Spiritual Connection: When we slow our outer pace, we often become more aware of our inner world. Maybe “lazy” isn't always lazy. Sometimes it's simply being present enough to notice what we've been rushing past.

The sloth reminds us that even the universe seems to have a “Do Not Disturb” setting. Nature doesn't operate at one constant speed. There are seasons of growth and seasons of dormancy. There are times to bloom, times to release, times to gather energy, and times to create and renew.

Why should we imagine that human beings are somehow exempt from this rhythm? In fact, science has actually confirmed what our friend the sloth already knows: Daily and annual life rhythms are biological patterns driven by Earth's rotation and orbit. These cycles—called circadian, ultradian, and circannual rhythms—help plants, animals, and humans sleep, hunt, breed, and migrate at the right times for survival.

Circadian rhythms are roughly 24-hour cycles that help regulate sleep, wakefulness, hormones, body temperature and other biological functions. And within those larger daily cycles are ultradian rhythms, shorter cycles that move us between periods of activity and restoration throughout the day. According to the science, we should take a 15-30 minute break (and do something totally different from what we've been doing) every 90-120 minutes throughout the day. That means step away from your work task, rest your eyes, move, go outside, grab a glass of water, etc.  A circannual rhythm is an internal biological cycle that lasts for approximately one year, and impacts human changes in mood, sleep, andimmunity. The circannual rhythms also trigger seasonal behaviors like animal hibernation, plant flowering, migration, and even antler growth.

In other words, our biology isn't designed to run at full throttle 24/7. We are rhythmic beings. Perhaps the wisdom isn't in resisting those rhythms, but in learning to listen to them.

Spiritual Connection: Rest isn't necessarily the opposite of growth. Rest can be one of the conditions that makes growth possible.

The sloth does move. Just not particularly quickly. And therein lies a lesson.

We sometimes mistake speed for progress. But moving quickly and moving meaningfully are not the same thing. Wow! That's a really powerful a-ha! It's like confusing activity for accomplishment!

When we left the corporate world to create our own business, we felt overwhelmed by all the things we needed to do! And it seemed like everyone had advice for us on how to do it! We worked at such a feverish pitch that we finally wore ourselves out! We looked at each other and said: This is NOT what we left our corporate jobs to do ... and this is NOT how we want to be! 

We gave ourselves a two-week sabbatical to reflect, plan, and brainstorm. No commitments -- no marketing calls -- no demands or 'have-tos' -- no To-Do lists. Just joyful planning, dreaming, and questioning unquestioned answers! That slowed down pace was like a infusion of energy! As a result, we restructured everything -- and our business soared to higher levels of success than we could have imagined! It was a WOW moment we have never forgotten! It led us to create our life-work mantra: First, determine your lifestyle. Then wrap your work around it!

Spiritual Connection: Your journey is still a journey when you're taking the scenic route. Progress doesn't have to be dramatic to be real. Sometimes one small step, thoughtfully taken, is more meaningful than ten frantic ones.

The sloth is remarkably economical with its energy. It doesn't burn fuel simply to look busy.

We recall how it used to be a badge of success to have a full calendar -- and bragging rights went to those professionals who never took time off. They were sooooo successful! Until they weren't! We quickly learned how important it is to take care of ourselves, and value our time! Not every invitation deserved a YES! 

Spiritual Connection: Not everything deserves our energy! What if we changed the question from “What should I fill my day with today?” to “What is truly worthy of my energy today?”

When every moment is occupied, there is very little room for intuition, imagination, reflection or simply being.

Imagine intentionally creating a little space in your day where nothing needs to happen. No productivity goal. No achievement.  No task. No scrolling. No “catching up.” Just...nothing.

At first, that can feel surprisingly uncomfortable. We have become so accustomed to filling every available space that empty space can feel almost suspicious. But emptiness isn't necessarily a void. Sometimes it's an invitation.

In our retreats and Spiritual Gatherings, we hear over and over how difficult it is for folks to meditate. We believe one of the reasons is because they have this unrealistic idea that meditation is about controlling the mind, and being still. They enter into it with so many "have to's" and expectations -- and of course they experience stress doing the very thing that is supposed to ease their stress! 

Imagine their surprise when we say, don't meditate right now! Just take 5 minutes to sit -- or walk -- without any reason. See what comes up for you. The results are often life-changing! People realize that when we stop filling every moment with activity, expectations, and goals, something unexpected can emerge:

• A new idea.
• A realization.
• A creative impulse.
• A feeling we've been avoiding.
• A deeper awareness of what we actually want.
• Or perhaps simply the profound realization that we don't have to be doing something every second to justify our existence.

Give it a try -- The sloth would probably approve.

Spiritual Connection: Emptiness isn't necessarily a void. Sometimes it's an invitation. What might arise if you gave yourself 20 minutes today with nothing to accomplish?