THE ART OF SLOWING DOWN: LEARNING FROM OUR KIDS

When was the last time you simply slowed down and enjoyed the moment?

Between multi-taking, schedules and commitments, it seems we have forgotten how to truly slow down and enjoy the moment. Rushing has become part of our daily lives, inducing it’s own stress to our days. Much like a nagging cold, it is a non-stop feeling that we can’t quite shrug off.

Yet, my children manage to not feel rushed or hurried along. They move at their own pace, stopping to notice the smallest of things; a ladybug resting on a leaf, a tree with carvings in it or just watching the clouds floating by.They live in the moment and take in the world. Just try to get them to move quickly in the morning! They will resist, and instead, follow their own rhythms.

These are skills we can go back and relearn. We need to slow down and pay attention to exactly we are doing.

Research shows that multi-taking is less productive than mono-tasking. Doing one thing at a time and doing it well is more efficient and allows more focus. What our children are doing, without even knowing it, is practicing mindfulness.Mindfulness is at technique that allows them to focus on the task at hand without judgment. This enables them to not get distracted and notice what is around them.

So what can we learn from this as parents or adults? Maybe a key takeaway is that sometimes we have to schedule our down time. Allow yourself to completely unplug, both literally and figuratively. For a certain time every day, promise to not think about obligations, responsibilities or anything but living in the moment.Make this a priority so you can feel present and open to your surroundings. You can also practice this by taking small breaks in your day to sit quietly and “just be”.

They still have the ability to experience, admire and live unrushed. The fully engage in whatever it is that is getting their attention in the moment. I would like to reclaim this ability and have slower, more stress free days.What about you? How do you slow down and enjoy the moment? Have your children ever taught you, directly or indirectly, to slow down and take life one step at a time?

Download the OurPact app for yourself. It can help you schedule in the necessary down time you need and help you stop multi-tasking on your mobile devices, even as an adult!

Our kids continue to teach us new things.