Slow = Fast: 5 Practices to Become More Focused
Ask the Experts by Christina Pitts
Q. My kids barely have time to enjoy one activity before moving on to the next. Any ideas about helping them to be more engaged in the "here and now"?
A: Appreciating the "here and now" is something we all benefit from; nature and horses are great teachers. In our work, we partner with horses in natural settings to provide learning experiences that enrich relationships and optimize experiences for anyone in any circumstance.
Horses teach us "5 Core Practices" to increase awareness and consciousness of our physical, emotional, mental, spiritual states:
Slow = Fast;
Be Present;
Pause-Reflect-Choose;
Less = More, and
Small = Big.
Increased awareness and consciousness through these 5 Practices enhances the quality of engagement, promoting clarity, congruence, and resilience that enable us to thrive in a time of increasing complexity and rapid, chaotic change.
Essentially, these Practices are about personal integrity and authenticity. Who am I and what do I value? If I'm yearning for slower pace, meaningful relationships, better results, simplicity, small ways to achieve big wins, then why do I allow others to shift those values in me? If I'm committed to these values, then I need to match my behavior with my intention.
Slow = Fast. Our lives are packed with rushed busy-ness. Ready-fire-aim, "solving" before we know what's fully happening. This practice is about slowing the chaotic moment to smell the roses. It's the fable of the hare and tortoise. If we slow to inhale all that's possible, we move faster to optimum result.
Q: I have so many demands on my time, how do I slow down?
A: As a first step, consciously take a deep, slow breath. Try it now. D-e-e-p. S-l-o-w. Again. Notice the change in your body from tension, tightness to relaxed comfort and sense of calm. When stressed, we take shallow breaths. Deep breaths slow brain activity and fuel our bodies with nourishing oxygen. They create mental and physical space to offer us a proactive rather than reactive mode.
We step back and calm, center and ground ourselves in order to "see" more clearly.
Q: How do I slow others down: my family, friends, colleagues?
A: Knowing what you stand for limits what you fall for. Slow yourself, and as others see it work for you, they'll adopt. And if they don't, stand your ground in a slowed state; don't get caught in the whirlwind.
There are infinite possibilities for standing your ground in a respectful, effective manner. There are zillion others out there who want the same slow pace, and you can be the role model. Create the "space" to connect meaningfully. Cultivate awareness and consciousness by slowing down. B-r-e-a-t-h-e.
Christina Pitts is a Consultant to businesses and nonprofits, as well as a Coach/Mentor for executives and individuals. Her background as an Educator, Business Executive, Lawyer and Volunteer; as a Motivational Trainer; as an Organ Donor; and as a Poet, Novelist and Speaker bring a colorful mosaic of experience to her engagements. She is a member of The Family Center's Association of Professionals. Contact Christina @ 313.881.3433; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or visit www.pittsaldrichassociates.com.
Save The Date
Practicing Self Care: Tools to Enrich the Busy Lives of Women at Home and Work
Christina Pitts will take us on a journey to discover practices that will enhance relationships at home, work, in every circumstance of life.
Thursday, February 9, 2012 7pm - No fee
Grosse Pointe War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Dr., Grosse Pointe Farms.
RSVP by Feb 1 - Register online www.familycenterweb.org or 313.432.3832
Over a Decade of Commitment to Community Families Since 2000
The Family Center serves as the community's hub for information, resources and referral for both families and professionals. The Family Center is a non-profit organization founded to promote a deeper understanding of the role of parents and others in supporting our youth to become competent, caring and responsible community members.
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To volunteer or contribute, visit www.familycenterweb.org, call (313) 432.3832.
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