Slow Down

Christian author and philosopher Dallas Willard calls hurry the “enemy of spiritual life in our day” and called on disciples of Christ to “ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.” When we are always in a hurry – we fail to be present with God, with our loved ones, and even with ourselves. Many of us are always in a hurry and too busy that we fail to live emotionally healthy and spiritually vibrant lives.

The antidote to hurry is slowing down. To slow down is to accept interruptions within your day and not rush through just to get things done. It is having time to pause and be aware of what is happening in your life and the people around you.

Suggestions for slowing down throughout your day:  

• Pay attention to your body, the sensations of hurry, stress, distractions, or irritation that you feel.

• Notice and identify the things that cause you to hurry. Step back and discern what is something that can be done to intentionally address them.

• Find pockets of time to pause and breathe and take in God’s love.

• As you pray and do your quiet time, linger for a while in God’s presence.

• Sit in silence for a few minutes and unhurriedly invite God to be with you in that moment.