Pages From My Journal: The Secret To Slowing Down Time

I’m not a magician, but I do think I’ve stumbled across a trick. The past 2 weeks in Bali have felt very slow and mindful, each day long and full. Maybe I’ve found the secret to slowing down time.

As we age time seems to speed up, remember the days when the school summer holiday felt like forever and now 6 weeks go by in a flash. Whilst in Bali I have been doing something new everyday, whether that be talking to a stranger, eating a new fruit, trying a new mode of transport, there is novelty in the everyday – something my life in Bath lacked.

“We gauge time by memorable events and fewer new things occur as we age to remember, making it seem like childhood lasted longer ” Santosh Kesari

What I’ve also found is that the change of scenery is forcing me to be more present in the everyday, something I strive for, but feels a lot harder at home when I'm going about my daily routine in autopilot. When you are able to be truely present the small things are more noticeable, the sounds, sights and tastes more immersive.

David Eagleman, a neuroscientist at Stanford University states:

“In my mind there is only one way to slow time: seek novelty”

So to slow down time and become more mindful we need to incorporate newness into our lives. Yes – I know that’s easy for me whilst living in a new country. However, I’ve come up with a few ideas I can add to my life once I get home.

- Find a new hobby, rock climbing is currently top of the list

- Change around the furniture in my bedroom

- Find a co-working space so I can have a change of scenery and meet new people

- Take a day trip to a location in the UK I haven't visited yet

- Find a new smoothie recipe

I challenge you to think of one ‘new thing’ you can incorporate into your week. Let me know in the comments below what you choose!

On that note, I have something new to share with you! My Salcombe Yoga Retreat waitlist has now opened for the Autumn. If you’d like to find out more information about my Retreats please visit www.katiejyoga.com/retreat.

I’ll be in touch again next week with more snippets from my journal.

Katie x