During the heat wave I knew I needed to be intentional with moving and exercising. For me exercise is part of my mental health, along with the physical benefits. I was extremely conflicted with my goal to not go outside for fear of spontaneously combusting and my need to exercise. I decided videos indoors was best.
I pulled out a DVD I own that is simple yoga. During the video I was reminded that I need to stretch more, but I was also reminded of a deeper reality. The voice over man spoke slowly and peacefully as he told me to move from one position to the next “slowly and mindfully.” In my mind I was moving slowly, but then I would look up at the man on the screen and he was still working his way into that pose. He was only halfway there, so I would repeat the action, and I hate to admit it, but I still seemed to beat him to the next pose.
Throughout the video the “voice over man” in his soothing voice reminded me to pay attention to my breath and make sure I was breathing. “Move slowly, be mindful of your movement, be mindful of your breath”. I wondered how this man knew I was not breathing and that my mind was not being mindful of anything but trying to figure out how many minutes were left in the session. That was when it hit me. I think I am slowing down and embracing this slower season of mindful rest, but really I am still moving ahead faster than is needed for it and definitely faster than the need to “Be still” and know who God is. (Psalm 46:10)
Although I am in a slower season and trying to be more intentional with being present, I still tend to tumble down to my default mode of fast moving and busy brained. My schedule and my life truly are on slower summer mode. This has been a reminder to me of how easy it is, even in a slower season, to have a busy heart and mind. It takes intentionality to be fully present, to move slower and to be mindful of the moments. I am blessed with the present moment and I need to be there instead of running ahead trying to plan or figure out what is coming or how fast this season will come to an end.
“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.”
Matthew 6:34 (MSG)
Inkblot Life 
Great article. We need to slow down and reflect upon our actions every now and then to really enjoy and realize the beauty of stillness and life😊
Have a nice day 😊
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Reblogged this on Inkblot Life and commented:
#throwbackthursday… Well another heat wave, another round of slower life for different reasons, but same lessons. Slow down. Be intentional. Pay Attention. The Pilates instructor I have been watching says to trust the process. Somehow this slowing down and trusting the process is still challenging. Now I know the value. I need to take time to reflect often, and make sure I am trusting the process and being intentional in entering this moment.
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