The Beauty of Slowing Down

When We Slow Down, We Remember Who We Are

We spend so much of our lives moving.

Working. Planning. Worrying. Solving problems. Thinking about what happened yesterday and what needs to happen tomorrow.

But beneath all of that activity is something much quieter.

Something softer.

Something beautiful.

You.

When we slow down—even for a few moments—we can begin to feel that deeper part of ourselves again. The part that doesn't need to accomplish anything. The part that simply is.

That's one of the reasons I practice and teach Tai Chi, Qigong, and Zen-inspired movement.

Not to add one more thing to your busy life.

But to help you let go of some of the things you don't need.

Try this for just 30 seconds.

Stop wherever you are.

Let your body soften.

Take a slow, deep breath through your nose and imagine your entire body as a beautiful, open vessel—like a hollow shell being gently filled with energy.

Then slowly let the breath go.

As you breathe, allow your shoulders, your face, your belly, and your mind to relax.

Don't try to fix anything.

Don't try to become anything.

For just 30 seconds, simply be here.

Notice how it feels.

Perhaps you'll discover that beneath all the noise, there is a quieter, more peaceful part of you that's been there all along.

That's what the practice is about.

Coming home to yourself.

— Todd

Want to practice together?
Explore simple Tai Chi, Qigong, and Zen-inspired practices at ToddsZen.com.