Then there was stillness. I could only hear my breathing. Slowly, I found myself appreciating and easing towards these gentle moments - quietness.

Do you struggle to have a meal alone in public? Almost embarrassing to do? That used to be me; I'd rather skip meals than go into the food hall alone. I need to be with someone, I needed to be heard.

I was business traveling a lot, and being on my own has its challenges. I loved my life, I was strong but I think I was becoming less of a better version God intended. I complained too much about work and I was not dreaming at all.

At the same time, struggling to get comfortable alone, not feeling lonely but with quiet confidence.

“I was becoming less of a better version God intended. I complained too much about work and I was not dreaming at all.”

One evening in the city center of Hamburg. It was drizzling chills while I walked across the streets, reflecting on a troublesome relationship. I did not appreciate silence at that time, so I hopped to a bar and sat for many drinks. I might have had too much too quickly that evening; my hearing became too loud and muffled; I was confused. Then there was a silence. I could only hear my breathing. Slowly, I found myself appreciating and easing towards these gentle moments - quietness.

From then, you'll find me alone at happy hours, sitting for hours. Those hours and silence changed me. Strange right? But yes, this soul was tangibly healing and being embraced with hope. I grew to be more loved than when I was with too many people.

This intention to slow down makes being alone more manageable. As I leaned closer to nature and the voice of God, it grew much confident and clear to who I am. Answers and new dreams were pouring into my life again. So much love and joy filling me from within that I'd leave a room gleefully, sway into a dance with little influence of alcohol.

May I challenge you to let yourself be alone, stare into blue skies, float into this silence of grace; a quality of sound that you might appreciate.

WHY DO WE NEED TO SLOW DOWN?

Our lives have been set into busy, get rich, pay the bills and repeat since a long time ago. Is it possible to recognize slowness again? Can we have a new mantra? say slow down, live well and create intentions?

Here are 4 reasons why I set time for slowness:

1. I Don’t want to hustle in the wrong direction
   Slowing down and making time for clarity can help me see if I am too busy running with my head down. If I can't see the sparkles in the corner of my eye then I might have missed the mark.

2. Can’t hustle if I’m dead.
   If my goal is to succeed, then I have to be willing to take the time to honor what my mind, body, and spirit need to stay healthy.

3. To tame my emotions.
   This is something I am still in the process of, but slowness does help me to become aware of my own emotions and I tend to harness more control when I understand how exactly I am feeling.

4. I make better decisions too when my mind isn't racing. It is free to absorb information, assess the circumstances, and make a good decision.

So, yes this is why i made this space for slowness and I am very humbled to still be here (for you).