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Slow Down and Let Go: Oriah Mountain Dreamer’s Simple Path to Spiritual Growth
“There are only two instructions we need to follow to develop and deepen our spiritual life: slow down and let go.” — Oriah Mountain Dreamer
Life often feels like a race, doesn’t it? We’re caught in the rush of responsibilities, ambitions, and constant motion, trying to fit everything into the limited hours of a day. But as author Oriah Mountain Dreamer so beautifully reminds us, the path to a deeper, more meaningful spiritual life isn’t found in speeding up or holding tighter. It’s found in two deceptively simple instructions: “Slow down and let go.”
These words may seem straightforward, but their wisdom runs deep. They challenge the way we approach our lives and invite us to explore what it really means to live with intention, presence, and connection. Let’s break them down and see how they can transform not just our spiritual journey, but our entire way of being.
Slow Down: Reclaiming the Present Moment
Slowing down isn’t just about moving less—it’s about being more. In a world obsessed with productivity and speed, we’ve lost the art of presence. We rush from one task to the next, barely noticing the moments that make up our days. But slowing down invites us to pause, breathe, and truly experience life as it unfolds.
When you slow down, you start to notice things you missed before: the sound of the wind through the trees, the warmth of a loved one’s smile, the way the sunlight filters through your window. These moments may seem small, but they’re the threads that weave the fabric of a fulfilling life.
Slowing down also creates space for reflection. It allows you to connect with yourself, to ask the deeper questions: What do I truly value? What brings me joy? What do I need to let go of? These aren’t questions you can answer in the middle of a hectic schedule—they require stillness.
Let Go: Freeing Yourself from What Weighs You Down
Letting go is often harder than slowing down. We hold onto so much—grudges, regrets, expectations, old stories about who we are and who we’re supposed to be. But these things don’t serve us; they weigh us down, keeping us stuck in patterns that no longer align with who we want to become.
Letting go doesn’t mean giving up or losing control. It means releasing what no longer serves your highest good. It’s about trusting that by letting go of what you’re clinging to, you create space for something new and better to take its place.
Think of it like unclenching your fist. When you hold on too tightly, there’s no room to receive anything else. But when you let go, your hand is open, ready to catch whatever life offers next. Whether it’s forgiving someone, stepping away from a toxic situation, or simply releasing the need to be perfect, letting go is an act of liberation.
The Power of Combining the Two
Slowing down and letting go are powerful on their own, but together, they create a profound synergy. Slowing down gives you the awareness to see what’s truly weighing you down, and letting go allows you to move forward without the burdens of the past.
For example, imagine you’re overwhelmed at work. Slowing down might mean stepping back to evaluate what’s really important. Letting go might mean delegating tasks or releasing the unrealistic expectation that you have to do everything perfectly. Together, these practices free you from unnecessary stress and help you focus on what truly matters.
The same applies to spiritual growth. Slowing down gives you the space to connect with your inner self, while letting go allows you to release the fears, judgments, and attachments that block your connection to something greater.
Practical Ways to Slow Down and Let Go
Slowing down and letting go might sound simple, but they take practice. Start with small steps. Set aside a few minutes each day to sit in silence or take a slow walk without distractions. Notice how it feels to move through life without rushing.
As for letting go, begin with something small—a minor annoyance, a single “should” on your to-do list. Over time, work your way up to the bigger things. Journaling, meditation, and talking with a trusted friend or mentor can all help you identify what’s worth holding onto and what it’s time to release.
A Path Back to Yourself
Oriah Mountain Dreamer’s advice isn’t about abandoning your responsibilities or retreating from the world. It’s about finding balance and living with intention. When you slow down and let go, you create room to breathe, to grow, and to reconnect with the essence of who you are.
Spirituality doesn’t have to be complicated. It doesn’t require elaborate rituals or strict rules. Sometimes, all it takes is a deep breath, a moment of stillness, and the courage to let go of what no longer serves you.
