Do you need to Slow Down?

Rhucha Kulkarni
Jun 16
4 min read

I just returned from a vacation, and it got some new thinking bells going off. Interestingly, this time the train of thoughts was about slowing down, not in life in general, but slowing down in my travel endeavours. Why did this come up? For past 10-12 years we have been travelling extensively, complete with travel to-dos and wildlife-nature destinations being “ticked off”! In fact our last travels to South America we caught 22 flights in 18 days, covering 50000+ kilometres. A trip which covered a lot, but also left me exhausted, both physically and mentally. As I recently turned 40, it left me thinking – is this the pace I want to keep going, be it in my travels, or in life in general?

Living Life in the Fast Lane

Many of us are trying to juggle multiple responsibilities, or chasing the next big milestone to achieve “success”, quick and fast. But what are we losing in this endeavour of sprinting in the fast lane? In the quest to “Be More, Do More”, many of us are ending up with chronic #stress, #anxiety, #burnout, #overwhelm, #exhaustion, #fatigue... But the time often comes, when we need to ask…

How is the fast lane serving us?

What could change if we chased our goals with balance?

Balance is not new to me – I experienced early-on, through my brief corporate career and subsequently as a Solopreneur, that building wellbeing through balance was critical to sustained success. After all, I had faced the brunt with health and relationship (with self and others) setbacks. At many times, I was forced to slow down, not because I wished to, but because I “had to” – there was no way to move ahead without prioritizing balance and wellbeing – physical wellbeing, mental wellbeing, emotional wellbeing, social wellbeing, psychological wellbeing, so much more!

And yet, my long-standing affinity for “slow” and “balance” was no longer translating to my travels – and I was dealing with travel fatigue, and it had started taking the Joy out of my travels. And so I thought of putting together my thoughts on how to inculcate “slowing down”…

Slowing Down : A Mindset

We often think about “slowing down” as reducing the pace of our activities, focusing on less, prioritizing, etc. etc. But in reality, slowing down is all about a mindset. It is a mindset that encourages more presence, contentment, purpose and passion, deeper connections, meaningful experiences, richer inner life, authenticity, sustained personal development and growth, self-reflection, ability to tap into opportunities for the long term – in short – a more holistic and fulfilling life.

So let’s understand, what comes in the way of this new mindset – a need to always “do more”, overcommitting, overpleasing, inability to say No, feeling “not good enough”, seeking external validation, a need to keep chasing goals, unrealistic expectations from self, and the likes.

Mind you, letting go of these is not easy, especially when we are raised in a consumeristic and tech-and-social dominated world that keeps shouting at us, “More, More, More!”. It takes deep Will and Skill to know one’s true, authentic Self, and design a life that works for a sustained happy Self.

What can you Unlock by Slowing Down?

Slowing Down = Presence

Rushing makes us miss the present moment, constantly thinking about the past or future. Slowing down cultivates mindfulness, allowing us to fully experience and appreciate the "here and now"—the taste of our food, the beauty of nature, the nuances of a conversation, and so much more beauty in our inner and outer world!

Slowing Down = Focus

Constant multitasking fragments our attention, whereas a slower pace sharpens it. You start to see problems more clearly and make decisions more intentionally.

Slowing Down = Better emotional well-being

Space to breathe allows space to feel. You’re more grounded, less reactive. Stress doesn’t vanish, but it becomes manageable.

Slowing Down = Enhanced creativity

Creativity doesn’t thrive under pressure — it flourishes in spaciousness. When your mind isn’t crowded, you create space for reflection, allowing new ideas to emerge and enabling more effective problem-solving.

Slowing Down = Greater Self-Awareness

A slower pace provides an opportunity for introspection. You become more attuned to your own thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations, leading to a deeper understanding of yourself and your needs.

Slowing Down = Deeper connections

When we slow down, we listen better. We are more present with others. Meetings become conversations, not just checklists.

Slowing Down = Better Decision-Making

Hasty decisions are often poor decisions. A slower pace allows you to gather information, weigh options, and make more thoughtful and effective choices that align with your values.

In a Nutshell…

Slowing Down is about...

savouring Life “as it is”, rather than...

wishing for “what life should be and can be”.

Life isn't just about reaching destinations; it's about savouring and enjoying the journey. Slowing down helps you appreciate each step, learn from experiences, and find joy in the process rather than just the outcome.Slowing Down is not about doing less - it is about focusing our energies and intentions on “what truly matters”.

So we urge you to actively think about your version of “Slowing Down”…

What would Slowing Down look like to you?

There is sure to be initial discomfort, resistance, a sense of losing one’s “achieving self”, and many more emotions. We are here to handhold you through these emotions and many more, and help you curate a life full of joy, fulfilment and emotional wellbeing !

Connect with us @ mojomantra.coaching@gmail.com or 9819890485 !

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