The Art of Embracing Life’s Unhurried Beauty

Speed Demons Anonymous

From the moment we can walk, we’re thrust onto the fast track of life. We’re taught from a young age that faster is better, it’s more efficient…that fine art of multitasking like an octopus on caffeine. You know what it’s like. Most of us are retired, and we do have the ability to enjoy the luxury of time. However, how many of us brush our teeth while tidying the bathroom or eat our breakfast while stacking the dishwasher? Society’s mantra seems to be: “Faster, faster, faster!” Consequently, as we move through our days in a blur of ‘things to do, people to see, places to go’, we often overlook the simple beauty of just living. It’s like being out in the rain and not jumping in the puddle—what’s the point?

Luxury of time in the Slow Lane

Picture this: you’re eating a meal and actually tasting it. Amazing, right? When we learn to slow down and embrace life’s unhurried beauty, we consequently start to see the magic in the mundane. Suddenly, mealtimes are less about shoveling food in your face and more like meditative celebrations of nourishment. Whether it’s a gourmet feast or a humble PB&J sandwich, which in my opinion is a satisfying and forgotten staple at our age. 😉 The simple act of eating becomes a delightful ritual.

Savour each moment

We think that having the luxury of time means having nothing to do. That is not always the case.  It can be about savouring life’s moments, one at a time. Imagine actually enjoying the job you are doing…like changing your sheets, I know….it IS a stretch. But think about it…the smell of the fresh sheets, smoothing out any wrinkles, perfectly tucked in and then you add the icing. The beautiful blankets and duvet. The pillows all lined up perfectly. When you stand back to admire it you see that it is truly beautiful. You’re fully engaged in the task at hand. Each accomplishment, no matter how small, becomes a source of profound pleasure. The best part? You’ve given yourself the gift of time—time to explore, think, connect, and just be. You might remember this bed in all its glory in my post HERE. Is there such thing as too many pillows?

Slowness: Your New Secret Superpower

Believe it or not, slowness can be your secret weapon, even in the busiest situations. Taking a moment to slow down allows you to gather your thoughts before diving into ‘urgent’ matters. It’s like hitting the pause button on a scary scene in a movie—you get to catch your breath and figure out your next move.

The Richness of Simplifying

Embracing simplicity means decluttering your schedule of non-essentials. Yes, your calendar might look emptier, but guess what? That empty space is full of rich potential. You’ll find that as you slow down, you fill your time in more meaningful ways. Morning rituals become something to look forward to, not just steps in a routine. Time with loved ones is savoured, not squeezed in. Your work, whatever that is to you,  becomes a passionate endeavor, not a race against the clock. And you get to nurture yourself daily, because hey, you’ve earned it.

Breaking Up with Speed

We know, it’s tough to break up with the high-speed habits, especially in a world obsessed with instant gratification. We’re addicted to the buzz of cell phones, the ping of emails, and the thrill of ticking off tasks on our overflowing to—do lists. But here’s the kicker: once you embrace the slowness, that fleeting sense of accomplishment is replaced by a deeper sense of gratification. Your new relaxed pace opens up a world of awareness, letting you truly appreciate just being in the moment. Do you remember Niksen?  Read it HERE. The Dutch people definitely have it all figured out don’t they?

Take time to enjoy your surroundings while golfing. My husband golfs….a LOT! 😂 He gets in the cart and his game is so fast paced. Sometimes it seems the faster he goes the better he likes it. He and his brother once golfed 18 holes in 2.5 hours! They were clearly not savouring life’s moments! 😆

The other day while I was driving to Pilates…I was pressed for time and got stopped at a red light. Honestly….a small part of me wondered if I’d get away with running it. Of course I knew better and did not. As I sat there knowing it was completely out of my control I found a great song on the radio, and sat back and just enjoyed it. We need to appreciate the journey and savour our moments.

I love to go hiking with my ‘cousin in law’ Sherri. Sherri is the master of slowing down. She came up with the title of this blog, The Luxury of time. When I hike with her, my son Andrew will ask how long the hike is. If I say two hours, he asks if that is the actual time or if it is Sherri time. A two-hour hike with Sherri can, in fact, last oh so much longer. 😉 She has taught me to pause and look up, to see the sun peeking through the canopy of trees. Additionally, she encourages me to stop and observe the growth on fallen logs, revealing the hidden wonders of the forest. Read the Benefits of Forest Bathing HERE. It’s a thing!!

 

Even Tank likes to slow it down with a cool dip in the river.

Conclusion: Welcome to the Slower Side of Life  and The Luxury of Time.

So, take a deep breath, and therefore, slow your life down a notch. Notice the colours in the sunset, the flavour of your food, the sound of laughter with your grandchildren. Life’s not a race; savour it as an art.  Embrace the luxury of time, and discover the extraordinary beauty in the everyday. The fast track may get you to the finish line, but the slow lane lets you enjoy the journey.

These photos are all a blast from the past. I love how I was able to incorporate them into my blog this week.

Happy Canada Day everyone. 🇨🇦