Iron Rod Press Newsletter Vol. 2, No. 38

Falling in Love with Slowing Down

September 22, 2026 - I think we would all agree that life is crazy busy! Once I retired, I thought I could take it easy. Then when I was in the midst of planning my wedding earlier this year, I thought life would settle down after we tied the knot. Neither came true.

Today is the first day of the Fall Equinox, the date when day and night are roughly the same length. It signals a balance of sorts as we move away from summer, and inch our way towards winter.

One of the best ways to find balance in our lives is to slow down - maybe not a full on hibernation that many of our mammal forest friends employ. But something akin to it.

Here's a few thoughts to bring more stillness into your life:

1. Wake up slowly in the morning. Maybe you're not retired yet and still need to set an alarm. But why not set it 10-15 minutes earlier than you need to be up and bask in a few minutes of quiet time before the chaos begins.
2. Take intentional breaks from social media. As someone who puts out several videos a week in addition to this newsletter, this is a tough one for me. It's so easy to get caught up in everyone else's business that I forget to focus on my own.
3. In a similar way, take a break from noise - even good noise - while driving from time to time. No music, podcasts, or news. Just you and your thoughts on the road.
4. I've heard it said that we all need 20 minutes of nature time each day. And that if we don't have time for that, then we need an hour. Reconnect with the wonderful world God has created - even if it's just in your own backyard.
5. Make prayer/meditation a part of your daily life. Nothing will help calm your soul more than connecting with the Divine.

The world will continue on with or without you. But no one will help still your soul but you. Do your part to slow down and enjoy the peace that can be found among the chaos.

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So until next time, always keep your eye on the One that loves you most. Ciao!

Janine

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