reflecting back on 2018 with gratitudes
One of our core practices within our team is to practice gratitudes with one another. For us, this means a moment in which we not only acknowledge for ourselves something small that we appreciate, but a moment in which we verbalize those things to each other. As 2018 had been a momentous year for us as an organization, we wanted to share with you a few small moments of appreciation.
“This year I felt grateful for the people and objects that helped ground me in my body and give sense to time. My family in Colombia reminded me that I am a more than just a worker— I am a son, a brother, a cousin, a grandson and a partner. Family is a perpetual opportunity to practice love in real terms — at times effortless and at times very challenging. “
— Samuel
“2018 was a year of continuous learning - about new places (8 airports that I’d never flown to), new programs and new people. I am grateful for the choice, opportunities and support I have for me to work this way, as I look toward the new year, continuing this trend—returning to Thailand, Japan, Germany, Vietnam, the Philippines and perhaps beyond.”
— Akira
“I’m grateful for all the passageways and journeys in between destinations. I’m grateful for the persistent traveling and all it encompassed: airport lobbies, train stations, bus stops, and even bicycle racks. It was in those moments between Point A and Point B that I felt ‘suspended’ and in transition, remembering the people who I had just met and anticipating those whom I will meet. But our work at SoSM felt as if we were always moving towards the destinations farther than Point B, C, and more. I want to see where we all go in 2019.”
— Ái
“This was the year I formally signed on to become part of the School of Slow Media. More than anything, it has been a wonderful learning opportunity in being intentional with my thoughts, action and energy. In my past line of work in corporate sales, in spite of claiming to be the “no BS, straight-to-the-point” people of the company, there was still a surprising amount of politicking, feigning of appearances and raising of walls. It was an environment that also allowed you to get away with doing work in a half-hearted fashion since someone else could pick up the slack.
I’m thankful to have moved past that in the previous year.
Having the latitude here at SoSM to be open and honest with each other has been both liberating and also makes work easier to do. For example, taking the time at the start of any meeting to make sure we are all clear on what we are and aren’t discussing costs some time but saves a lot more in the long-run. Another more apparent one is the importance of checking in and checking out - this ensures everyone is fully present and invested in the meeting. We also never skip it even if we feel we’re running low on time. In the past I would have dismissed our practices for slowing down as either an unaffordable luxury or a waste of time. Now I see them as essential to how we function. The slowness allows us to intentionally use our energy to speed up when necessary.
With that, a big realization for me is the need to reexamine the definition of what it means to be efficient at work. For some it means filling your schedule to the brim such that you are rushing between meetings and are not fully present. But I believe that rushing brings more difficulties. It leaves you tired and unfocused. In trying to get everything done, you get nothing done.
2018 was the year I adjusted to this new mode of being. Of slowing down. Slowing down to enjoy the moment and to gather energy for the work ahead. Energy that I will use to share our message with the world.”
— Rafa
Share with us your gratitudes at hello@schoolofslowmedia.com