Life at the Speed of Slow

When was the last time you really slowed down?

I remember it as if it was yesterday. How quickly I forget. We arose early and gathered quietly in the early morning dawn. Trying to keep moving to shake off the chill of the early morning. Listening intently to DJ as he gave us all instructions on how we would spend the next few hours. Once the instructions were finished there was to be complete silence as we journeyed into the nearby hills, so we were paying attention as there was an odd finality to his speech.

I had been hiking the same trails with the guys all week. Rising even slightly earlier than today to gather in the lounge while it was still dark and hit the trail right at dawn in order to make it up and back in time for breakfast. A work out, the faster the pace the better. Same trail…familiar territory I thought as we headed up the hill.

I recall being amazed at all that I saw. There were small signs lining the trail with Words of wisdom and encouragement. How could I have missed them I thought? Had they just placed them this morning in time for our hike? I noticed a small field mouse beside the trail. Deceased. I wondered if he was road kill from one of our “workouts” earlier in the week. Not quite fast enough to cross the trail as the herd of weekend warriors rushed by on the way back to breakfast at a break neck pace.

Not now however. We were on a meditation hike in fact. Walking the entire length of the trail to the summit at a literal snails pace. At first the slowness of the pace was almost too distracting. I recall thinking I wasn’t sure I could walk this slowly for that long! I had never walked this slow, let alone in complete silence! I remember somewhere along the trail my senses coming completely alive. Opening up to the vastness of all that was around me. The slowness of the pace exposing me to an entirely new experience. An abundance previously missed.

Having reached the summit we obediently moved silently towards a resting spot of our choosing in order to enjoy our lunch…in silence. I found a rock outcropping bathed in the late morning sunlight and settled in for a slow and quiet meal. The experience was incredibly relaxing. We returned to camp as we had gone out at the same pace. For those of us that wished to at the end of the walk gathering to discuss the experience and share with the group.

I don’t know that I have had a slower day since.

I remember after seven days of no caffeine, no sugar, no soda, slow walks, and little contact with the hustle and bustle of the outside world becoming accustomed to my new found slower “pace”. Relaxing, reading, resting, walking, even napping on occasion (especially during my first and only facial).

My respite was short lived. Only to return to the hustle and bustle of a Southern California freeway and an airport completely jammed with would be travelers heading somewhere as it was a week before Christmas. “Why is everyone driving so fast?” I remember asking the driver, as the frenetic pace on the freeway seemed overwhelming to me. How quickly I forgot how to slow down and returned to my normal hurried pace.

I am going to slow down tomorrow. Tap the brakes. Take a long slow walk in silence.  Enjoy the day.  I wonder what I’ll see.

 
When was the last time you really slowed down? Life at the Speed of Slow.

All Heart...Still Alive

As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.
Proverbs 27:19 NIV

“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”” John 10:28-30 NIV

Driving back to Phoenix earlier than usual on Thursday I was reflecting on the life that my friend Carol Denny had lived.  I thought of all the years I had known her – nearly 30.  Remembering her undying spirit, her joyous nature.  Recalling that I had never once heard her complain in spite of the physical challenges she had faced and overcome on a daily basis her entire life.  A sobering thought as I reflected on my own life.  The embarrassment I felt since I could not say the same about myself in regards to a life free of complaint.  In spite of my life of relative ease in comparison to Carol's.

Later, sitting quietly in the service listening as her sister recounted their childhood.  Speaking of how most of those around her thought her days were numbered from birth.  A seemingly constant thought of her death being imminent.   

Her sister recalling a night when the sound of Carol’s usual loud and heavy breathing had stopped.  Alarmed.  She had rushed to her side, fearing the worst.  Only to discover it was quite the opposite.  She was alive and well.  In fact, experiencing a rare but welcome “good night”. 

I smiled as I recalled happier times with Carol.  Remembering times of hard work and hard laughter.  The two of us blessed with a similar sarcastic sense of humor.  Recalling long days of work often ending with a time to pause and reflect on the day’s accomplishments.  A time to smile and laugh.

I’ve made a career out of the foundation she poured into me earlier in my life.  I’m thankful for all she taught me.   I’m in awe of her quiet strength, her indomitable spirit.  I am inspired by her life’s example.  I’m grateful for the times we had. 

In the end, she seems to have exceeded everyone’s expectations.  Passing just a few days shy of her 72^nd birthday.  She’s now in heaven.  Healed and enjoying eternity. 

Thanks Carol.  God Speed.  You will be missed.  

Remembering

Any sacrifice we might ever make pales in comparison to the sacrifice Christ made on our behalf.  He "loosed our chains". 

It is easy during the Easter season to be reminded of the price that was paid for our shortcomings.  There are reminders all around us.  It's hard not to notice, remember, and reflect.

But what about the other 360+ days of the year.  How do we not forget.  How do we not get caught up in the day to day routine of life and lose focus.  Instead, remembering what was done for us...the cost.  Remembering why we are here...and what we in turn are supposed to do. 

I want to remember throughout the year...not just now.  I am grateful...I don't ever want to forget that.

Have a wonderful Easter.  Remembering.