Slowness is not a speed I naturally have. For as long as I can remember, I have placed great pride in my ability to go on, overcome anything, to overcome bouts of boredom, burnout, and burnout. This was reality until I discovered the peace and clarity that can come from moments of stillness.
2014, inspired by the book Artist’s path, gifted to me by a close friend to read on a month-long vacation, this mindset began to change. I started to appreciate the practice morning page Julia Cameron introduced in this book – a three-page, handwritten daily exercise to start your day. As an artist, a mother of a young child and a creative executive, this reflection makes me bored of the day, ONLY concerned with my own thoughts is MAGIC.
An unlock has occurred. Curious to introduce more and more moments of stillness, introspection, and calm into my life, I sought other practices to extend this feeling into the structure of my days. Where I used to rush through the morning and get through the next crisis of the day, I now have a few simple rituals that I find to keep me connected, purposeful, and responsive. whatever the world gives me gracefully, humorously and peacefully.
Write diary
Inspired by Julia Cameron’s morning pages, I start most days with a journal. I jot down three to five pages of notes, the stream of consciousness being written down, including everything from dreams to fears to moments of gratitude, onto the grocery list. It was a brain analysis exercise that made my squirrel brain more comfortable. Done consistently, I will see threads that need to connect — an idea I want to explore, a picture to try, a desire to travel, a relationship to be cared for. I do this before the rest of the house wakes up, with some tea or coffee, sleepy eyes and still in my pajamas.
Where I used to rush through my morning and into the next crisis of the day, I now have a few simple rituals that I find to keep me connected, purposeful, and responsive. whatever the world gives me.
Meditation
I’m not one of those people who naturally LOVE meditation. Normally, I struggle to get through this workout, but the aftermath keeps me coming back again and again. Most days, I take a midday break (before or after lunch), take ten to thirty minutes and be quiet. One day, I hope to be a quiet meditator, but for now, I’m a huge fan of Insight’s Timer Guided meditation — especially anything from Sarah Blondin or Lalah Delia. Taking a little time out, especially on my busiest days, helps keep my energy steady, open, and flowing from a state of love and gratitude.
Rest
As a mother, I’ve seen firsthand the value of giving my kids a break when life gets hectic. Only recently have I begun to apply this lesson to my own life, occasionally taking a midday break to read under a blanket or to rest my eyes for 20 to 30 minutes. I’m still a the desire to take a napbut for me, this quick unplug gives my brain and body the boost it needs to come back to the day with a fresh perspective.
Slow and mindful practice can and should be different for each person, each day, and every season of life. What works for me, right now, may not work for me tomorrow — or for you the next day. Experiment and try new ways to connect with yourself, to slow down, even if only for a few minutes a day, is a great way to find presence in the present moment. To bring clarity and curiosity into your routine. To be the best version of yourself — connected and curious — in your work, your relationships, your world.
Jill Elliott is an artist, wallpaper designer, and writer who is constantly looking for inspiration and balance. Jill wallpapers and original work can be found at Studio Color Kind. She is often seen making art and messing around with her daughter and pet dog.
