“The faster the world gets, the more what’s old and slow become more important than ever.”
– Thomas Friedman

Hello fellow practitioners,

A profound aspect of healing lies in the art of slowing down. It’s a practice that invites us to embrace stillness amidst life’s chaos, a practice that requires courage and patience.

For those who don’t know, I’m a practitioner of Tai Chi, Qigong, and meditation with over two decades of experience in mind-body-spirit practices. Five years ago, I found myself at a crossroads, battling burnout while juggling multiple responsibilities, from managing a martial arts and yoga studio to pursuing my private practice in kinesiology. This period of overwhelm and healing led me to a profound realization—the power of slowing down.

Why is slowing down so challenging, you may wonder? The answer lies in two fundamental reasons.

Embracing Pain and Challenging Emotions

When we slow down, we create space for our pain and challenging emotions to surface. It’s a confronting experience, yet a necessary one for our growth. Our fast-paced culture often encourages us to suppress these feelings, to keep moving forward without addressing the root cause. However, in the world of mind-body-spirit solutions, confronting these emotions is where true transformation begins.

Defying Cultural Norms

Slowing down is a revolutionary act in a culture that glorifies speed and productivity. It challenges the notion that constant movement equals progress, and invites us to reevaluate our priorities. In the quiet moments of reflection and rest, we uncover the depth of our compassion, the clarity of our purpose, and the resilience to navigate the challenges of our calling.

As I practice slowing down, I notice how many ways society pulls me towards the rush and hustle. But it helps to recognize the forces at play, and also to understand my place in a larger cultural context.

Nurturing Balance and Resilience

Slowing down also contains important medicine for us. By embracing the practice of slowing down, we nurture a sense of balance and resilience that sustains us through the most demanding of circumstances. It is not a sign of weakness but a testament to our commitment to holistic well-being—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Through stillness, we find the strength to confront our vulnerabilities, release accumulated stress, and reignite our passion for healing and service.

Finding Authenticity Through Stillness

In the quiet moments of slowing down, we unveil our authentic selves. We strip away the masks we wear for the world and delve into the core of our being. It’s in this stillness that we reconnect with our essence, our purpose, and our inner wisdom.

Invitation to Embrace the Journey

I invite you, fellow practitioners, to join me in the practice of slowing down. Let us cultivate a culture of self-care, reflection, and compassion that starts from within, enriching our ability to care for others with authenticity and grace.

May you find solace in the stillness, courage in vulnerability, and renewed passion in the art of slowing down.

In self-discovery,

Gabriel