Everyday Little Habits
By Aynsley Vermilya, Derived from Tabl•Ed sessions by Daniel Rife
The practices we talked about in our last article (silence, solitude, Sabbath, and simplicity) all point toward one overarching theme: slowing down. Our world pushes us to move faster, achieve more, and constantly be connected, but the way of Jesus is different. His life was marked by an unhurried pace—one that made space for people, for presence, and for love.
Slowing down isn’t just about reducing stress; it’s about reorienting our souls toward God and others. It’s about creating space to abide in Christ, to listen, to love, and to live fully present.
Slowing as a Spiritual Discipline
Most books on spiritual disciplines don’t list slowing as a formal practice, yet it is essential for reclaiming a life that aligns with the Kingdom of God. We live in an age unlike any before—one of instant gratification, constant connectivity, and endless options. Jesus didn’t have a smartphone or a 40-hour workweek, but he did model a life of presence, patience, and peace.
“We urge you, brothers and sisters … to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life.”
– 1 Thessalonians 4:10-11
The discipline of slowing is about resisting the cultural pull toward hurry and choosing instead to embrace a life of presence. It’s about saying no to distractions, no to busyness as a status symbol, and no to the belief that our worth is tied to productivity.
The Cost of a Hurried Life
Hurry dulls our spiritual senses. It keeps us from noticing the small ways God is at work, from being present with the people around us, and from engaging in deep, transformative relationships. It also creates anxiety, burnout, and a sense that we are never doing enough.
When we live in a state of constant hurry, we end up:
Prioritizing efficiency over depth
Struggling to hear God’s voice in the noise
Treating people as interruptions rather than invitations
Sacrificing joy, peace, and contentment for the illusion of productivity
But there is another way. A way modeled by Jesus. A way that leads to rest for our souls.
Practices of Slowing
If we want to resist the pull of hurry, we must intentionally train ourselves in the practice of slowing. Here are some simple, countercultural ways to build a slower, more intentional rhythm of life:
1. Drive the Speed Limit (or Slower!)
Our instinct is to rush from one place to the next, but what if we saw driving as an opportunity for mindfulness? Try choosing the slow lane, resisting the urge to speed, and using travel time as a moment of prayer and presence.
2. Choose the Longest Checkout Line
Instead of always looking for the fastest way through, consider the checkout line an opportunity for patience. Use the time to observe, pray for those around you, or strike up a conversation.
3. Put Boundaries on Your Phone Use
Technology is one of the greatest contributors to hurry and distraction. A few simple habits can transform your relationship with your devices:
Turn your smartphone into a “dumbphone” (limit notifications, remove distracting apps)
“Parent” your phone (put it to bed before you do, keep it out of your bedroom)
Keep your phone off in the morning (start the day with stillness rather than scrolling)
4. Practice Single-Tasking
Multitasking is a myth—it divides our attention and diminishes our ability to be present. Try focusing on one task at a time. When you’re eating, just eat. When you’re with someone, give them your full attention.
5. Take a Regular Day Alone
Silence and solitude aren’t just for monks. Set aside a day (or even a few hours) to be completely alone with no agenda, no distractions, just time with God.
6. Walk Slower
Our hurried pace often keeps us from noticing beauty. Make a habit of walking slower, paying attention to the sights, sounds, and people around you.
7. Cook and Eat Slowly
Instead of grabbing fast food or eating in a rush, take time to cook and enjoy your meals. Savor the flavors, give thanks, and use meals as moments of reflection and gratitude.
8. Take a True Sabbath
I know, we already mentioned this – but it’s worth repeating, because Sabbath is the ultimate act of slowing. One day a week, resist the temptation to work, strive, or produce, and instead embrace rest, worship, and delight.
9. Show Up Early (Without Your Phone)
We often rush into meetings, church, or gatherings at the last second, checking our phones until the moment begins. What if we showed up early, phone-free, and fully present?
10. Say No to the Non-Essential
Much of our hurry comes from overcommitment. Practice saying no to things that don’t align with your values, and give yourself margin for rest, reflection, and relationship.
A New Way of Living
Slowing down isn’t just about reducing stress—it’s about reclaiming the way of Jesus. It’s about living in a way that prioritizes presence over productivity, people over efficiency, and depth over speed.
Jesus invites us to a different way of life:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
– Matthew 11:28
What if we actually took that invitation seriously? What if we built our lives around rest, presence, and love instead of hurry, distraction, and achievement?
The practice of slowing is not about doing less for the sake of doing less—it’s about making space for what matters most. It’s about choosing a life of depth, meaning, and connection with God and others.
So today, consider: What’s one way you can intentionally slow down?
Because (as Mary Oliver said) attention is the beginning of devotion. And a slower life is one that makes space for loving both God and neighbor.
Creator’s Note: So many other authors have written about this topic, but the one who inspired some of the structure and content of these sessions and articles was John Mark Comer and his book, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry.
