Lojong Slogan 35 ~ Don't try to be the fastest

This is part 35 of my series on Lojong ~ A Buddhist mind training techniqueThis slogan asks that we slow down, take time to experience life instead of rushing for the next goal. Our society here in the west is very focused on who can do it first, the fastest and who is busiest, and we sometimes miss the journey along the way. Instead of focusing on the task in front of us or enjoying what's happening right now our minds are jumping ahead to what comes next. This extends to our spiritual practice as well. We want to take all the courses available right now and move through the levels at lightning speed when we would likely benefit from taking some time to sit with our spirituality and absorb whatever we are striving to learn. Spirituality like many things in life, is a practice. For example, I'm a yogini, but just because I've 'mastered' downward facing dog I'm not going to stop doing it- and perfecting it a little more.Slogan practice is about building awareness and compassion both formally as we learn about the slogans and contemplate them, but also in our daily life. It isn't about getting somewhere, but rather being where you are and meeting others wherever they are in their journey. Acharya Judy Lief writes:

Instead of beating yourself up with the slogans, you use them as sharp but gentle reminders that awakening is immediate and available.

Let's all try to slow down and be gentle with ourselves and others today.