Live or survive?

in The MINIMALIST18 hours ago

The vast majority of people go at an overwhelming pace, it is true that earning a living for the day to day is not easy, household chores and our personal errands can lead us to live by inertia. We do everyday things like eating, drinking, walking, so fast that sometimes we do not even taste what we eat. We do not enjoy it because we want to do everything in a hurry with the pretext that we do not have enough time and we do not realize that we are stopping living, what we are doing is surviving.

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Although we are aware and want to live each day making it worthwhile in every way it is possible that from time to time we let ourselves be infected by this spirit of speed that society carries, this has happened but something that has helped me greatly and it may seem silly is to walk slowly.

I strive to give myself the goodness of each day, like hugging my mom and dad, feeling the sun, appreciating the smell and sound of the rain, tasting a good meal, observing a beautiful flower, among other things that make us feel really alive. The idea of surviving does not please me, because that word takes me to a scenario in which I am dying and I am leaving all my strength to extend my life a little more, the truth is that in that context I do not believe that there is anyone who can feel happy, however, when we live with consciousness we can be happy in the midst of a world that spins at the speed of light.

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I do not know if there is a scientific relationship between slow walking and better control my thoughts in order to relax but I admit that this technique has helped me greatly, it leads me to be aware of everything around me and to do things in a way that my brain understands the reason and does not take me in automatic mode. I have taken measures to walk slowly, I leave earlier to enjoy everything beautiful around me and so I am not late for work or any place I have to visit.

In addition to all of the above, it is worth mentioning that while I am walking I think carefully about any problem I have and I can see things from a different perspective. When I have had to walk in a hurry on consecutive days, I pause and reboot my brain to get me to walk slowly. It is a chore to do but well worth it.

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My desire is to live to the fullest and enjoy every day, it may sound like a utopia, something impossible for many, but I think that despite the speed of the world, it can be achieved. If we decide to lead our lives, living and not surviving, we will be celebrating every day of our lives.

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The photos are my own, taken with a Realme 7i.

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 16 hours ago  

Ha I hate slow walking, even though it's sometimes useful in calming an anxious mind. However, I do relate with what you say here a great deal. It's very hard to stop yourself just surviving and focus on actually living. It sounds like you've found a good way to control that, though :) Good for you!

Hi 👋🏻 👋🏻

You hate walking slow 😅😅 then we couldn't walk together. It's a joke, when I'm with someone who is walking very fast I adapt even though I usually get left behind. So is my sister-in-law, she walks very fast and when we go together I spend work but we manage to reach a pace that benefits us both although it is difficult 😟

The truth is that to me it relaxes me a lot, for sure something else works for you 😉 no matter the technique, what matters is that everyone finds a way to feel calm in this hectic world.

Thank you so much for your appreciation 🌻
Have a nice day 💫

Walking slow is indeed a great chore but you’re right, there is so much benefits in walking slow. Right now, it is one of those many simple things I’m trying to learn but too sad, I always walk fast and I realize I had other plans only when I’m almost at home or anywhere I was going to.

Like you said, the aim is to find peace in this bustling world and walking slow is definitely one of the ways to do that.