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Slowing Down
July 20, 2008
15 mph ~ Canon 30d
This speed limit sign made me laugh out loud more than once while on retreat in West Virginia*. It looks as though it's too tuckered out to stand upright – almost as though it wore itself out at a higher speed, and had to make the cruel choice: Death or Down-shifting. I passed this little sign close to a couple dozen times over my 5 day stay... on foot, that is. The 15mph path led my heart from chicken coops and mulberry trees to grassy fields and an orchard just behind them – a world to be savored slowly and carefully.
The only creatures in peril of breaking the speed limit were deer who would suddenly bolt from the trees and thickets – their sleek bodies prancing past lazy cows completely unimpressed by flashy displays of elegance and speed. The earth and all her inhabitants were wide awake and going about their business of simply being. The absence of haste in the midst of so much awareness was an inspiration to me. I invite you to slow down your thinking for a moment and ponder that idea:
Precisely how does speeding through life cultivate clear seeing?
*Claymont Society, just outside Charles Town, West Virginia.
Posted by vincent at July 20, 2008 01:25 PM
Comments
When we speed through life, we miss so much. I so want to strive to live each moment intentionally. Thanks for the reminder. Love and hugs to you friend.
Posted by: jayne at July 21, 2008 06:57 AM
Even forced slowing down has been a blessing. Now if I can just live each moment and avoid resuming the mad rushing around.
Lovely entry, Susan. We should all print it out and post on our refrigerators.
Posted by: janet at July 21, 2008 12:27 PM
Like the old saying; speed kills. Speeding through life distacted by activity and entertainment. It's the madness of our minds. Thanks for the reminder and for not giving me a speeding ticket. LOL I'm glad I'm taking a break to visit your web-site, which is always a blessing.
Bob
Posted by: Bob at July 21, 2008 07:52 PM