I was recently reading about the concept of “slow care”. And yes, it’s exactly as it sounds: a form of self care that encourages us to slow down and be present.
This had me thinking about the brisk walks I’ve been going on as my daily self-care commitment to myself. While these walks aren’t necessarily an intense work out, they aren’t slow-paced. I work on breaking a sweat and getting my heart rate up for exercise. But, I also give myself permission to pause when I notice something special–like a flower I want to smell, a heart shaped rock to add to my collection, a dog to pet…I’ve even been known to stop mid-stride, remove my shoes and socks and stand barefoot on the grass of a nearby park.
It seems, that in this way, my daily walks have also become a form of “slow care”, my way of being present in the activity rather than rushing to check it off my daily to-do list. This week I’ve been thinking about additional areas in my life where I can apply this idea of “slow care”…
Today I Took Notice: A Poem
Today I taught my mom how to put on a tricky pair of earrings.
Today I woke in the morning to sunlight on my face after falling asleep to the sound of rain on the rooftop.
Today I stopped to pet a stranger’s elderly dog.
Today I listened to children’s laughter carrying in the breeze from the neighborhood park and I became nostalgic for those exhausting days of early parenthood.
Today I asked for signs from heaven in the form of hearts in unlikely places.
Today I counted 6 heart shaped leaves, 2 heart shaped potato chips and one pot hole in the shape of a heart.
Today I listened to Burn, Burn, Burn on repeat, which inspired me to write.
Today I wore sensible shoes with arch support.
Today I started a new book.
TodayI told a beautiful blooming flower “thank you” instead of picking it for myself.
Today I stretched.
Today I warmed myself by a wood burning fireplace.
Today I rescued a worm drying to the sidewalk in the heat of the sun.
Today I curled my toes in the damp blades of our overgrown grass.
Today I made the conscious decision to go for a walk when I noticed my patience running thin.
Today I paused my walk to track a falling leaf its entire journey to the ground.
Today I cried for all that I miss, gave thanks for all that I have and said prayers for all that I hope.
Today I took notice.
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Also, I made us a vibey autumn playlist today (I’ve been playing it on repeat all day):
