Taking one's time is not something that's widely encouraged or practiced. Contemporary society is so fast-paced, most of us have trouble keeping up. We're all conditioned to function at maximum speed and efficiency in order to be successful.

From the point when we wake up in the morning till we finally lay our weary bodies to rest at night, we are perpetually rushing from one task or place to another. We often also rush through our meals, in order to meet our deadlines or quotas.

But because of our haste, our experience of life and the things around us becomes fleeting and halfhearted. We miss the full experience of the process because we are too preoccupied with getting the final result.

Life is not about rushing through certain perceived inconveniences or required tasks in order to reach our next source of satisfaction.

Everyday, find some time for yourself to take your time with something. Alight a few bus stops early and take a slow walk to work. Order food that looks appetizing to you and enjoy it without hurry. Allow yourself to fully comprehend and appreciate the language used in a good book.

As you do all these things, allow yourself to appreciate the beauty and wonder in the world. Open your senses fully to each experience. You'll find many comforting and satisfying details you never noticed before.

Eugene Loh