Staying Human in a Fast World

Hello,

Oh boy, are we living in a world that’s moving faster than ever! It feels like that to me anyway. As though everyone is looking for faster decisions, faster answers, faster everything. Sometimes, I feel the quiet pull to slow down, not to resist progress, and to try and stay 'human' as much as possible.

I'm a child of the 80's, when we could go outside to play until it was dark if we wanted, TV's had three channels (and it was super exciting when number four came along!), games were meant to be played in person with friends — marbles, tig, or cycling in to the country. The height of technology was a VHS player, a walkman, and we delighted in mixing our own cassette tapes. (I still have some!)

To be honest, I miss those times. When I spend time with my children, it is precious, filled with love and adoration for them, and growing up in a different childhood to the one I knew. For them, it's normal — fast action, quick paced — but for me it makes me a little sad.

I’m not interested in competing with speed or perfection. What matters to me is presence. Thoughtfulness. Connection. The small pauses where we remember that we’re not machines, we’re souls living as humans, with feelings, intuition, and inner lives that can’t be automated. Souls that shouldn't be contained by the expectations of people or technology.

As someone who spent almost 40 years in a blur, and by other people's standards, despite my own thoughts, learning to slow down and choosing to move at my pace has been a blessing. I know being present as often as I can, taking a deep breath when I need to, and slowing my pace isn’t falling behind. It’s choosing to stay grounded while everything else rushes past. Something that I try to teach my children whenever the world seems to much for them.

I use little tricks like breath work, short and simple meditations, and most importantly gratitude to help slow their worlds. Seeing the difference in them is one of the reasons I now create downloadable print-at-home activity kits for children. I know first hand the difference these things can make.

If the noise is getting loud for you, it’s okay to step back. Calm isn’t weakness. It’s wisdom. I promise you will thank yourself for it.

And for those around you who don't like your newly found wisdom. Let them live their lives until they can see the transformation in you and perhaps they will learn to follow your example.

I’m glad you’re here, moving gently in your own way.

With love,  Fiona