Slowly Moving Towards Slow Motion

By: Neerja Caprihan

Everyone I know runs at the speed of light
Can’t we just have some fun
Everyone slow motion

‘Slow Motion’ by Jonah Marias

The fast-paced era of technology, growing consumerism, and evolving ways of instant gratification have made slowness toggle between being either a curse or a luxury.

Granted that some slow things are more challenging than others, at times. Slow gadgets or websites, and then slow-moving traffic or queues – all tend to drive one up the wall with frustrating intensity. Just how much up the wall, is a function of how frequently one encounters the slowness, what is at stake on any given occasion and finally, one’s state of mind at any time. In general, adaptability creeps in and the clever human mind comes up with ways to avoid, beat or utilize such stressful pockets of time.

But the thing is, slow is not always bad. Repeat, not always.

Slow eating has always been hailed by doctors, dieticians, and well-wishers. It allows one to savor each mouthful and chew it in a way that makes digestion easier. It helps build a rejuvenating relationship with food. From that it follows that eating can turn into a practice of gratitude that relaxes and nourishes both the body and mind.

Slowness in food is also not just at consumption time. Some of the most beloved family recipes and gourmet products revolve around the amount of time ingredients have been allowed to rest, age, braise, smoke, simmer, stew, barbecue, bake and so on.

Slow speaking allows one to unravel one’s own thoughts, read the room, choose words carefully and therefore ensure that communication is effective. 

A variety of innovative works from the fields of arts and sciences are productive outcomes of slowness, patience and dedication. A good book, a splendid handicraft, a remarkable painting, a memorable melody, or a beautiful bonsai plant. You cannot rush a piece of art, any more than you can rush years of scientific research that go into breakthrough discoveries.

Slowness brings mindfulness. That happens because it allows one to pause, process and prepare. The action becomes more deliberate as opposed to mechanical. It also gives one an opportunity to take a step back, reflect, review and reorient as needed. Good things take time after all.

That being said, an ode to slowness is not a call for lethargy or procrastination. It is about ascribing appropriate intention, energy and focus to an action for maximum benefit as well as self-actualization. 

The next time you are stuck in traffic slowing to a crawl, avoid the temptation to wring your hands in despair. Instead, use the time to ring up relatives, check on friends, fix appointments, plan weekends, listen to that old song that brings back memories, tune into interesting podcasts, write a diary or journal and such. 

Don’t forget to use that time to check on your investments too, and if you have not yet explored how Interactive Advisors can help you, look us up now. 

Because in the investing world, the wonderful magic of compounding works slowly as well. Slowly but steadily.