Do you ever feel like the days, weeks and months are going by way too fast?

I often become overwhelmed by the sheer speed of life and how much I need to get done in what feels like not nearly enough time to do it.

Life is busy.

I’m not sure if I’m just getting older or if the world we live in is getting busier and faster, but I’m trying to take a step back and enjoy the simple things in life. Having a child is a constant reminder of how quickly time fly’s by, they just keep getting bigger and smarter, and I have made a commitment not to miss all the beautiful little things that happen each and every day right before my eyes. Delving into the philosophy of yoga is teaching me that all we really have is this moment, and all we can do is embrace and enjoy each second as we live it. Rather than regretting the past or stressing about the future bring yourself back into the present moment and pay attention to what is happening. By tuning into the senses we can immediately bring ourselves into the here and now, listen to the sounds around you, really look at what is in front of you, feel the sensations on your skin and the temperature of your body and most importantly, taste your food.

How often do you find yourself standing at the cupboard eating without actually tasting? Or do you sit in front of the television and scoff your dinner, finishing it feeling dissatisfied?

This brings me to an interesting topic I’ve recently come across, a growing movement in Australia, and around the world, called ‘slow food’. By embracing the slow food movement you learn to enjoy food all the way from growing to eating, and everything in between. It is all about educating communities on where their food comes from, how to prepare foods to enhance the flavours, how to enjoy food with friends and family and much more. Now I’m not saying we should all go out and change the world by becoming slow food activists, but I feel there’s lessons to learn and the facts are we need to slow the hell down!

Digestion begins in the mouth and before we swallow, our food should be liquefied. This means you should chew each mouthful at least 20 times, yes that’s right 20! Next time you eat pay attention to the consistency of your food as you swallow, and remember what is not broken down in your mouth needs to be done so in your stomach or worse, your colon, and this is where your poor overworked body runs into all sorts of troubles.

The choice is yours, life in the fast lane or put your indicator on and ease yourself over to the left. I know where I stand on the subject, I intend to stop and smell the locally bought, organic apples.

Check it out for yourself at slowfoodaustralia.com.au.