I didn’t realize how fast I was moving in the States until I left the Country. The first thing I noticed was that sweet island breeze, humidity, and the pace. Somewhere between the flight and the quiet mornings, I just naturally slowed down. Traveling abroad taught me the value of slowing down in a way I hadn’t experienced before.
A Different Pace
When I arrived in Jamaica the first thing I noticed was the slowed pace. Everything felt different right away. People weren’t rushed and the locals called it island time or “soon come.” Often described as a few minutes, hours or sometimes not at all. I noticed meals weren’t rushed and conversations were relaxed and easy. I realized that time here is not important. People focus on being in the moment.
Rest Without Guilt
I noticed how neighbors sat outside storefronts conversing and laughing with one another. Enjoying a cup of fresh Blue Mountain Coffee or a delicious cup of bush tea. The sun somehow felt brighter and warmer. The pigment of the trees seemed a little richer even the birds in the trees tweeting a happier tune. The ginger lilies and the yellow Canna Lily were so fragrant. Their scent mixed with the island breeze from the beautiful turquoise ocean. This experience shifted how I think about slowing down in my life.
Being Present Felt Easier
Productivity Looked Different
There wasn’t this constant pressure to feel rushed to be productive. People worked, but it didn’t feel frantic or overwhelming. People greeted you with a smile and a feeling- of welcome stay awhile and let go of the rush mentality. Doing less didn’t feel like I was falling behind. It felt like being in the zone. It was like being in flow with nature. I felt in harmony with this beautiful country and all that it offered.Work and rest didn’t feel like opposites they felt cohesive.
No pressure to fill every moment with something useful. Being in the moment just felt right and easy. Doing less didn’t feel like losing time-it felt like getting it back with a peace of mind. I felt lighter freer, and I wasn’t thinking about what was next.
What I Brought Back With Me
When I returned home I started slowing down my mornings. I stopped rushing simple tasks and routines. My goals were to be intentional with how I spent my time. I let the quiet moments seep in and just be without trying to fill it with it with unnecessary stuff. I wanted to avoid monotony. So, I bought a cookbook. I learned to cook jerk chicken and coconut rice. I started eating with intention. Not everything could come back with me. Yet, I kept the feeling of ease. It’s okay to be on a little island time once in a while. I carried this sense of slowing down back home with me. So, I started slowing down my mornings. Starting my day with a little bit of intention.
What I’m Carrying With Me
You don’t have to change everything to slow things down. It’s not perfect, but it’s different and intentional. Slowing down has been linked to reduced stress and improved well-being.
Slowing down also plays a role in how we manage stress day to day, especially when we’re constantly feeling rushed..