I just returned home to Seattle after 3 weeks of travel, and my ‘pace’ was a consistent point of focus and learning for me as I navigated the world’s hustle and bustle.
This was my first time being on an airplane since March 2020!
The first time being back home in New York City and the first time visiting family and friends in over 2 years.
I spent a lot of time walking on my trip.
I met people for walks and talks, and I would walk as my primary means of transportation. Exploring New York, Chicago and Boston by foot is the best!
Walking in a city makes me feel inspired and connected.
My average step count was in the 16,000 range, and a few days I even walked about 26,000 steps (aka 9 miles!)
I noticed something different during my walks.
I noticed how fast my pace was.
It was a strong pace. My walk was determined, focused and present. I felt my heart rate and blood flowing. It was energizing and life giving.
But I also recognized that while I walked at a fast pace, it was harder to slow down.
Or if I slowed down, I actually could feel how tired my body was. And if I slowed down, I needed to spend more energy to rev back up.
Sometimes I noticed I couldn’t even feel my feet as I walked.
This little observation of my pace is a microcosm for what I notice happens in our world.
We walk and do life at such a fast pace. Sometimes so fast we can’t feel our literal or figurative feet.
And sometimes the fast pace feels really good. It’s energizing and adrenaline provoking.
Sometimes there might be thoughts or fears that roll through our conscience that if we slow down, we will fall behind, not get there as fast, won’t want to keep going, or even question where we are walking to or ‘why am I rushing’?
As we enter the holiday season this month, I welcome you to explore your pace.
Connect to your feet. Notice when it is helpful to move fast and when it’s harmful.
What pace would you like to be walking through this holiday season?