Have you ever brushed your teeth so fast it’s as if your wedding ceremony started 5 minutes ago, but in reality you have nowhere to be?
Some mornings I catch myself rushing to have my teeth brushed and be dressed for the day without anywhere to go until the afternoon. Or cutting corners and hurrying across streets in front of oncoming cars before the green pedestrian light glows. Or satisfying hunger with the quickest available option. Or scurrying around the house at what I’d like to think is the speed of lightning just before getting into bed at night. Where has this incessant need to rush life come from?
There are days we may be running late and time is not on our side, but not always. There should be a daily emphasis on slowing down, taking deep breaths and embracing stillness. The enjoyment of life comes from being present and if we get wrapped up in rushing from one thing to another the joy is lost. Think about a time you were undoubtedly happy. These moments for me are often when I allow myself to observe and just be. Listening, watching and feeling waves crash on a sandy beach accompanied by a perfect breeze or uncontrollably laughing with friends.
If you are like me and notice yourself rushing at times for no reason, I challenge you to slow down. Tune into your senses and be observant. What does your toothpaste taste like? What color are your best friends’ eyes? Could you describe the smell of your shampoo? Do you know how much your favorite breakfast cereal costs? I ask these questions because these are things we repeatedly encounter, yet are easily unnoticed. It may feel strange at first, but the process of answering these questions will challenge you to be mindful. It is worth the result: engaging more meaningfully with life and greater appreciation for living.
If you are worried about time, get up 15 minutes earlier or block out just 5 minutes to slow down. You will find those 5 minutes translate into the rest of your day. If slowing down feels impossible for you in this phase of life, at least listen for the birds or smell the flowers while you are on the run.
Be observant and see how your world changes.
Love this….I don’t know the color of my best friends eyes, but I’m going to be more observant the next time we are together. 👍
Rachel,
Wonderful and fun.
I’ve been so busy I haven’t had time to read this but I am grabbing a quick bite of a protein bar – no kidding – while I’m reading this. Just so you know I have taken the time to read the ingredients and I know how much it costs – at Mariano’s on sale $16.99 for 12. I have taken the time to discuss the relative merits of protein bars with James.
As for brushing teeth a former yoga teacher told me to try brushing with your non-dominant hand to engage the brain in a different way. It’s hard and slows you down. Also, if you are that fast maybe you are not massaging the gums. I also think brushing your tongue can be helpful for morning breath and the unusual sensation. You make an excellent point many people have devoted much time – their work – to create products we consume rapidly. Although when I used to eat breakfast cereal I always set the box in front of me (until Grandma took it away so we could talk) and read the sides and back. The makers would cover them with puzzles and stories.
This is wonderful keep it up. You know what they say take 5 minutes every day to meditate and if you are too busy to meditate then make it 10 minutes.
I look forward to more.
There once was an observant young woman named Rachel
Who started an advice blog she thought might be helpful
While rushing her tooth brushing one night before bed,
A thought leapt into her head that filled her with dread
She spat out that paste and posted in haste
A warning not to rush when you brush
Lest you waste the chance
to contemplate
upon the production
of that creamy and minty toothpaste.
Love, Uncle Jim
You should have a blog on poetry …. You are so creative and simply amazing! Thank you for sharing. 🙂
“Rushing Rachel”
There once was an observant young woman named Rachel
Who felt her fellow humans’ rushing was quite frightful.
One night, while brushing her teeth just before bed,
Inspiration suddenly popped into her foam filled head.
She spat out that sparkling paste.
Spun on her soccer legs in great haste
And to her computer she sped.
There she posted a warning on her blog – whew – with no time to waste.
“Slow down!” She suggested. “Stop all your rushing with your nighttime tooth brushing.
If you contemplate on the scientists who made that minty cream
When you plop your head on your pillow more peacefully may you dream.”
Having reached over 80 years of age the word ‘rush’ is no longer in my vocabulary. It’s all relative. My Dad was fond of reciting “What is this world if full of care we have no time to stand and stare.” Finding a moment to sit back, relax, contemplate and count one’s blessings keeps not only the blood pressure at an acceptable level but makes life more rewarding.
I love the quote you share from your dad. I am going to start using that one. Thanks for your thoughts. 🙂