Lessons from india…
I am now back from 3 weeks in India feeling refreshed, inspired, and very happy that I was able to still connect with my wonderful Life Coaching clients from a beach in paradise! (It’s been a little dream of mine to be able to work from anywhere, so it really feels like a dream come true).
However, today I’d like to talk a little about one simple thing I noticed during my time away… the importance of walking a little slower.
"There is more to life than increasing its speed."
- Gandhi
There's something about the heat in India… it feels different from anywhere I’ve ever been. It smells different. But most of all, it really slows me down.
In the 34 degree heat I simply had to walk slower. There’s no way to rush, to get to a destination quickly. I strolled, I took in the journey, and I got to where I wanted to be when I got there. All in good time.
And, I noticed my whole nervous system relax. Of course I felt relaxed, I was in paradise, but I had a feeling it had something to do with my slower walking pace. So I did a little research…
…I found that when you walk at a slower pace, it does indeed promote a relaxation response in the body, activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the "rest and digest" functions. This activation helps to counterbalance the effects of the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's "fight or flight" response to stress.
A slower-paced walk allows for more mindful and intentional movement, giving your nervous system a break from the heightened arousal associated with a faster-paced, stress-inducing environment. Additionally, walking at a slower pace can encourage diaphragmatic breathing, a deep and rhythmic breathing pattern that further signals to the body that it is in a safe and calm state. Overall, incorporating slower walks into your routine can contribute to a more balanced nervous system, reduced stress levels, and improved overall well-being.
As I settle back into my usual rhythm I make a promise to myself to walk a little slower, to not get caught up with the frantic Christmas shoppers and the ‘running late’ commuters, but to slow down, to take in the journey, to breathe, and to find a little extra calm and balance in my day to day life.
And all I ask is that you consciously walk a little slower this week. See what happens…