The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down - Haemin Sunim

 

The book still touches my heart every time I read it. The author, Haemin Sunim, is a Buddhist monk renowned for his teachings on mindfulness, healthy living, and cultivating a peaceful mind. Although mindfulness may seem complex at first, simply being mindful in everything you do can make a difference. Below are the key areas the author focuses on in this book.

Rest and Slowing Down

The first chapter, Rest and Slowing Down, addresses an essential element we often overlook in our fast-paced world. Rest and laziness are often mistaken for each other. When we focus solely on our goals, we tend to overwork ourselves. However, we are not machines—the journey should bring us joy, not just the destination. Rest helps us refocus and gain clarity about our actions.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is key to happiness because it allows us to concentrate on our thoughts and actions in a distracting world. If we dwell on what we lack, we remain in a state of distraction and desire. However, if we shift our focus to what we have, we learn to be grateful. Ultimately, a simple life offers the luxury of peace and happiness.

Life and Happiness

In the chapter on Life and Happiness, the author explains that life truly begins when you stop expecting and comparing yourself to others. For example, both the sun and the moon shine in their own time—they simply appear at the right moment. When you tie your happiness entirely to a specific goal, it becomes difficult to attain true joy. Instead, learn to enjoy the journey itself, not just the destination.

Love and Relationship

In the chapter on Love and Relationship, the author explains that love means accepting not only a person’s strengths but also their weaknesses. More importantly, if you want to be loved, start by loving yourself because "A beautiful mind creates a beautiful world."

“Happiness does not come from success, fame, or money. It comes from inner peace.”

Personal Reflection:

Even though I’m not a big fan of these kinds of books, and as an overthinker, it's a bit hard for me to handle the constant stream of thoughts running through my head. But the art of slowing down has helped me become better. If you ask yourself why you rush through things, you’ll find the reason behind it. Often, the answer is time—it’s in your hands.

For example, if you fix your sleep schedule, have a proper wake-up time, and plan your day in advance, half of the rush will disappear. Here are a few things that helped me hold onto a sense of mindfulness. This is not advice or a set of activities to follow. What worked for me may not work for you. But try to figure out what works for you through trial and error. 

Art of solitude:
Have you ever just sat with your eyes closed, letting your thoughts flow, and observed how you feel?
If not, try setting a 30-minute timer. At first, your mind might be restless, but soon, your thoughts will settle. In that stillness, you’ll find clarity—and maybe even new ideas to help you implement your plans. Just sit, observe, and reflect.

Journal: 

Try journaling your thoughts—write what you feel, why you feel it, and how you feel. Note down every detail of your thoughts. The more you write, the clearer your mind becomes. There’s a quote from a movie: “Good things happen to people who write.” When you write, don’t forget to include what you truly want in life and how you plan to achieve it. Writing brings clarity, and with clarity comes direction.

Walking Barefoot
Take some time in your day to walk barefoot. Don’t focus on the path—just experience what you feel beneath your feet. Feel each step one by one. Don’t let your thoughts rush to the endpoint; instead, focus on each step. Feel the road, feel the path, and eventually, you will feel your breath.

Label Your Thoughts
Whatever thoughts come to you, start labeling them—Peaceful, Distraction, Love, Destructive, Growth. Imagine four boxes in your mind and sort your thoughts accordingly. As you do this, you’ll notice unnecessary thoughts fading away, leaving only the meaningful ones. If you clearly label your emotions as they arise, you’ll notice they lose their grip on you. 

Instead of saying, “I am sad,” say, “I am experiencing sadness.” This small shift in wording creates emotional space and helps you detach from overwhelming feelings.

“Your thoughts create your reality. Choose them wisely.”