Slow Down: A Simple Movement Meditation

This is a gentle moving meditation, exploring what it feels like to slow down. We’ll be playing with pace as we do two very simple motions, observing the sensations in the body, and how movement can influence our mental activity and nervous system state.

As we practice this moving meditation, you will check in with yourself in the present moment – noticing states like tension or ease, mental busyness or calm, feeling rushed or steady.

After taking the time to practice physically slowing down, you may find that you feel more balanced and present. Being mindful of our speed in movement can help us shift out of auto-pilot, settle the nervous system, and break the momentum of a bustling daily life.

The first movement is a basic Qigong form, while the second movement is a subtler hand gesture that takes us closer to stillness. You can do this practice standing or seated in a chair.