I often hear people say things like, ‘I could slow down a bit and take more time for myself.’ I hear this sentiment frequently, whether in coaching conversations, during my programs as a reflection after an exercise, or even in my personal life. It really stands out. And every time I hear someone say it, I sense an underlying or more profound longing for more peace. More inner peace.

What is it that makes us give ourselves so little of that peace? Why do we keep rushing forward? It’s almost as if something outside of ourselves is driving us, a force pushing us to move faster and faster. But is that really the case?

I can also relate to that deep desire for more inner peace. Long ago, when I still worked for an employer, I noticed that my own pace, my internal rhythm, was slower than the general speed of the organization. From the moment I started working, I was moving at the speed organizations expected from me—or even faster. It brought me a lot, too. Quick decision-making, meeting deadlines, the feeling of accomplishing things quickly and then moving on! You might recognize that yourself.

Back then, I promised myself that I would create a work environment that aligned with my own inner rhythm and pace—the speed that truly fits me.

Now, over ten years later, I finally notice that my inner peace has completely reflected in my outer calm and pace. These two now mirror each other. But what took so long? I’ve realized that I maintained a higher speed mainly through my thinking, which became a strong habitual pattern—maybe even an addiction. An addiction to a speed that wasn’t really mine.

As I’ve gradually allowed my belly and heart intelligence to take the lead, my inner rhythm has grown stronger and become my proper foundation. I can still shift into a higher gear with my head when required, but it’s no longer my default mode.

How about you? What do you notice about your inner rhythm compared to the pace you’re actually living? Do they align, or might your external rhythm need to slow down a bit?

What’s fascinating is that the story I always told myself—‘slowing down makes you less productive’—turns out to be untrue. The more I live and work in line with who I truly am, the clearer I become about what I need to do, and things seem to flow more effortlessly. It’s like the noise disappears.

This week, try checking in with yourself a few times a day. Slow down, pause what you’re doing, and ‘listen’ to your inner pace—feel it, sense it. Respond to what it asks of you. And then notice what it brings you.

Wishing you lots of inner peace!