Slowing down is a recent theme I’m not shaking. I talked about it in last month’s publisher’s letter, and then I read an article about the Lying Flat (tang ping) movement in China, where mostly younger people are shunning pressure to succeed, quitting high-stress and long-hours jobs, and opting for a more minimalist lifestyle. I interpreted this movement as simply “slowing down,” and it sounded healthy and reasonable to me—but after doing a little internet research, I doubted myself for a moment. The China Communist Party rejects the idea and has censored discussion groups on the subject. China state media has called it shameful, and other leaders within Chinese society have said participants in the movement are irresponsible, disappointing to parents and millions of taxpayers. 

In the United States, we also tend to hold wealthier people in high esteem and consider them more successful. It’s hard to accept that things are changing, that the prevailing way isn’t working for a lot of people around the world, and they’re not operating by the “rules” any longer. 

Which brings me to a quote from Katie Kritikos in this month’s article Katie Kritikos on Secrets to a Joyful and Authentic Life. She says, “Authenticity means realizing I don’t have to follow other people’s paths. I can find what works for me and be true to myself.” When I read that, it struck me that overcoming societal judgments to discover your path is important, but first you have to slow down enough to connect with your authentic self.

So I think we could all benefit by lying a little flatter. Perhaps it would help us moderate the noise in our society, understand what is truly meaningful to us, and prioritize the meaningful things in our lives—being less reactive and more intentional. 

Wishing you some tang ping this month, 

Shannon

P.S. Jumping Jacks for Joy, by Charlotte’s Big Joy Theory, is an example of how to generate joy. I’d like to suggest hula hooping for joy. My friend and fellow Natural Awakenings publisher, Jordan Peschek, gifted me her hula hoop several years ago, and now when I feel bogged down, I hula hoop for a couple of minutes on my back deck. It always makes me smile 😊. Thank you, Jordan!