The Art of Slowing Down

I live in London, so naturally, I have a tendency to rush everywhere.

I find myself speed-walking to catch a tube, knowing full well that the next one comes in three minutes.

If you were to look around, you’d assume everyone was running late to their own wedding.

We rush in and out of shops, dart for the first tube home after work, and bluster through a gym session.

Today, I decided to slow down.

I walked painfully slowly to the gym. At one point, an elderly lady with a walking frame overtook me … just kidding.

My gym has a Bluetooth system to check in through the barriers. Usually, I arrive with my phone in hand, ready to quickly stride in and avoid any small talk with the receptionists.

This time, I strolled in without having my phone ready, looked at the receptionist, smiled, and asked her how her day was.

“It’s Lucy, isn’t it?” I asked, knowing full well her name is Lucy as it’s plastered on her name badge.

Noticing she had an Aussie accent, I joked about how she made a terrible decision to move away from a place filled with sunny beaches to the freezing cold crack den that is London.

We briefly chatted. Often, during conversations, I’m distracted, wanting them to end so I can carry on with my day.

This time, I gave her my undivided attention. At that moment, I had nowhere else to be.

And you know what? I felt good for it. That small interaction actually made my day.

So that’s it. I’m leaving behind a life filled with rushing around and a mind that’s always trying to be in the next place or moment.

I used to despise slow walkers on the street. Now, I’m going to be that guy…

Slow down. What’s the rush? Stop ruminating needlessly. Give people your full attention without thinking about where you need to be next.

Live each moment fully.