Slowing Down To Speed Up

Michael in Kyoto - slowing down to give thanks for all that we have

Earlier this year when I created this website I vowed to slow down throughout the year to ensure I was more effective in every part of my life. Six months into the year I realised how hard it is to keep this commitment when there are so many demands on your time. I found myself at airports , meeting rooms and hotels for work back into the routine of rushing and not really being in the moment, seeing or fully valuing the things or people around me. I pulled myself up and we organised a weeks  family holiday for Kirsten, Michael and I to enjoy each others company. We couldn't think of a better place to explore than Japan. A country that is full of paradox . It has a large population centred in a few cities and yet the people are friendly , helpful and calm. Not frenetic like so many other places. It has amazing technological developments and yet you can't easily access the international ATM network. Te idea of family shrines and temples like in the above image allows the family to pray and be in the moment. The picture shows Michael learning the buddhist ritual. We came back from our week away recharged and with much clearer perspective and focus. When you are the most busy and feel like you are being consumed by the business around you this is the time to stop, slow down and focus on the moment. Even if it is only  taking 15 minutes for a walk around your local area and forcing yourself to see things around you with new eyes you will find it helps you make sense of the world. Thank you for my loving family for always helping me get back in the moment when I am losing myself in busy-ness