Slow Down

Prior to the departure of any flight, anywhere in the world, pilots are required to go through a pre-flight checklist. It doesn’t matter how many thousands of hours they’ve flown, how many years of experience they have, or how many checklists they’ve previously completed. The standard is non-negotiable: checklists must be done.

Of course, the intention of the checklist is to ensure for a safe flying experience. It serves as a guide so pilots don’t miss or skip steps; which would be likely if they were relying solely on memory to complete the tasks. By using a checklist, pilots not only have a guide to minimize mistakes, but it provides them an opportunity to slow down. The sheer act of bringing their attention to a certain task, forces a thoughtfulness and draws them to be present in the moment.

There are many lessons to be pulled from this process, not the least of which is the importance of slowing down. In this incredibly fast paced world, there are too many times in everyday life where we are constantly rushing from one task to another, and when immersed in certain tasks, already thinking about the next task or activity we have to do. We move so quickly and are so anticipatory of what’s to come, that we miss what is now.

Considering such, the challenge this week very simply is to slow down, so you can be more mindful of life’s moments, enhance your effectiveness in the moment, and ultimately, enjoy the moment.

The challenge: slow down!

Of course, there are many times throughout our days where we may need to act quickly and make decisive decisions. The intention of this challenge isn’t to cause trepidation, or for you to overanalyze all that you do, rather it’s to embrace the small moments of life that are often missed because we interpret them as mundane. For instance, the act of brushing your teeth is (understandably) likely not high on your list of enjoyable tasks. It’s an activity we know we must do, but because it’s easily perceived to be time consuming and monotonous, we rush through the task mindlessly and as rapidly as possible so we can move on to the next task.

Brushing your teeth is just one example. Here are some questions to ponder as you think about whether you’re thoughtfully engaged in your life, or thoughtlessly reacting and rushing through life:

• When you’re waiting to board your airplane, do you anxiously rush to the front of the line when your zone is called?
• When you’re having lunch, are you already thinking about dinner?
• When the day begins, are you already hoping for the day’s completion?
• When vacation starts, are you dreading the end of it being near?
• While exercising, are you focused on the set at hand, or ready to move on to the next?

It’s understandable to want life to be filled with stress free experiences, where you’re surrounded by bliss, and engaged in activities that are fulfilling and purposeful. But if all of our moments were defined as such; where joyfulness was the foundation, how would we ever truly know what it means to experience joy?

What allows us to have joy, and appreciation for the perceivably “big” moments, is enduring the “small” and seemingly insignificant moments. Because it’s actually in those “small” moments where life occurs.

The commonly shared adage to “stop and smell the roses” is perhaps one of the most profound pieces of wisdom we’ve ever been offered. Yet, the irony is there’s a likelihood that many haven’t slowed down for long enough to even dissect its meaning. Simply put, it’s not just about smelling the roses, but actually noticing them and appreciating them that enhances the overall experience.

This week, promise yourself that you’ll take time to stop and appreciate that which is around you so you can enhance your life’s experience too. On your drive to work, bring your attention to your surroundings. Instead of looking down at your phone when at the stop light, look to your left and to your right; you may just notice a new restaurant that you’ve never tried before. When you’re sending an e-mail, rather than just firing it off, think about the words you’re writing and what objective you’re hoping to accomplish.?

Slowing down is purposeful and requires effort. It doesn’t come easy. But when you are intentional about doing so, not only will you enhance your effectiveness, but you’ll also more deeply appreciate your everyday life.

Have a great week and remember to slow down!

Note: This is a sampling of one of the weekly challenges in Mindful Journey . These are sent every Sunday and are just one of the eight features of the program. For more information, please visit: www.journeymindful.com.