Mar 21st 1-2-3: Go Slow
1: Go Slow ( 2 minute read )
“Have no fear of perfection - you’ll never reach it.” - Salvador Dali
It can feel like a pressing forward in your head, almost like you aren’t leaned forward enough. Our efforts cannot ever feel like enough, because the goal is the goal. “If only” we tell ourselves.
Well if only what?
For me, it can be something like “if only I put more time into this project.” Or “if only I was able to make this even better.” It can be exhausting, because this little critic in my head is always trying to push on the gas and make me go faster.
But what if I went slower?
This isn’t a new concept, the Marine’s often say “to go fast, be smooth, and to be smooth, be slow.” While this is true, how can we apply this to our art? I have noticed that there is this quickening that is always occurring whenever I begin to create, almost like once I’ve started I cannot wait to be done and to have something to show for it.
This is goal-oriented creating, which isn’t inherently bad but it can rob us of greater joys and deeper bodies of work if we would just slow down.
Creating slowly, makes us more mindful. For instance, I am working on my first novel and when I write, I can feel the rushing internally beginning to take hold. What I have been learning is to slow down and be okay with a more tortoise-like pace has made for significantly more rich scenes, conversations and scenarios.
Going slow.
This also allows us to reflect and adjust as needed. When I draw or play music, this shows itself more than even writing. A line laid in ink cannot be easily removed, but if I slow before laying the line down, I can be more intentional. If I think a bit before playing guitar, I can be more authentic with my phrasing.
I would recommend enjoying the process, over the goal.
Goals are important because they give us the journey. The journey, however, is where we spend 99% of our time. Why rush it?
I know how difficult it can be in today’s world.
Everything is quick. Fast. Instant.
I’d encourage you to be weird, and slow down and enjoy the calm that comes with it. Just because the world wants to go fast, doesn’t mean our art and creativity has to as well.
Be blessed, and I pray this weekend is one where you make time to slow down and partake in the joys of creating.
2: Creative Prompts From Us (ex. Write a short story, a poem, a song, or draw a quick illustration of these! Let your imagination run free.)
I. Set aside time to create, and be intentionally slower than you normally are. Write slower. Type slower. Draw slower. Just go slow.
II. Disconnect from your phone for an hour. Notice how much your mind is drawn to check it, how much it catastrophizes what you may be missing, how much it quickens you.
3: Inspirational Quotes From Others
I. “Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.” – Vincent Van Gogh
II. “The important thing is to take your time and not get stressed.” – Diane von Furstenberg
III. “Every artist dips his brush in his own soul and paints his own nature into his pictures.” – Henry Ward Beecher
Thank you so much for reading!