The Human Pace

For those of us who find ourselves becoming more and more chronologically superior as each day goes by, it’s not unusual to recognize that you may also be slowing down. It’s true that we process information a bit more slowly as we age and move at a somewhat slower pace. And for many, that just feels, well, sucky. But let’s flip that script. What if slowing down was seen more as a gift than a loss?

Let’s start with the scienc

e. Running around, non-stop, as you are ‘living’ life, puts a heckuva lot of stress on you. That stress increases the amount of cortisol in your body – to actual unhealthy levels. These increased levels are associated with higher blood pressure, depression, compromised immune systems, fatigue, cognitive challenges, loss of emotional control, and the list goes on.

Something else to keep in mind. The ‘slowing down’ that may be brought on by age actually lowers stress, which lowers cortisol, which lowers all the symptoms previously mentioned. Giving ourselves permission to decrease the pace at which we live, helps us pay attention to what is happening right now and to drink it all in. Ordinary moments can become extraordinary when we move slow enough to savor them. Because pulling your foot off the accelerator of life can bring increased clarity which helps us make daily choices that are a reflection of who we truly are. With that, there is generally an increase in our joy.

Slowing down is a unique process for each of us. So, take those luxuriously deep breaths. Lean into periodic breaks. Simplify your life. Explore yourself and the natural world. Live within the rhythms of your soul. Move through your day at a more human pace…no matter your age.