Slow Down

There is a line from one of the catchier tunes of the '60s by Simon and Garfunkel that says, "Slow down, you move too fast. Got to make the morning last." I have always liked that sentiment. Unfortunately, we Americans always seem to be in a hurry. We need our computers to take us from one sight to another instantly. When we see the traffic light getting ready to turn red, we speed up and pass through it to avoid waiting at that intersection. A day does not pass when most of us do not use a microwave oven to make our drink or food instantly hot. In fact, not too long ago I came to a microwave that had three seconds left on its timer. I was struck by how the person ahead of me - whoever that was - apparently could not wait another three seconds for the timer to be done.

Some tangible benefits of "slow"were outlined nicely in a recent edition of "The Nation" magazine by Walter Mosley, a member of that publication's editorial board. One of the benefits that jumped out at me had to do with listening, a vital aspect of communicating, yet, sadly, one that is often overlooked. Here is what Mosley wrote: "Slow down for conversation. Don't cut people off in your haste to get your two cents in. Listen - really listen - to what others are saying, instead of using the time to compose your rebuttal. Stop to think before saying (or posting or texting) something you may regret later." Thank you, Walter Mosley, and hats off to his researcher, Rae Gomes.

I confess I do not always follow the sentiment of Mosley's comments. Is there any one who does? Yet if we are going to be the best communicators we can possibly be - as individuals and as representatives of entities ranging from organizations, our families or places of employment - then slowing down to make any attempt at meaningful interaction or information-sharing possible seems to be a good way to go. Other than yelling out for someone to watch out for an approaching vehicle, for example, I believe most of what any of us has to say or communicate can wait at least a few moments longer while we digest what has just been said to us. Ironically, good listening begets good listening. And good listening is necessary for good communication to occur. Slow down everyone.