Nature Does Not Hurry – Slowing Down with Mindful Breathing

Nature does not hurry yet everything is accomplished.

—Lao Tzu

Taking our cues from nature, we slow down.

Nature (and Lao Tzu) gives us a powerful lesson this time around. We have all experienced it, I think. We rush, we hurry, feeling the pressure of our overburdened schedules and looming deadlines. We think the faster we move through the tasks at hand, the better off we will be. But something happens when we are frantic. We lose focus. We lose intention. We lose our best selves and our best work.

Nature reminds us that hurrying does not always help. Sometimes slowing down gets us to our destination far faster and in a better state than rushing. So, this week, we remember to stop and breathe mindfully. You have two minutes, or five minutes, or even fifteen if you need it. Your mind and body will reward you for it by resetting and coming back to the tasks at hand with more clarity and an improved mindset.

Whenever you're looking for a reset, try this Three Mindful Breaths meditation. Revisit the video from time to time or if it's comfortable, just do it on your own, perhaps finding a quiet spot for those three essential inhales and exhales.