I just returned from a trip to North Carolina where I visited family and friends. It was awesome. I spent time with my parents, my brother and his family and some of my best friends. We caught up on life and shared dreams, food, music, laughter and our latest endeavors, struggles and victories.
One of the highlights for me was going to a Durham Bulls game. It rained nearly the whole time, but we all cozied up under a shelter eating tacos and drinking great beer. At one point I laughed until tears streamed from my eyes as my friends cracked jokes. In fact, I think I laughed more than I have in years, throughout the 5 day trip.
Another highlight was attending a community event to honor veterans and celebrate freedom. It was held at a church in Pfafftown, NC where I grew up. Local residents brought their own chairs, ate hotdogs and watermelon, and drank sodas that were chilled in a baby pool filled with ice water. Most people drove their cars and trucks to the old church and parked in the grassy open spaces. Some walked. However, one young man drew my attention as he arrived late, pulling up on his noisy tractor which had an american flag on each side. The dramatic entrance made me think that, surely, he was part of the ceremony. But no, he simply parked the tractor next to the other vehicles and joined the crowd.
My Dad was one of the event speakers, and I had the privilege of being there to hear him. He shared some history about the community, the church and his perspective on growing up in that rural town. He spoke about being in Vietnam, the prayers he prayed for safety and his gratitude for the life he has been given.
After arriving back home in Alexandria, VA, I sought to get back to my task list... and it was long. I am launching a life coaching business and there are a bazillion things I could focus on, all of which seem important. After a few phone calls and attending a coaching webinar, I revisited my task list. It was far too long, and felt overwhelming. I decided to get some exercise to clear my head. I bounced down the 8 flights of stairs from my apartment to the ground floor, and before exiting the side door of the building, I stopped in the stairway. I knew I needed to take a moment to pause before rushing outside. I closed my eyes, took several deep breaths and spent a moment in meditation.
"Slow down to speed up." This is the phrase that came up for me. I don't know where I first heard this concept, and I can't say I even understand it well. Instead of going for a run, I walked. I breathed deeply and continued to seek guidance and understanding as I journeyed. The word "focus" came up for me, and I knew this meant that I needed to slow down and focus in order to move forward with any kind of effectiveness.
As I walked, I tried to be present to what was around me. I looked at the people passing on the sidewalk, many of whom probably work at the US Patent and Trademark office across the street from where I live. I admired the leaves on the trees and the beautiful variety of flowers, carefully landscaped outside of the buildings. I felt the thick, humid air and the sweat that dripped down my back. I looked up at the scaffolding that surrounded the pho restaurant on the corner, and a sign that said "men at work". I saw no one working. Maybe they were on an adventure too:).
I kept walking and ended up at one of my favorite landmarks in the area- the masonic temple. It is a massive structure that can be seen across the region and has been my visual for navigating toward home for the last 4 years. I climbed up those majestic steps to the viewpoint that allows me to see into VA, DC and MD simultaneously. I walked out onto a stone platform and began to do yoga- stretching, lifting my body, and holding postures. At one point I laid on my back and stared up into the sky, watching the clouds move slowly across the blue canvas. I grinned to myself as I considered what the Masons would think of me doing yoga at their temple. There are actual signs around the area that prohibit any kind of fun (more on that later).
I came back from my workout with more clarity and a "knowing" that, indeed I must slow down. I circled back to someone who I had pushed to schedule our coaching calls more quickly. I revisited our timeline and let her know that I am just fine with our current pace. We need not push, force or rush the process. Slow down. Embrace the moments. Be present. Be peace.
There is a slowing down that is needed in order to be present to the heart, mind and spirit. Being present to my own heart, mind and spirit allows me to be more fully present to another. And we desperately need each other's presence. "Slow down"...I repeat to myself. Slow down to speed up.
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