The unprecedented busyness and pace of modern life is well documented by authors, commentators and mental health practitioners alike. Numerous recommendations are offered for those whose stress levels are high including practical advice on self-care, breathing techniques and mindfulness. While mindfulness is an important intervention for wellness and is a core part of many positive psychology programmes, it is not the only intervention in the art of slowing down.
Many commentators have stated that slowing down is not just moving physically slower—it’s about creating a mental space where we can fully experience what’s in front of us. Being really present to people, even our family and close friends, can prove challenging in the today’s social media culture that has so many people constantly engaged with their smartphones. The instant culture that exists in the society of today feeds to our expectation to have everything now and our impatience can sometimes result in turning to Google rather than switching off technology, paying attention and building awareness.
Faith in a higher power is an immense gift to have in helping the human person to slow down and experience inner peace. For me, there is no more peaceful place than the silence of the church, praying in the presence of Jesus, the divine healer. On 14 September, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Spending some time in stillness, looking up to the Cross, and trusting in the new life brought about by the Resurrection of Jesus, has given me hope and consolation during the most challenging times in my life, including mental health challenges, disappointments, trauma and loss.
I also find that the gift of running helps me to slow down my thought process and enter a state of interior peace and gratitude for all the blessings in my life. Running is vital for my wellbeing. It helps me to notice God’s beauty in creation and to remember times, place and encounters that have been been nourishing for me. It also helps me to be present to myself and to those in the running community that I meet. Every workout boosts my mood and the exercise helps me to ‘drop the struggle’ when I have the tendency to listen to the negative voices in my mind and ruminate on the past rather, rather than focusing on the gift of today and the promise of tomorrow.
On the second weekend in August I went on my fourth trip to the Isle of Man, a small island in the northern part of the Irish Sea (33 miles long, 13 miles wide); to take part in The Isle of Man Half-marathon. There is something special about this island, with its rugged coastline, rural landscape and Celtic heritage, that keeps drawing me back. It’s not just the event, it’s the state of mind I experience, when I’m there — slowing down and taking a step back, away from the busyness of life back home. Although my half-marathon times are getting considerably slower — the challenge of the race I still embraced — and reaching the finish line brought a smile to my face. God-willing I will return to the Isle of Man — for the Isle of Man is not only good for a race — it also helps me to be mindful of my pace.
