The Art of Slowing Down: Why We Need Stillness In This Fast World

We live in a world that’s obsessed with hustle, and I’m certainly guilty of this at times. Juggling full-time work, kids, after-school activities and running a household, it gets a little crazy around here. Our schedules are packed; our attention is pulled in every direction.

We forget to pause.  BREATHE.

For me, that pause comes through art. Each line I paint is a moment noticed and honoured. In a world rushing forward, I choose to linger.

Why Are We So Uncomfortable with Stillness?

If you’ve ever felt guilty for doing nothing, you’re not alone. We’re wired to think that busyness = success, and that pausing means we’re being lazy. But spoiler alert: rest is not laziness.

Without pause, there's no reflection. Without stillness, we miss the subtle moments—the fleeting thoughts, the passing feelings, the small details that make life rich. Stillness gives us back the ability to feel fully alive.

Slowness as a Mindful Practice

Slowing down is about presence. Whether it’s through breathing, walking, or creating, mindful slowness reconnects us to what’s real.

In my creative process, I often explore this by working with repetition and lines. Each stroke becomes a meditation. Each layer, a reminder: You are here, now.

Slowness becomes a kind of freedom. It invites intuition, inner listening, and gentle reflection. For me, this is where true creativity lives—not in the rush to produce, but in the quiet unfolding of attention.

Slowness is a reset button—a button we all need to press more often.

Creating Space for Stillness

You don’t need to be an artist to experience this. Here are a few ways to invite stillness into your day:

• Take five minutes to sit in silence – sit outside in the morning sun (for bonus points to reset your circadian rhythm!) or look out a window

• Try a mindful drawing exercise or doodle for 5 minutes—slow, simple, and without judgment

• Walk without a podcast or music—just your feet and your senses, noticing colours, textures, and sounds

• Do some gardening- pull out some weeds for 5 minutes, or water the garden

Slowness is not a weakness. It’s a strength. It’s a conscious decision to live with more intention, more softness, more clarity. In choosing stillness, we reclaim the moments that truly matter.

Through my art, I strive to create a space for those moments—for the unseen, the quiet, the in-between. And maybe, in doing so, I invite others to slow down, too.