Slowing Down

November 17, 2011 by thismummaslife 13 Comments

I once read that if you make a more conscious effort to slow down your body and movements, that your mind will follow. Since I have been feeling like a frantic animal, clawing and scrabbling my way through these recent days, I have decided to try this practice.

I woke abruptly this morning to the realization that Simon and I had overslept for our music class, and heart-thumping panic set over me. I began asking myself: “Could we still make it?” and trying to puzzle together shortcuts that might make it happen. “What if I gave Simon a fruit puree pouch and crackers for breakfast? What if I threw on yesterday’s clothes and a ponytail?” No matter which shortcuts I tried to come up with, the reality was that we would still miss the rest of a class that had already started by the time we woke up.

Once my groggy brain had finally accepted that, I decided to just calm myself down and move more slowly. I took my time rising from my bed. Enjoyed a moment to hug my baby and open the curtains before beginning the wrestling match of the morning diaper change. I took the time to make a cup of hot coffee and had a conversation with my son over breakfast. (Although I do most of the talking. He mostly nods, plays with his applesauce, and asks “What’s that!?” about everything out the window.) I used a soft voice and I tempered my walking pace as I moved through the house.

The result is that I feel better emotionally. The panic of a rocky start subsides, making room for a better approach to this day. I strive for this in my life: to slow down, to savor, to reflect. It is not always easy. Especially in hectic weeks like this one. However, there is a learning curve to this and I am getting there bit by bit. It is also better for my child. Little ones can tune in to our moods, and it can really effect them. If Mumma is stressing out and flying about the place, then Baby will become irritable and nervous. When Mumma is patient and relaxed, Baby is at ease and secure.

Today I will be continuing my practice of slowing my body from my home to running errands to working at my job, and as I do this my brain will also slow down, and my emotions will become settled, so that I may create a much-needed sense of calm.