless pursuit of knowledge and their willingness to continuously learn, adapt and owning their schedules, a “slowdown” mindset has allowed them to stay ahead of the curve, make informed decisions, and navigate the ever-changing landscape of their respective fields.

In an interview with Charlie Rose in 2017, both Gates and Buffett reflects on their open schedules and flexibility. Buffet suggestes that unlike many individuals who have packed calendars and tightly structured days, his own schedule is focused on simplicity and space for thinking. “While I may have the means to acquire any material possession, there is one thing that remains beyond my grasp – the ability to purchase more time. Time, the most precious and finite resource, cannot be bought, no matter the wealth at my disposal."

"I used to believe that packing every minute of my day was the only way to get things done," says Gates. "But," he continues, "Buffett taught me the invaluable lesson of giving myself time to think and reflect." Gates acknowledges that Buffett's guidance helped him understand the significance of carving out moments for contemplation, rather than constantly rushing from one task to the next. "You have the power to manage your time," states Gates. "Sitting and contemplating may be far more crucial than a typical CEO's schedule, where there's a myriad of demands and you feel compelled to meet with numerous people. The level of seriousness you exhibit is not a reflection of how fully you pack your schedule."

Renowned billionaire and serial entrepreneur Richard Branson firmly believes that intentionally taking breaks from your daily tasks and to-do list can be a powerful strategy in setting ambitious goals. Branson emphasizes the importance of carving out time to step back, reflect, and recharge, as this can foster a more focused and creative mindset necessary for pursuing bold objectives.

“Take time to simply sit back, relax, and let your imagination wander," suggests Branson in a blog post he wrote back in 2017. "Pencil in some unstructured time on your calendar to just dream and ponder the possibilities."

Paced Tranquility: A Journey of Restoration

Yes, we saw a rate cut here in Canada last week, but just has adopting a slower pace of life takes time, so too does tackling inflation and I’d suggest that our economic data has not been overly surprising. Inflation continues its descent, with CPI for April down to 2.7% from 2.9% in March and 3.4% at the end of last year. Notwithstanding the gains made over the past year and a half, the valuation of the Canadian stock market sits just below its historical average, which to me seems reasonable given the challenging near-term domestic economic outlook. While sentiment may continue to improve with a further decline in inflation and the beginning of rate cuts, I’m of the mind that a turn higher in the economic and earnings cycle may be required to drive a more prolonged period of stock price gains….the rhythms of the market.

In the rhythmic ebb and flow of life, it is essential to pause and embrace moments of slowed serenity. This gentle respite allows the mind and body to transition from the bustling pace of the day, into a state of calming rejuvenation.

Our fervent pursuit of speed and busyness is certainly not a novel concept. Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard once admonished our culture's pervasive obsession with productivity, declaring, "Of all ridiculous things the most ridiculous seems to me, to be busy." Half a century later, German novelist and poet Herman Hesse likewise condemned the modern industrialized West's preoccupation with factory-like efficiency, lamenting, "the high value put upon every minute of time, the idea of hurry hurry as the most important objective of living, is unquestionably the most dangerous enemy of joy."

Embracing a Deliberate Pace: Cultivating Sustainable Success

Slowing down to go further may not be the conventional wisdom, but it can be a powerful strategy for lasting progress. By deliberately slowing down, you can establish three crucial pillars to support you in life and work:

• Intentionality
• Quality
• Sustainability

Taking the time to slow down can be immensely beneficial. It allows you to make more thoughtful, well-informed decisions, fostering deeper connections with the people around you and leading to more fulfilling experiences. Additionally, slowing down can help you avoid burnout, promoting better mental well-being. While you may move at a more leisurely pace, the long-term rewards are far-reaching and profound.```

“Anything worth doing is worth doing slowly.” Mae West

How to inject slowness in all areas of your life

In a world where we all find ourselves on an “out of control horse”, one that constantly demands speed and efficiency, it can be liberating to intentionally inject slowness into various aspects of our lives. By consciously cultivating a more deliberate pace, we can unlock a profound sense of mindfulness, presence, and appreciation for the present moment. Here are some ways to introduce slowness across different realms of your life:

Slow Down Your Routines

Resist the urge to rush through your daily tasks and rituals. Take extra time to savor your morning coffee, slowly prepare a nourishing meal, or engage in a relaxing evening routine. By slowing down these mundane activities, you'll find that they become more meaningful and rejuvenating.

Slow Down Your Movement

Whether it's a leisurely stroll, a gentle yoga flow, or a mindful workout, moving at a slower pace can help you connect more deeply with your body and the sensations it experiences. This can promote greater self-awareness, bodily intuition, and physical well-being.

Slow Down Your Consumption

In a world of endless digital distractions, make a conscious effort to slow down your consumption of information and media. Limit your time on social media, read books instead of scrolling through online content, and engage in more mindful, focused activities that allow you to truly absorb and process what you're experiencing.

Slow Down Your Communication

When interacting with others, resist the temptation to rush through conversations. Actively listen, pause before responding, and allow for moments of silence and reflection. This can deepen your connections, foster more meaningful exchanges, and cultivate a greater sense of presence and empathy.

Slow Down Your Decision-making

Rushed decision-making can often result in poor choices. By slowing down and taking the time to carefully consider our options, we can make more deliberate and thoughtful decisions. As Eknath Easwaran eloquently states, "By slowing down, we can train the mind to focus completely in the present. Then we will find that we can function well whatever the difficulties. That is what it means to be stress-proof: not avoiding stress but being at our best under pressure, calm, cool, and creative in the midst of the storm." Slowing down our thought process allows us to be more composed and clear-headed when faced with challenging situations, enabling us to arrive at better decisions.

Grab the reigns and, like the Eagles say, Take it Easy

By embracing the rhythm of slowness in these various areas of your life, you'll start to notice a profound shift in your overall well-being and perspective. Slow living is not about stagnation, but rather about savoring the richness and nuance of the present moment. Engage in this transformative journey and discover the true beauty that emerges when you choose to move at a more deliberate pace.

As we navigate the road ahead, it's important to carve out moments to Take it Easy. Regardless of the specific area you're focusing on, making room for self-reflection is paramount. While speed may be a desirable objective in certain contexts, it should be a deliberate choice rather than an automatic response to keep up with the pace of others. As Carl Honoré eloquently states, "When we rush, we skim the surface, and fail to make real connections with the world or other people."

This week, pause and reflect on your current position and your desired destination. Take the time to understand your situation, formulate a plan, and regain control over the management of your time. By doing so, you can take the reins and steer your journey with intentionality and purpose, making the most of the days to come..

“Slow down in your pursuit of happiness and it’s more likely to catch up with you.”

Ernie J Zelinski
Be well and enjoy the moments

Derek Henderson

Henderson Family Wealth of RBC Dominion Securities