I have a nasty habit. It's one that I've been aware of for many years now, yet seemingly find it difficult to put a stop to. I suspect it is not merely a little annoyance for those spending time with me, but a symptom of something wider going on in my body, and perhaps our culture at large.

I eat very fast. My body seems to want to wolf down whatever is in front of me at maximum velocity. I seem to have my ancestors' scarcity mindset baked into my feeding brain, because as soon as a plate is presented to me, my fork is working its way through the food like a gold prospector catching a glimpse of glorious wealth.

‍

The Slowing Down Epoch

Much has been said on how this harsh period in our lives has forced us to reflect on the pacing of our society. Politicians and lobbyists grumble and activists yell at Cop26, crypto enthusiasts and Web3 nerds have been plotting our digital future, and office workers have been renegotiating their post-lockdown lives with varying success. But under the surface, something is brewing, and we only have a small window to ensure that it remains.

An alternative.

• An economy based less on growth velocity and more on bringing as many to the table as possible.
  ‍
• A vaccine plan not focused only on "key" economies getting back to speed (that metaphor itself is a concern) but on bringing the whole world into focus.
  ‍
• A normalisation that work comes second to mental health, to physical health, to spiritual health. That these are not things we must "fit in" around working hours.
  ‍
• An appreciation of the countless actions that are taking place around us every day that can be hard to notice, but allow us to do the things we want to do.
  ‍
• A deeper examination and appreciation of the indigenous cultures that still exist today, and those that have been made extinct, and what we may learn from those people that mirror how our ancestors operate. After all, we still carry their brains and bodies. We are not so far of as we would like to think.
  ‍
• A focus on community building rather than "personal brand" building. A normalisation of reciprocal giving rather than expensive gift giving. Creation of communities that support one another.
  ‍
• A reduction of HARDCORE workout gym culture, and a move toward emphasising that people do what makes their body feel good, wherever they are at. That the most healthy body is not a punished one, it is a comfortable, clear, relaxed one.

‍

Our brains are malleable. We know this. It can happen through a variety of methods, from exercise to meditation. But we are products of our culture. Of our society. When I wolf down my food, I know it is because my brain and my body are telling me to hurry up and get on with it so I can feel productive in other ways. I left London partly because I knew it was destroying my sense of well being. Not the place, or people, but the story it whispered in my ear: "Do More."

Now, here in another capital, in a slower place, I am recovering. It feels joyous. I wish that for the world, and will try in my small way to do it.

‍

Note, I've particularly enjoyed reading Rosie J Spinks' thoughts on this. I recommend subscribing to her newsletter for her great writing to appear regularly in your inbox.