Slowing Down to Accelerate Learning 

Lessons from The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down

In today’s fast-paced world, we often associate learning with hustle—stacking tasks, cramming schedules, and absorbing as much information as possible in the shortest amount of time. But what if the key to learning isn’t speed but stillness? Haemin Sunim’s The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down offers profound insights into the art of deceleration and its transformative effect on how we grow and understand the world.

The Story of a Seed: A Lesson in Growth

Imagine a farmer who, in his eagerness to see his crops flourish, waters the plants excessively, pulls at their stems, and panics at the first sign of a wilted leaf. Despite his efforts, the crops struggle, and their natural rhythm is disrupted by forced growth. Haemin Sunim draws a parallel between this farmer’s impatience and the way we often treat our learning journeys. He writes, “When we force things, we make it harder for the natural order of things to unfold.”

Learning, like a seed, requires time to take root. When we slow down, we give ourselves space to reflect, absorb, and connect the dots. Rather than rushing from one task to the next, we cultivate a deeper understanding by allowing our minds the quiet necessary to grow.

The Wisdom of the Pause

Sunim’s book invites us to embrace the pause—a concept foreign to many of us conditioned to equate productivity with non-stop action. He shares a story of a monk who, when asked how he maintained his wisdom and calm, replied, “I meditate not to control my thoughts, but to hear them more clearly.”

This pause isn’t just about stopping. It’s about shifting from doing to being, from reacting to observing. When applied to learning, it means stepping back to reflect on what we’ve taken in rather than rushing to the next concept. In these moments of stillness, clarity emerges. Insights surface that we might have missed in the chaos of constant motion.

The Art of Single-Tasking

Another gem from Haemin Sunim is the idea of single-tasking. In an age of multitasking, we take pride in ourselves on juggling responsibilities, but Sunim suggests that real efficiency and depth comes from focusing on one thing at a time. He writes, “When you focus on one thing, that thing becomes the center of your world, and you give it your fullest attention.”

Learning accelerates when we channel our attention fully. Whether reading a book, practicing a skill, or solving a problem, giving our undivided focus helps us grasp nuances and retain information longer. It’s not about doing more in less time; it’s about doing less

Slowing Down in Practice: A Personal Narrative

Last year, I decided to learn calligraphy, a practice that had always fascinated me. At first, I approached it the way I tackled most things—eager to master it quickly. I watched multiple tutorials, bought expensive tools, and practised relentlessly. But my letters lacked fluidity; they were stiff, rushed, and devoid of grace.

Frustrated, I turned to Haemin Sunim’s book for solace. His gentle reminder to slow down changed everything. I began each session with a deep breath, taking a few moments to feel the texture of the paper and the weight of the pen. I focused on one stroke at a time, no longer preoccupied with perfection. Over weeks, my lines became smoother, my movements more deliberate. The act of slowing down not only improved my technique but also deepened my love for the craft.

The Ripple of Slowing Down

Slowing down isn’t just about learning; it transforms how we live. When we approach life with patience and presence, we notice things we previously overlooked—a smile from a stranger, the rhythm of our breath, or the subtle lessons in failure. These moments enrich us, makingus not just better learners but better humans.

As Haemin Sunim so beautifully puts it, “The world moves fast, but that doesn’t mean you have to.” When we slow down, we align with the natural pace of life, allowing learning to unfold organically. It’s not a race but a journey, one where the rewards are found not at the finish line but in every mindful step along the way.

So, the next time you feel the urge to rush through your learning, remember the wisdom of stillness. Slow down. The insights you seek may already be within you, waiting to be seen.