When the gears don’t line up: Slowing down in a fast world
When the Gears Don’t Line Up is a series for those seasons when life feels out of sync. These reflections explore misalignment, internal healing, and the quiet practice of listening to yourself especially when the external world feels confusing or tense.
Have you ever made a choice and then regretted it? Maybe immediately, maybe a few days later.
And then you think, “What was I even thinking?”
This used to be me. I could talk myself into almost anything and I passed out ‘yeses’ like confetti in a confetti cannon.
Even if I had a little catch inside, I assumed that the friction I was feeling was wrong and I should say yes anyway.
And the face palm came…dang it, I should’ve listened to that inner catch. Now I have to say no after saying yes and it’s about to get awkward and uncomfortable.
As I’m learning to live from inner alignment, I’ve had to do three things:
Slow down
Listen to the wisdom of my body
Say some solid nos
That slowing down piece is the first step. In our face-paced, grab-and-go world, slowing down is counter-cultural but for me, I can’t listen to my own heart or body if I don’t slow down first.
It’s almost like the constant go-go-go becomes addictive; speed keeps us from hearing our own hearts.
I’ve always been emotionally aware, but my healing journey truly deepened when I started practicing quieting.
I practice quieting in two ways currently.
I set a three minute timer, close my eyes and breathe deeply.
I walk.
As I’m breathing for three minutes, I let my thoughts pass me by and I don’t chase them. As I walk, I process my thoughts. I need both of these practices in my life to check in with myself and stay in alignment.
I recognize there are many different personalities and ways of doing things, I just know for me, I’ve made less regretful decisions, and I’ve said no more easily as I’ve given myself the time and space to slow down and check in with myself.
I’ve noticed that living at a slower pace has helped me to line up my internal gears and kept me in alignment with myself.
I wonder what slowing down looks like for you?
