“Always remember to slow down in life; live, breathe, and learn; take a look around you whenever you have time and never forget everything and every person that has a place within your heart.”
Below is an inspirational story of Jana, who lived life fast and never thought slowing down was an option. It’s a reminder to all of us as this New Year begins, to make time for stillness, for receiving and giving and most of all to embrace this precious moment.
JANA’S STORY
I’m a forever recovering stress-a-holic – that’s why I know so much about it.
I grew up believing – like everyone else I knew – that the more I did the better person I was. The busier I was the more productive. The faster I moved the more I’d get done. And most important: that being the best – whatever ‘best’ was – was the only thing that really counted. Of course I never could get ‘it’ all done. And I never arrived at that pot of gold of being the ‘best.’ Happiness was a reward for fulfilling all those conditions – so couldn’t afford to be really happy -there were too many important things to do! And what’s really weird is that it never occurred to me that something was off – until I got sick – really sick.
Everyone has an ‘aha’ moment. Being told I had cancer was mine. Lying in a hospital bed I took a good look at my myself and realized I’d lived my life as an unwinnable race and missed out on the things that matter most –happiness, fulfillment, time to think, relaxation, well-being – and hadn’t had a clue! Clearly – I had some serious changes to make.
Like I tell everyone who comes my way – the decision to change is the first step to creating it! The transformation – still going on! – began.
Here’s what happened. I discovered I could take charge of my life even if I couldn’t control it, and be strong even though I felt weak. I found, to my amazement, that it’s possible to be positive when things are dark, and keep focus in chaos. Inspired and guided by the wisdom of Yoga and Taoism, I discovered a core of energy within myself that I hadn’t had any idea was there, and came to understand my deepest self and purpose. I time I developed ways of using those ancient techniques of focus and relaxation, as practical coping and centering tools – and they are a central part of all I share and teach.
Speaking of sharing – here are a few things that are really good to know:
The only way change anything is to change the way you think about it.
Smiling is good for the soul. So is being silly.
One deep breath can transform your day.
Calm is the ultimate power.
Living the live you really want to life involves a skill set you can learn.
Finally, embrace your ‘aha moment. The best time to create change is when you’re really stuck. The best time to empower yourself is when you feel powerless. The very best time to start living the life you want to live – regardless of circumstance – is NOW.
“Slow down and everything you are chasing will come around and catch you.”
-John De Paola
LIVING IN THIS MOMENT 
Karen, when I slow down I feel guilty of having the abundance of time and feel uncomfortable with being alone. It is amazing that when I feel powerless it is often the absolute best time to reflect and reach up for that power again. What a shame we have to reach rock bottom to have that ‘aha’ moment. The lessons just keep rolling in don’t they?
So many of us feel guilty to stop and nurture, you are never alone in that thought! We just need to become confident overtime to know what it is that we need, no-one else, and know that that is okay.