Thank You Transitions Part 1

This post begins a series of posts on "transitions and in betwen times."  It is insanely fitting for my current state of life, and has been supported by discussions with Lindsay, Anne-Marie, and many prayers. I hope that you will find it meaningful in any way that is best. All italicized type pieces are my thoughts, and they are not the reflection of the works of Jason Crandell, Yoga Journal, or any combination.

Crandell, Jason. "the space between." Yoga Journal issue 236 (March 2011): 72-79.

"Transitions are a powerful part of practice. Take them slowly, and you'll build strength and awareness that serve you on and off the mat."

Gandhi once wrote, "There is more to life than increasing its speed." I remember reading that and saying to myself, "You need to work on this. Take it to heart. It won't be easy, but the change will be meaningful."

Two years have passed since this was on my computer at work, and the little things that once annoyed me are no longer a part of my focus. I embrace the little moments, cherish the opportunity to dig deep into learning, pause to smell flowers in the grocery store, share my food more frequently with others, and all around life a more happy and vibrant life!

"I am by nature a fast walker. You won't find me ambling down a street unless it's winding and paved with cobblestones and I'm on vacation. I never thought much of it until a friend in college told me that he hated walking to class with me because I rushed him. He preferred to walk slowly and take in the scenery. One day, he astutely pointed out that by focusing all my energy on getting from one place to another, I was missing out on all sorts of 'in between' moments in life. It was his way of conveying the old adage that the journey is just as important as the destination."

Slowing down is something I have struggled with at times. I wondered why, and realized (for me) that I equated speed to success. The more one does, the faster one does it, the more acclaimed someone is, right? Little by little I have come to understand that it's about quality over quantity. Savoring a meal is far more meaningful to me than rushing through a meal and then eating more.

When have you slowed down and enjoyed what was there, and been grateful for it, instead of rushing onward?

Walden Pond. Home to Thoreau, training triathletes, wandering writers, frolicking families, and more!

Thank you, readers for the opportunity to share! Thank you for what you may teach another! Thank you for any and all dialogue that may come through this.

Part 2 will come in the future.