As the New Year brings forward so many resolutions and promises, I wanted to share a bit more from the book Lighter by Yung Pueblo.
“One of the most toxic ideas that grips our minds is perfection. We expect it, we crave it, we wish to see it in our lives and relationships, but reality and the idea of perfection are in a constant state of friction. Reality is ever-changing. It is transformation combined with unpredictability. Perfection is the opposite. It is an attempt to control and keep things within the boundaries of a certain mental image…. Perfection has a sneaky way of warping our perception… Those of us who wish to live a good life not only need to have the humility to question our perception, but we should also periodically check in with ourselves to see if perfection has created tension by taking the reins of our mind… If we can take our goals and work toward them by embracing progress, instead of aiming for perfection, we will build a sturdy foundation for long-lasting change. We do not need to rush to be productive. Practicing slow movement will not only decrease inner turmoil; it can also make us more effective.
Slow movements are intentional, powerful, and intelligently considered. To boldly move at our own pace and remove ourselves from any self-imposed competition can be a profound paradigm shift. Setting aside rigid timelines, embracing organic development, and maintaining focus on deliberate actives can make an immense difference in how much we achieve… We are better off concentrating on effort, commitment, and long-term consistency… In a society based on speed and productivity, moving slowly is a radical act…. Working and creating without attachment, making things for your own good and the good of others, moving without strict time limits, finding the balance between being committed and not causing yourself tension—this is how the brave and wise move through life… There is nothing wrong with working hard and being effective, but make sure you are nourishing your well-being by making time to rest. When you respect your need to rest, your journey forward will be much smoother.”
Lighter by Yung Pueblo
Let it Go
| For me, slowing down has always been a more difficult task than speeding up. Perhaps it’s age, young kids, coaching, or some early attempts at meditation—I now find myself recognizing the need to slow down. And also dropping the need for perfection (I think kids have really taught me this one—because no matter how much you plan or try to control—they simply aren’t on your timeline or plan. It’s been learning filled with a lot of tears but also quite a bit of laughter. Sometimes, as my four-year-old likes to remind me, you need to LET IT GO!) I’ll always have some Type A leanings… but reflecting back, some of my hardest times were when my mind and body were poorly rested and I was trying to control everything I could. Post-partum, I think this was one of the biggest contributors to my downward spiral from a mental health perspective. It really was a viscous cycle. |
| This year, my commitment is to prioritize my well-being: including rest, exercise, and healthy eating: nourishing my body in a more slow, deliberate way. Saying no when I need to. Creating from a place for my own good and for the good of others, but without the tension created by hard deadlines and false pushes. And simply being more present. ~Heidi |
