Everything changes, everything is impermanent! The Buddhists tell us.

Lately, I find myself becoming more accepting of change. As I gain in age, changes seem to happen more quickly particularly with my body – a new ache in my wrist, another spot on my face, losing my balance more frequently, dropping things, forgetting things. As a consequence, I am learning to move more slowly, to take my time, and not rush so much. My body is telling me to slow down.

Slowing down has always been a challenge for me -- a person who impatiently burst into this world before the delivery doctor arrived at the hospital. Fortunately, I have a husband skilled in the art of slowness. He takes his time with everything he does from ordering online, to framing a roof, to packing for a trip. His slow, deliberate actions have compelled me to learn patience, over and over again. Finally, this patience is beginning to take root!

In early November, we took a short trip to our cabin in La Pine, OR. Before we left, my husband had been working long hours installing a new security system, moving a fence to our property line, and creating a more accessible storage area under the house. We left 3 days later than I had hoped. He was exhausted.

Since we barely had 10 days, I suggested that we use the time in La Pine to rest. For the first time, we did not crowd our schedule with a multitude of tasks. We slept more, woke late, moved slowly, and enjoyed the unfolding of each day. Despite our slowness, we did get some important tasks completed, like installing a new stove hood, but without the usual breathless stress and pressure.

Since our return, I have found myself unwilling or unable to fall back into my habit of rushing and pushing. I am enjoying this kinder life rhythm. I no longer worry about getting my email blast out about my next Good Grief master class. I have stopped fretting over getting the Christmas cards out or gifts wrapped and mailed. It will all get done when it can.

This new rhythm has a lot to do with cutting back on various commitments in my life, especially Toastmasters and networking events. I find it easy to delete emails imploring me to register for this webinar or buy that amazingly priced computer app. I find myself spending more time working on the things that feed my spirit, like watercolor and Sufi classes.

Does this mean I have stopped having goals or wanting to make a difference in the world? Not at all. It simply means that I have decided to do things with love, gratitude, and ease instead of chasing after the appreciation of others. 

This slowing down seems to slow the clock. It enables me to savor everything I do, from writing this email to making my bed to cooking a meal.

I am sure that teaching the Zoom Sufi classes is also encouraging this new rhythm of ease. The Sufi work teaches us how to pause, slow down, and be in the moment. In this expanded space, there are no worries, no rushing, no pushing or striving. Presence is enough. 

In further support of this desirable change, I am leading a second Sufi meditation class beginning this Sunday at 8 am PST to fill in for a friend throughout December. 

I will still be teaching my regular Friday morning class at 9 am PST. If making the Friday class has been a challenge, this is a chance to try Sufi Moving Meditation on the weekend. 

Want to slow down and savor the moment? Join me tomorrow, December 1st at 9 am PST and Sunday, December 3rd at 8 am PST for some slow movement, deep breathing, and expanded time.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89999494833?pwd=V2pOS28yYUdXM3hkaW1rVWIvSjBUdz09

Meeting ID: 899 9949 4833

Passcode: SUFI

Here's a time converter link to check the time in your location.

Be brilliant.

Michelle

Dr. Michelle Peticolas

Life Transformation Coach

Empowering Women to Reinvent Their Life After Loss

Secrets of Life and Death

https://www.facebook.com/secretsoflifeanddeath.com