Slowing Down To Appreciate Life
The simple joy of coffee or tea
I recently came across a word I’d never heard before. It seems like one of those newfangled modern words like cheugy or rizz (I don’t have kids, so all this modern slang is totally beyond me!).
It was: slowmaxxing. Which is defined as the practice of embracing a slower pace of life at odds with modern day hustle culture. e.g. I’ve been slowmaxxing my mornings lately, taking time to make a pour-over and cook breakfast at home.
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of work, responsibilities, and endless to-do lists. We're often so focused on the future that we forget to savour the present. But sometimes, slowing down—even for just a few moments—can help us reconnect with ourselves and appreciate the beauty around us, and get our little dose of wonder.
And what better way to do that than with a simple cup of coffee or tea?
I am a self-proclaimed coffee snob. I’m not like a wine connoisseur or anything. I can’t taste different notes in my coffee or anything like that. So maybe I’m not too snobbish. But I do enjoy a good cup of coffee. That’s mine and my husband’s ‘thing’. We don’t drink alcohol, so going for a nice cup of coffee (and usually a treat!) from a local, independent cafe is something we enjoy doing on the weekends. During the week I make do with my Nespresso machine and milk frother, and the espresso machine in my office.
The Power of Slowing Down
We live in an era where productivity is prized above all else (ugh to this hustle culture!), and the constant pressure to stay busy can be overwhelming. We're always rushing, always moving from one task to the next, and often, we forget to stop and breathe. (Reminder: take a moment right now to unclench your jaw. You’re welcome).
However, there's a growing recognition of the importance of slowing down, of taking time to simply be. Even though, as someone who always feels the need to be ‘go go go’, that can be easier said than done!
Taking a step back to appreciate the moment allows us to reflect on the little things in life that often go unnoticed—whether it’s the sound of birds chirping in the morning or the feeling of the sun warming our skin.
By taking a mindful approach to our daily activities, we can reconnect with our sense of purpose and cultivate gratitude for what we have.
This is exactly why I love my early mornings. I’m an early bird, so even on the weekends I wake up at 6:30 or 7am. And then I have some peace and quiet for a mindful start to my day - with my daily yoga and movement and meditation practice, and then getting around to making a comforting cappuccino to wake up the mind after waking up the body.
The Ritual of Coffee or Tea: A Moment of Mindfulness
One of the simplest and most accessible ways to slow down and embrace the present is by enjoying a warm cup of coffee or tea. Whether it’s the comforting aroma of freshly brewed cup ‘o joe or the calming steam rising from a cup of tea, both offer an opportunity to pause, reset, and indulge in a moment of self-care.
(Side note: A nice cup of coffee is my reward after going for an early morning run.)
The act of preparing and drinking coffee or tea can become a ritual that encourages mindfulness. When we make a conscious effort to appreciate each step—whether it's boiling the water, watching the tea leaves unfurl, or savouring the first sip—we begin to slow down, focusing solely on the present. In a world full of distractions, these quiet moments become a form of meditation, offering peace amidst the chaos.
The Benefits of Slowing Down with Coffee or Tea
Boosts Mental Clarity: Taking a break to enjoy a warm drink allows you to reset your mind, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Whether it’s the caffeine in coffee or the soothing effects of herbal tea, they can help clear mental fog and provide a moment of clarity.
Encourages Self-Care: The act of making time for a cup of coffee or tea is an act of self-care in itself. It’s an intentional pause, a way to prioritize your own well-being. These moments can remind you that it's okay to slow down and take care of yourself amidst the busyness of life. I think this is why I like coffee (and tea). It feels like a warm hug.
Fosters Connection: Sharing a cup of coffee or tea with others can strengthen social bonds. Whether it’s catching up with a friend, having a heart-to-heart conversation with a loved one, or simply enjoying each other’s company in silence, this simple gesture can help us cultivate deeper connections with those around us.
Enhances Mindfulness: The sensory experience of drinking coffee or tea—feeling the warmth of the cup in your hands, inhaling the aroma, tasting the flavours—can help ground you in the present moment. It’s a reminder to slow down and appreciate the small joys of life. You can do a simple meditation around the act of drinking your coffee or tea, and really noticing each aspect of the drinking of the beverage.
Embracing the Small Moments
Slowing down doesn't mean we have to drastically change our lives or take huge steps toward relaxation. Instead, it’s more about finding small, simple moments where we can reconnect with ourselves. Whether it's taking a five-minute break to sip your favourite tea, savouring a cup of coffee in silence, or even enjoying the quiet moments before the day begins, these tiny rituals can have a profound impact on our well-being.
As we begin to slow down and appreciate the little things, we can experience life more fully. In those peaceful moments with a warm cup in hand, we find space to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with the present.
So, the next time you feel caught in the hustle and bustle of life and want to step off that hamster wheel, take a moment to pause, enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, and savour the stillness.
It’s in these simple acts of mindfulness that we truly come alive. I’ll be with you in spirit, with my coffee in hand.
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Slow mornings are food for the soul.
Saturday and Sunday mornings are reserved for reflection, reading, and meditation. This is my sacred time. 😊
Totally with you on this…and just happen to have stepped out slowmaxxing with a coffee at my local indie coffee shop having completed a report for work.