3 Ways to Slow Down in a Fast-Paced World

Here are three things that I do to slow down in this breakneck, fast-paced world. What ways would you suggest?

Take a Walk

How many of us get up in the morning, jump into the shower, wolf down some toast and a cup of coffee (or take with us), and rush off to work? How often do we start the day off with prayer and some Bible reading? Maybe even a brisk walk in the fresh, cool air of the morning? If that describes your day, you’re like most of the world. If you can’t find time in the morning, then how about a walk in the cool of the evening. Take a walk with your spouse or maybe your children. Maybe you’d rather take a bike ride. I take a one-hour walk every early morning, except Sunday, and take along my MP3 so I can listen to some good Bible verses or a Bible teacher. It’s like the world goes into slow motion when you take a nice long, relaxing walk. That’ll slow down your world, and you’ll even get to see it without going past it at 55 mph.

Unplug

How about unplugging your life? I mean, how about shutting down the Internet, ignoring the email, shutting off your cell phone, closing your planner, and dropping the television remote? Have you ever tried a “media fast?” This means shutting down everything that’s electronic and just opening your Bible, reading out of a good book, or just talking or playing a board game with your spouse or children. With all the electronic gadgets unplugged, I was amazed at how much time I actually had available. That will really slow your life down a bit, or at least slow it down enough to actually see what you’re normally missing otherwise. Note: You might want to read the rest of this devotional before doing that!

Eat at the Table

I know this sounds too simple, but it really does slow us down. I can’t remember the last time I saw a family eating dinner together at the same time and not in shifts with everyone eating separately or sitting in front of the TV. Eating dinner in front of a television doesn’t really give anyone a chance to talk. Some families actually need to get reacquainted, it seems, and this is a good way to slow everyone down and hear how their life is going.

Conclusion

Other ideas might be to get up earlier before work and take the scenic route, journal your day, call someone on the phone, start a small flower garden, learn to say “no” to the many demands of others, go visit a family member or friend (not on the cell phone), write a letter (not an e-mail), or take a nap. Can you think of anything else? If so, please leave it in the comment section below.