Poem and Reflection: Slowing Down on our Mind-Body Healing Journey

In this video I read a poem of mine called "Slow Down." Before I read it for you, I share some reflections on how pushing too hard and fast to heal can keep us from making progress. Slowing down can be key for recovering from mind-body symptoms. To take this topic deeper, please use the reflection questions and writing prompts in my "Slowing Down" PDF here.

Slow Down

This morning I’m so tired from pushing myself hard, that as I drive down this country road I can’t bring myself to go

anywhere close to the speed limit. I feel like a silver haired lady peeking over my steering wheel as I creep along, letting

the cars whiz by me. I always assume the elderly go slowly because they’re cautious, not wanting to hit anyone

or miss the ambulance racing down the road with siren blaring. But maybe they’ve figured out a secret that I’m still trying to learn.

What if driving slowly is the only way to live my best life, to keep from running so fast

that I go right past myself? Running by the small child inside who seeks to fill herself with wonder, passing up the chance for rest,

for play, to slow myself long enough to notice how pleasant the rain sounds dripping onto the roof

of the house next door, tiny wet whispers tapping those few remaining leaves clinging to the maple

in my backyard, an almost silent thrumming slowing down my weary soul. The steady slow chime

of church bells ringing in the distance, in this moment, reminding me, I’ve already been given all that I need.