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Hurry Slowly
The Art of Being Present While Moving Fast
Is it possible to be present and work quickly at the same time? Many people assume that being present means moving slowly, but that's not necessarily true. There is a famous Zen saying, “hurry slowly,” which captures this concept beautifully. But how does one go fast and remain present?
I recall a time in my life when I was constantly rushing, juggling multiple tasks, and never feeling satisfied. My yoga practice taught me the value of slowing down and being fully aware. You learn this first with asana practice. In each pose, you must "be here now" because if you're not fully present, you'll lose balance and fall. Asanas teach you the importance of time, effort, and patience. Most importantly, they show you how to let go of the end result while remaining enthusiastic about the process. This shift in mindset not only improved my productivity but also brought a deeper sense of satisfaction and joy to my daily activities.
The key lies in the focus of your attention. If a significant part of your work involves achieving a specific end result, it’s easy to get caught up in the future and rush through the present moment. However, if you can shift your awareness so that 80% of your focus is on the present moment and only 20% on the end goal, you’ll find a much more balanced and enjoyable way of working.
When you are not present, it often signifies a lack of enjoyment in the activity. Only when you approach a task from a place of presence can you truly find joy in it. You can practice this with everyday activities. Imagine you're in a hurry to leave the house. Can you get ready while being conscious of every moment and enjoying the energy behind what you’re doing? This is essentially what “hurry slowly” means.
Don't let a mad world tell you that success is anything other than a successful present moment.
Eckhart Tolle
Running is a perfect example. If you have to run to catch a plane or a bus, you can do so while staying centered and enjoying every step. Zen teaches us to do one thing at a time, giving our fullest attention to whatever we are doing right now. And even if you miss the plane, does it really matter? You’re still alive, still breathing, still present.
So, next time you find yourself rushing, remember to "hurry slowly." Focus on the present moment, enjoy the process, and let go of the outcome. This approach will transform not only how you work but also how you experience life.
Upcoming Online Training:
The immersive 10-day yoga journey is designed for intermediate practitioners who are confident and comfortable in their bodies. This course focuses on refining your technique with precision and infusing your practice with a sense of playfulness.This series links traditional Hatha Yoga poses into a creative vinyasa flow.
You’ll move through ten classes that blend strong standing poses, core work, backbends, arm balances, and inversions to help you open up and move you to your fullest expression. By creating heat from within, you’ll purify your body, melt away tension, and connect to your inner bliss.
This immersion is ideal for those eager to deepen their practice and take on a healthy challenge. Plus, you'll receive recordings of each class to revisit and refine your practice at your own pace.
There are limited spots available for this group series to ensure I can provide personalized attention and guidance. If you're interested in joining, please let me know. I look forward to practicing with you!
If you have any questions or interested in online classes, please feel free to email me at ✨[email protected]✨
Until next time 🙏