Don't ever feel bad for taking your time

"We must go slowly. There's not much time."

-Anon

Hello dear ones,

Today's piece is dedicated to those of you who tend to process things "slowly," who like to take your time, who don't like to be rushed, and who worry that you're not moving along in life fast enough.

I am with you.

I for one am a slow processor. I like to really take things in with my senses, ask a lot questions and ponder over them. I like to dilly dally. When I go to a museum, I like to just stand and stare at the artwork for ages. Sometimes it can take me a "long time" to get things done.

Sadly, for the majority of my life, I considered this a problem and a shortcoming (which now I think is so tragic). I thought it meant I would fall behind, that I wasn't as "quick" as others (notice how the term quick in our society means to be smarter or more skillful), or that taking all this time for myself was selfish or indulgent.

Thankfully, that's allll changed. Now, I see this as a blessing. I have come to really love this part of myself, and my life. Honoring and working with my own natural rhythms makes life so much more of a joy (as opposed to thinking of my nature as a problem I needed to solve- which let me tell you, I tried and failed, because it wasn't the way).

If you are someone who also likes to take your time, but worries that this is a problem, this video is for you.

Even if you consider yourself a fast processor, this video may still be helpful. Our colonial society tends to rush us, and many of us would benefit from more time to process and decompress.

Something I think about ALL THE TIME is that nature moves both fast and slow. I love seeing examples of this in the weather, plants and animals because it teaches me that all rhythms are natural and needed. I say this because I want to make sure I don't further promote the idea that one way is better than the other. It's always helpful to get out of black and white thinking and to live the paradox instead ;)

One final note: If you are a highly intuitive, "sensitive," empathic person, it's particularly important that you honor your desire to go slow and take up space/time. Being sensitive does not mean weak. It means attuned. This is a gift. But it becomes a burden if you don't have the boundaries and techniques to harness and nurture your gift. Unapologetically taking time for yourself is one of the ways you can do that.

If you have a less than ideal relationship with time, hustle culture, productivity, and/or if you are an empathic, sensitive person who wants to feel present and available for life (rather than overwhelmed) both of these topics are my jam.

I would love to learn more about you, what your needs are and how I can support you.

To the cyclical rhythm of life,

Eva