How often do you feel like you had more time in the day?  Do you ever have the feeling that time seems to go by to fast?  You’re not alone.  It’s an ironic part of being human in today’s society.  We feel like we need or want more time, yet most of the time we are going too fast. There are lots of reasons we get caught up in going too fast.  We want to get things done more quickly or be more efficient.  When things are uncomfortable or even plain boring, we want to get through them in is a little time as possible.  Mostly, we are matching the fast pace around us – at work, at home and in our media.

It’s hard to recognize when we’ve started going too fast, because it becomes a habit.  Without realizing it you are literally speeding through life.  The buzz of needing to get it all done turns into speeding through the neighborhood mindlessly, rushing through conversations, and taking short cuts whenever you can.  This habit can become a mindless haze that lends itself to chronic stress and emotional and physical dis-ease.

This week, see if you can slow everything down.  Drive the speed limit.  Walk slower.  Talk slower.  Take the long way.  Notice how this changes your perspective.  You may just find that you get more done and wind up with more time.

Mindful moments are short practices to be used throughout your week to relax, integrate and center yourself.  Inspired by the wisdom traditions and science, mindful moments are meant to be accessible and simple enough for anyone to practice.  Many teachers and leaders in integrative medicine have influenced our approach to mindful moments. Jon Kabat-Zinn defines mindfulness as “paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.”  Pema Chodron would say it is “practicing in the gaps.”  Look for the weekly mindful moment every Monday.  May it support you in finding your center to live life to the fullest.