In a Relaxed Manner

June 27, 2013
This morning, before it got too hot, I walked 45 minutes from the Mount into Scotch Plains and back. I'm a naturally fast walker. In fact, I do most things fast: eat, talk, drive - and lose things fast, too!!!
On this walk, I was thinking of the first book I read by someone who did the Camino: Walk in a Relaxed Manner, by Joyce Rupp. I'm not chiding myself for walking fast, especially while training for the Camino, but the title certainly does call me to reflect on the gifts that could come from slowing down.

Sr. Lisa Gambacorto, the Directress at Mount St. Mary Academy, made great strides last month in getting everyone to slow down on the hill. I always see cars whipping up the hill past the House of Prayer, especially in the early hours before school is set to begin. It's dangerous - especially to the Academy girls, who have a tendency to walk 3, 4, 5 abreast! It really is a miracle no one has gotten hit. So, Lisa's efforts made us all aware of how fast we really were driving up the hill... even 25 mph was 10 miles over the speed limit!

One day, as I consciously slowed down to the speed limit, the title of Joyce Rupp's book came to my mind with a twist: Drive in a Relaxed Manner. Then I started to think of all the things I do fast: Eat in a Relaxed Manner; Talk in a Relaxed Manner. What I'll need is conscious awareness! So, if you see me going at my usual speed, I won't mind if you remind me: "in a relaxed manner, Mary Jo!"