Do you sometimes, or perhaps even more often, find yourself asking yourself: Why all this rush? What drives me to keep moving? And what do I gain from it? The rush and pressure leave their mark - stress, exhaustion and the feeling that time is slipping away from us. But does it really have to be like this? Is there a better way to use time?
The Paradox of Speed
Our culture celebrates speed as a virtue. Faster, more, better - but where does that lead? Despite all this effort, many of us feel empty and exhausted at the end of the day. This pursuit of efficiency is an illusion that distances us from the here and now. What if we stopped running and paused instead? Speed may promise us more productivity, but it often robs us of the true enjoyment of the moment. It's a paradox: the faster we go, the more time seems to run away from us.
The Wisdom of the Turtle: On Patience and the Management of Time
The turtle is not only a symbol of slowness, but also of wisdom, constancy and a deep understanding of time. In many cultures it is considered the epitome of longevity and inner peace. It moves slowly but steadily, showing us that it is not about speed, but about the conscious use of time. Its slowness is not a weakness, but a form of strength. It teaches us that the art is to live in the moment instead of constantly rushing forward. In their book *The 7 Secrets of the Turtle*, Aljoscha Long and Ronald Schweppe describe the turtle as the master of time. It embodies the principle of living in harmony with natural rhythms and slowing down the hectic pace of everyday life. Its wisdom lies in the fact that it knows how to enjoy the moment and works patiently towards its goals. It reminds us that true strength lies not in haste, but in deliberation.
Instead of being driven by external pressures and the constant need for speed, the turtle shows us that controlling time means approaching things consciously and calmly. It teaches us that time is not an enemy, but an ally if we learn to value it and use it properly. In a world that is becoming ever faster, the turtle asks us to stop and really appreciate the depth and richness of life.
"I need time. If I'm put under pressure, ... that only creates stress. If you slow things down and say, I'm a turtle, I'm going slowly through the words, then you're also strong."Philipp Hochmair, Jedermann 2024*
This principle is impressively illustrated in Stan Nadolny's * The Discovery of Slowness *. The protagonist John Franklin, a historical figure based on the British polar explorer, is often ridiculed for his slowness. But it is precisely this quality that makes him unique. Franklin perceives the world in a depth that remains hidden from others. He observes, reflects and acts carefully - and shows us that true knowledge and understanding take time. Slowness, we learn, is not a weakness, but a strength that enables us to live life consciously in all its depth.
Time for the Here and Now
At Sojourn we want to encourage people to live more in the here and now. Because if we are constantly in a hurry, we miss the magic of the moment. Time is not just a resource that must be used efficiently - it is a gift that should be appreciated. But how do we manage to escape the constant pressure and experience time more consciously?
First of all: set conscious reminders. A candle that you light every evening, a stone in your pocket or a note on your desk - these little anchors help to sharpen your awareness of the moment and to pause. Here are three concrete inspirations for more awareness of the moment:
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The 3-minute breathing ritual: You breathe about 20,000 times a day. Why not make some of those breaths conscious? Try the 4-7-8 technique: Breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7 seconds, and then breathe out slowly for 8 seconds. One of the best methods to reduce stress and stay in the here and now.
- Candle ritual: Light a candle whenever you feel like it - whether on a rainy day or in the evening when you want to calm down. Intuitively choose the candle that speaks to you most at that moment: one that calms you, one that nourishes the soul, or one that gives you new energy. Take five minutes to watch the flame flicker. Let your thoughts come and go without judging them. This simple ritual gives you the peace you need and helps you to be conscious of the moment.
- Exploring a new place: Choose a place in your area that you don't know yet. Walk through your city with your eyes open, as if you were here for the first time. Often it is the tourists who explore more than we do ourselves. Take time to discover this new place - be it a hidden park, a small café or a studio that celebrates arts and crafts. It's not about traveling far, but about finding the hidden nearby. Exploring new places in your area sharpens your eye for the hidden and creates a deeper connection to your surroundings. It promotes inner peace and new inspiration - and invites you to experience the moment more consciously.
Remembering the slowness
It's easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. To remind yourself to slow down, you can incorporate rituals into your daily routine. A quick moment of silence in the morning or a conscious evening ritual can help slow down the pace and bring mindfulness to the day. The turtle and Nadolny's Franklin teach us that slowness is not a weakness, but a way to experience life in its full depth. In a world obsessed with speed, they encourage us to pause and appreciate the small moments - the moments that truly connect us to the here and now.
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* Source: ttt – titles, theses, temperaments Extra: Salzburg Festival (ARD Mediathek 11.08.2024)
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