Recently, I heard an intriguing phrase: “Rushing is a form of violence.” Can you relate? I sure can! I’m prone to hurrying through things, pulled by curiosity, enthusiasm, anxious anticipation, or even fear about what’s next. This habit of hurrying distracts me from the abundant gifts hidden within each present moment, even when that moment feels less than terrific.
When I discovered Qigong, I was amazed how well it helped me tether my tendency to rush, at least while I practiced the movements. Soon I began to notice when I was rushing unnecessarily outside of my practice, too. I began to manage my hurry habit by using techniques like stress -clearing breathing practices, or quietly whispered healing sounds. This is an on-going project, for sure. But I have come to understand how erosive that unconscious pressure of rushing away from the present moment can be to my peace of mind, health, and general sense of comfort in my own skin.
Maybe you’re feeling impatient today. Maybe that cold you caught isn’t going away fast enough, or you aren’t bouncing back as fast as you’d like from an injury. Maybe you really can’t wait for spring to get here, because winter is driving you nuts. Take a beat: Ask yourself if you could, perhaps, breathe in a bit of peaceful, self-compassionate energy. Take another beat (or two or three) and relax. Peaceful self-compassion is the opposite of impatience and over-hurry: it’s a virtue of healthy, balance heart energy.
The present moment is all we have. Truly. It’s a gift, the proof that we are alive. The future is a dream, existing only in our minds. Right here, right now, as imperfect as it may be, is the true treasure. Breathe into it with peace and gratitude.
