Why Is It So Hard To Go Slow?
I recently went on a lovely long weekend trip to Mexico, bringing along my bathing suit, a new beach hat, four unread New Yorker magazines, my computer, two notebooks, and a long list of work I was “really looking forward to catching up on.” On the plane, I dutifully purchased the in-flight WiFi, revised a blog post, worked on banking some Instagram posts, and meticulously updated my to-do lists, thrilled by the sight of those tiny checkmarks. I disembarked the plane with a self-satisfied grin. Upon arriving at the beautiful hotel overlooking the ocean, I quickly descended into panic. I spent my first 12 hours as an anxious mess, checking my email and obsessing over the best place to work with a view. My discomfort mounted as I struggled to decide where to set up and what task to tackle first. But why did I feel so awful? “Maybe,” my partner gently suggested, “you should just let yourself be on vacation.” I protested, insisting I had only brought creative work, but as I began to explain all of my plans, I realized she was right. It's true, I do enjoy working, but we all need breaks, even from work we love. We need time to rest and recharge. I, of all people, should know that—I tell my clients this all the time. It’s okay to relax, go slow, and not produce anything! Humbled, I woke up the next morning and put away my laptop, notebooks, and lists. I shoved a New Yorker in my bag and headed to the pool (which in abundance, also overlooked the beach) and I stayed for the rest of the trip. And would you believe I came home feeling relaxed, refreshed, and ready to dive back into work? Vacations! Who knew? This month, we're focusing on the importance of rest and its crucial role in maintaining a healthy nervous system, mind, and body. Rest can sometimes feel unreachable, especially when we need it most. However, embracing rest can also be a form of resistance against the relentless pace of modern life and the constant pressure to be productive. By prioritizing rest, we reclaim our well-being and assert our right to balance and self-care. Enjoy a blog post from writer and educator Asilia Franklin-Phipps, "Not Too Old," where she shares her journey of developing a mindful art practice in her forties. At the end of our email, you'll find a guided meditation from author, educator, and meditation teacher Ruth King. After the meditation, consider creating some visual art, or try making art before and after to see if you notice a difference. Come with us while we explore the concept of "care·less" by examining the importance of slowing down and doing less, inspired by D.W. Winnicott's "good enough mother" theory, and how this approach can foster self-compassion, creativity, and overall well-being in our productivity-obsessed culture. For some lighthearted reads, check a few pieces on the phenomenon of therapists taking vacations in August. And as always, visit our Instagram page for information, tips, tricks, and inspiration to help you stay well. Over the last few weeks of summer, we at CAP have committed to slowing down. Will you join us?
- Jennifer CAP Founder To learn more about how to reframe rest listen to How to think about rest as a form of resistance (All things Considered. Dec 2022).
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