Hello Amazing Peeps,
How is your summer going? I am praying for rain in all the areas that need rain. I am hoping you are all safe from the forest fires.
I am writing about the topic “Taking It Slow,” as I feel that life can get so busy and we rush around all the time, getting things done. We miss out on those precious, miraculous moments. Can you relate?
Intentionally taking is slow is a very powerful way of living. Have you noticed that when you are rushing to get something done, it tends to take you longer? The energy of rushing is a trickster energy, as it benefits no one and mostly creates more complication and frustration. I also feel that rushing creates a lot of anxiety, and an egoic way of experiencing more and more.
“I have so much to accomplish today that I must meditate for two hours instead of one.”
Mahatma Gandhi
Another area where I observe myself rushing is with eating. There is certainly less enjoyment and fulfillment when I am rushing a meal due to a time constraints. All of a sudden, the food is gone, and I missed the whole meal. There is a huge difference when every bite is savored and chewed with intention. The food tastes better and way more satisfying. Try it out….
What areas in your life do you find yourself rushing? What about when you meet someone new? Do you find yourself rushing to become more intimate? Are you taking your time slowly to get to know them before you dive into something deeper? I have done that….jumped in too soon without taking the time to really get to know someone before inviting them into my world. It’s all good, as having these experiences always teach me something about myself and others.
I like to get curious and question things when something feels hurried or pressured — usually there is something that is hidden or has an agenda. Sometimes I have people who want to book in the retreat very last minute, as they are desperate. Usually they are not a good fit, as they are running or hiding from something and looking for a quick fix. When we feel these emotions of desperation, neediness, and anxiety, there is something underlying that is running the show. Usually it is fear, which creates more suffering in the end. A great thing to do when feeling hurried or pressured is to take a step back — and a big breath — and trust that everything is okay, and there is no need to make any quick decisions. Unless, of course, if it is a life or death, fight-or-flight situation.
“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.”
Lao Tzu
When we take a moment to slow down and get present, things become clear. It’s like stirring a glass of muddy water — we can’t see anything until the water slows down and the mud settles to the bottom of the glass. Once the mud settles, the water becomes clear, and we have clarity. Slowing down assists us with being in touch and feeling our body. We can listen to our instincts more clearly. Being so busy with life interferes with connection to others and life. Is it really necessary to be so busy? A lot of times, being so busy is a distraction and an avoidance tactic from feeling and really connecting with ourselves and others. We have a hard time being with ourselves, and we create scenarios to avoid that slowness and vulnerability.
I truly feel that our bodies are amazing tools to let us know what is really going on inside. Feeling anxiety, for example, is a very powerful message to slow down and connect with your body. The body is trying to get your attention, and what a better way to do that than by feeling anxious. How else are we going to know that we need to slow down and tend to ourselves and the people we love? What a gift.
So who wins the race, the turtle or the hare? Slow and steady? Fast and inconsistent? We all get to the finish line at some point, and the most important thing is — did you enjoy yourself along the way? It’s all about the journey. Did you rush to get something done and do a slack-ass job? Did you not put 100% effort into your workout and focus, or did you rush to get it over with? What other areas of your life are you in a hurry just to get something done and over with? These are little hints to pay attention to where you may be robbing yourself from enjoying the process — and or perhaps it is just a no for you? How many times have you done something when it was a no?
Oh, and trust me, there have been many times in my life where I couldn’t wait for something to be over, especially when it is uncomfortable — like Kambo, Sananga, or Hape. Even when feeling a specific emotion that is uncomfortable.…crawling out of my skin, waiting for it to be over. It is not easy, my friends.…however, this is where the magic happens. This is the work. We have been gifted these moments to feel, and the only way is through.
Thank you for reading, and I would love to hear from you. What areas of your life are you rushing through and would like to shift that habit?
Much love, and wishing you well always.
Basse,
Treenz
Upcoming Retreats:
Aug 2-4 – One Spot Available
Sept 20-22 – Spots Available
Private Kambo, Jaguar + Bufo sessions are always available, please reach out for more information by booking a consultation via the website.
Amazing book recommendation: ‘Wasted,’ by Michael Pond, about his struggle to get sober.
Netflix series: Pain Killer – about the opiate industry.
