How to slow down
With so many of us working from home, the morning rush has disappeared. Cancelled activities means time on our hands. Closed businesses and layoffs may have us wondering what to do with ourselves. Find out how these Canadians are slowing down, and what they're learning about themselves in the process.
The 'new normal' is forcing Canadians take a breath from their busy lives
Even now, with many of us stuck at home, carving out the time or finding the space to slow down can feel impossible.
And then, when you do, what does it even look like? How do you silence the voice that just keeps nagging you about all the things you need to do?
On this Now or Never we are doing our best to quiet that voice, and pressing the pause button with Canadians who are finding creative ways to slow down.
- It's easy to tell somebody that they should slow down and take a break — but try saying that to single parent Dara Squires. The Newfoundland mom-of-three is struggling to find a moment to focus on herself... That isn't at 1:30 in the morning.
- Meet Yellowknife birdwatcher Reid Hildebrandt. Every morning, he heads to the water to observe the birds. What has he learned about the rewards of sitting very still and very quiet for a very long time?
- Shanelle McKenzie is used to hustling, growing up with a mother who she saw as "Superwoman," but who seldom took a break for herself. Drop in on a conversation with Shanelle and her daughter Kallie, about how they are learning to slow down together.
- Could you go 24 hours without your cell phone? That's precisely what Winnipeg teenager Richard Ilagan did — which taught him an important lesson about slowing down and disconnecting.
- When the pandemic hit, Cara Manuel of Radeyilikoe, NWT, re-engaged with the arduous traditional process of tanning moose hide, giving her rare moments of reflection and ancestral connection.
- Twice a week, people get together online on YouTube to watch Jeff Warren do... nothing. The Canadian meditation expert explains why he created the "most boring" videos ever and why slowing down is important for ourselves and our communities.