Slow is Fast is an essential concept in learning to play challenging music. The same applies to spiritual growth and practice.
During the 1990s and early 2000s I was part of a flute and guitar duo called ‘Clarke and Carne’. We performed for all kinds of events – concerts, weddings, receptions, special events and more. I have a filing cabinet drawer full of music that we played.
One day, we found a set of pieces called “Mountain Songs” by Robert Beaser. We both fell completely in love with this music! It was so beautiful! But – Oh my!! I had never seen such challenging music for the guitar. Two of the three pieces we chose to play zipped by at breakneck speed!
I wrote in big letters at the top of each page – “What makes this easy?” as a reminder to look at the hardest music I had ever tried to play and shift my mindset to ease and flow.
In order to play fast, you have to first play slow. And, as you play slow, you pay minute attention to every movement, for maximum efficiency and ease. Then you repeat it – many, many times – building speed in tiny increments until you find yourself playing the music fast and with ease. Like they say – “It’s a process!”
So, let’s shift the conversation to spiritual practice. It too is a ‘process.’ The busy (monkey) mind works very hard to capture all of your attention. Especially when you are experiencing stress, anxiety or depression.
The greatest ‘hero’s or heroine’s journey’ you will ever be faced with, is understanding your mind, how it works and finally guiding it to serve your heart.
In my family, one of the greatest reminders to be mindful is called the ‘Curtis klutz’. My mom, her sisters, my sisters, and many of my feminine cousins were constantly bumping into things. This family pattern of ungroundedness and being in the mind more than the body was my starting point for learning mindfulness.
Whenever I received another bruise, it became a reminder to ground, breathe and be mindful of my movements. After several years, my mantra became:
- Ouch!!
- Take a slow breath.
- Ground.
- Step into slow, mindful movement.
- If I am in conversation, slow down my pace of speaking too.
As I become slow – I become fast – and adept at catching when I am in the incessant mind chatter, and shifting into my body and heart where the peace and quiet exists.
Like I said, “It’s a process!” Whenever you start a spiritual practice, you will bump into innumerable roadblocks. Every single one of these roadblocks is a gift. It is your next step of learning to become the amazing master who actually lives in your shoes.
As our outside world becomes steeped into even more chaos, it is time now, more than ever before, to steep yourself in purposeful spiritual practice to stay connected to your heart and centre.
Here are a few guidelines:
- Set your intention clearly. State your short-term goals.
- Be consistent.
- Cultivate mindfulness.
- Practice gratitude. A daily gratitude practice takes about 4-5 minutes.
- Set aside time for self-reflection.
- Add meditation to your daily routine.
- Connect with nature – even this can be a meditation.
- Cultivate kindness.
- Be patient and flexible. Remember, slow is fast.
- Join a supportive community.
Here are a couple of opportunities for you to explore spiritual practice in community:
- One of my favorite spiritual practices is mantra. Every week, I offer an opportunity for anyone to participate in a Chakra Toning Practice online. There are several people who have been joining this practice for 4 to 5 years now. What a wonderful way to start your week with Peace, Ease, Healing and Community. Learn more about the Chakra Toning Community Circle here: https://wellnessuniverse.learnitlive.com/Class/Sound-Wellness-Chakra-Toning-Circle/21323
- Another opportunity is a new membership community, the Harmony Within Sanctuary.
Whether you feel you are ready or not – this is the time! This is the time your soul chose to come here! This is the time to shine your soul’s work through you to serve this challenged world.
The Harmony Within Sanctuary community is based on the premise that you are here with a gift that no one else can give to the world. This is a place where you can nurture that gift, and you, with spiritual practice. #harmonywithinsanctuary #soundwellness #soundwellnessinstitute
Join the Harmony Within Sanctuary community and your first month is free! We offer a 30-day trial period for you to explore the community, join events and connect with members.
Click here for info about membership:
Click below for a tour through the Harmony Within Sanctuary:
In Health and Harmony,
