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Learn to Slow Down – Insights for Your Life and My Retreats
Hello everyone,
I’m writing to you today directly from my Mercedes lady Moglia, overlooking the sea amid a strong breeze shaking my car at over 40 km/h. I actually wanted to catch up on some pending work, but my heart spontaneously urged me to share some thoughts that have been on my mind after my intense four-week journey through Germany.
Why do we rush through life?
During my time in various parts of Germany – from north to south, east to west – two things struck me especially: the beauty of encounters with people who weren’t in a hurry, and the constant running many others do. Not running physically, but a mental and emotional nonstop race.
Many of us are caught in a constant “marathon” of thoughts and fears: not being good enough, fear of illness, job loss, or rejection. These stressors keep our nervous system on high alert. This inner race leads to exhaustion, tension, and even physical ailments.
The art of pausing
What did I learn? The most precious encounters were those where people were truly present, relaxed, and fully in the here and now. For example, Jens, who asked me to push him in his wheelchair through Hamburg, or the older gentleman from Bulgaria who shared a smile and stories of lost dreams on the train.
Such moments show me that deep connections arise not through fast talking or doing, but through conscious, vulnerable, and loving togetherness.
Understanding the nervous system and consciously relaxing
Did you know our nervous system reacts to chronic stress with “freeze, fight, or flight”? True, lions aren’t our enemies anymore, but our fears and worries can be just as powerful. Constant overwhelm can lead to physical pain, insomnia, and psychosomatic symptoms.
The key is to consciously disengage from this mental running and create small islands of calm.
Small breaks in everyday life – more than just vacation
Here’s my tip: use your waiting times as mini retreats for your mind. Instead of constantly thinking about to-do lists and worries, consciously connect with your body. Breathe deeply in and out, hum a song, or exhale loudly. Turn off the inner chatter intentionally.
Exercise:
Ask your body: “Which sound would you like to express right now?”
Then make that sound out loud. A few times. Feel how the vibration and resonance spread through your body—even after the sound has ended.
Next, ask your body: “Which sound would you like to receive?”
Repeat the exercise by making that sound and noticing its effect in your body.
If you feel shy or are somewhere where you can’t make sound out loud, you can do the exercise silently in your mind—it is just as effective!
These little “mental vacation spots” give you new strength and create deep relaxation that positively affects your entire life. I myself have learned to stay mostly calm despite the fast pace in Germany – a lesson I’m happy to share with you.
When are my retreats exactly right for you?
If you’re ready to question your “faster-higher-further” mode, slow down, and give your body and mind deep rest, I warmly invite you to my retreats. Whether in Ghana, Morocco or Gambia – my programs are specially designed to help you break free from mental racing and reconnect with your true, joyful, peaceful self and nature.
In small groups or individually, I guide you to lasting calm and renewed zest for life – a gift that will enrich your life far beyond the retreat.
