The Gentle Art of Slowing Down
The Gentle Art of Slowing Down
The Gentle Art of Slowing Down
Slowing down is more than just taking a break — it’s a conscious choice to live at a pace that allows space for reflection, connection, and clarity. In a world that celebrates speed, learning to slow down can feel radical, but it’s a powerful way to reclaim presence and peace.
Slowing down is more than just taking a break — it’s a conscious choice to live at a pace that allows space for reflection, connection, and clarity. In a world that celebrates speed, learning to slow down can feel radical, but it’s a powerful way to reclaim presence and peace.
Slowing down is more than just taking a break — it’s a conscious choice to live at a pace that allows space for reflection, connection, and clarity. In a world that celebrates speed, learning to slow down can feel radical, but it’s a powerful way to reclaim presence and peace.
July 5, 2025
July 5, 2025
July 5, 2025
Why slowing down feels so hard.
We live in a culture that celebrates speed — faster results, instant responses, constant productivity. In that environment, slowing down can feel uncomfortable, even risky. But when life moves too quickly, we often miss the moments that matter most.
Slowing down is not falling behind.
It’s easy to believe that if we stop, we’ll lose momentum or opportunities. In reality, slowing down allows us to act with more clarity and intention. When you take the time to pause, you see things you might have overlooked in the rush, and you make choices that better align with your values.
“Slowing down is not a sign of weakness. It’s a commitment to living fully.”
Slowing down doesn’t mean doing nothing. It means moving at a pace that feels sustainable — one where you can think clearly, breathe deeply, and stay connected to yourself. That might mean saying no to extra commitments, scheduling more breaks, or simply walking more slowly through your day.
The benefits you’ll notice.
When you slow down, stress levels drop. Your focus improves. Relationships deepen because you’re more present. And perhaps most importantly, you start to feel less like you’re chasing life and more like you’re living it.
Bringing it into your life.
Start small. Take a few minutes in the morning to drink your coffee without distractions. Step outside for fresh air between tasks. Leave a little extra time between appointments. These small acts can shift your entire day — and over time, your whole life.
Why slowing down feels so hard.
We live in a culture that celebrates speed — faster results, instant responses, constant productivity. In that environment, slowing down can feel uncomfortable, even risky. But when life moves too quickly, we often miss the moments that matter most.
Slowing down is not falling behind.
It’s easy to believe that if we stop, we’ll lose momentum or opportunities. In reality, slowing down allows us to act with more clarity and intention. When you take the time to pause, you see things you might have overlooked in the rush, and you make choices that better align with your values.
“Slowing down is not a sign of weakness. It’s a commitment to living fully.”
Slowing down doesn’t mean doing nothing. It means moving at a pace that feels sustainable — one where you can think clearly, breathe deeply, and stay connected to yourself. That might mean saying no to extra commitments, scheduling more breaks, or simply walking more slowly through your day.
The benefits you’ll notice.
When you slow down, stress levels drop. Your focus improves. Relationships deepen because you’re more present. And perhaps most importantly, you start to feel less like you’re chasing life and more like you’re living it.
Bringing it into your life.
Start small. Take a few minutes in the morning to drink your coffee without distractions. Step outside for fresh air between tasks. Leave a little extra time between appointments. These small acts can shift your entire day — and over time, your whole life.
Why slowing down feels so hard.
We live in a culture that celebrates speed — faster results, instant responses, constant productivity. In that environment, slowing down can feel uncomfortable, even risky. But when life moves too quickly, we often miss the moments that matter most.
Slowing down is not falling behind.
It’s easy to believe that if we stop, we’ll lose momentum or opportunities. In reality, slowing down allows us to act with more clarity and intention. When you take the time to pause, you see things you might have overlooked in the rush, and you make choices that better align with your values.
“Slowing down is not a sign of weakness. It’s a commitment to living fully.”
Slowing down doesn’t mean doing nothing. It means moving at a pace that feels sustainable — one where you can think clearly, breathe deeply, and stay connected to yourself. That might mean saying no to extra commitments, scheduling more breaks, or simply walking more slowly through your day.
The benefits you’ll notice.
When you slow down, stress levels drop. Your focus improves. Relationships deepen because you’re more present. And perhaps most importantly, you start to feel less like you’re chasing life and more like you’re living it.
Bringing it into your life.
Start small. Take a few minutes in the morning to drink your coffee without distractions. Step outside for fresh air between tasks. Leave a little extra time between appointments. These small acts can shift your entire day — and over time, your whole life.
— Anna Keller, Therapist & Founder of ClearPath
— Anna Keller, Therapist & Founder of ClearPath
— Anna Keller, Therapist & Founder of ClearPath
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our journal
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Your questions.
Answered.
Not sure what to expect? These answers might help you feel more confident as you begin.
What is CBT and how does it work?
Therapy isn’t just for crises. It’s for anyone curious about growth, clarity, or navigating life’s changes with more support and self-awareness.
What is CBT and how does it work?
Therapy isn’t just for crises. It’s for anyone curious about growth, clarity, or navigating life’s changes with more support and self-awareness.
What is Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy (CBH)?
What is Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy (CBH)?
CBH integrates evidence-based CBT methods with hypnosis and mindfulness techniques.
Hypnosis in CBH helps you enter a calm, focused state of attention where it can feel easier to learn, rehearse, and reinforce the new skills we are working on.
You remain fully conscious and in control at all times. Hypnosis simply creates the mental space and clarity needed to practise change more effectively.
What happens in a CBH session?
What happens in a CBH session?
Sessions generally follow a clear structure:
A brief check-in on how things have been since last time
Exploring what’s been getting in the way of the change you want
Learning a CBH tool tailored to your goal
Guided hypnosis or mindful practice to embed that skill
Agreeing a small, achievable action to practise between sessions
Think of CBH as a training process: each week you gain tools, build confidence, and strengthen new habits with support.
How many sessions will I need?
How many sessions will I need?
This varies depending on your goals and situation.
Many people start noticing progress within 5–12 sessions, especially with consistent practice between sessions.
Together, we review progress regularly and adjust our plan so you feel supported and not overwhelmed.
You are always in charge of how long you continue.
Can CBH be done online?
Can CBH be done online?
Yes, absolutely.
CBH can be just as effective online as in person, because the core elements (learning skills, practising focus, reviewing progress) translate extremely well to video sessions.
All you need is a quiet space, a stable internet connection, and headphones if possible.
Whether you are in Paris or elsewhere, you can access therapy in the language you feel most comfortable with.
Will I be in control during hypnosis?
Will I be in control during hypnosis?
Yes.
Hypnosis used in CBH is not about losing awareness or control; you remain fully conscious and able to stop at any time.
There is no stage hypnosis and nothing happens without your consent.It is simply a guided way of focusing attention so you can practise new responses with less interference from stress or overthinking.
Is CBH right for me?
Is CBH right for me?
CBH is a great fit if you are an adult who wants practical support with:
Anxiety, excessive worry or “what-if” thinking
Stress, tension and difficulty relaxing
Low self-esteem or confidence
Overthinking and rumination
Phobias (flying, animals, etc.)
Habits you want to change
Sleep difficulties
CBH is a supportive, skills-based therapy. It does not diagnose or treat mental illness and is not suitable if you:
Are in an acute mental health crisis
Experience psychosis or hallucinations
Have high-risk clinical depression or active suicidal thoughts
Require medical or psychiatric intervention
Your questions.
Answered.
Not sure what to expect? These answers might help you feel more confident as you begin.
What is CBT and how does it work?
Therapy isn’t just for crises. It’s for anyone curious about growth, clarity, or navigating life’s changes with more support and self-awareness.
What is CBT and how does it work?
Therapy isn’t just for crises. It’s for anyone curious about growth, clarity, or navigating life’s changes with more support and self-awareness.
What is Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy (CBH)?
What is Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy (CBH)?
CBH integrates evidence-based CBT methods with hypnosis and mindfulness techniques.
Hypnosis in CBH helps you enter a calm, focused state of attention where it can feel easier to learn, rehearse, and reinforce the new skills we are working on.
You remain fully conscious and in control at all times. Hypnosis simply creates the mental space and clarity needed to practise change more effectively.
What happens in a CBH session?
What happens in a CBH session?
Sessions generally follow a clear structure:
A brief check-in on how things have been since last time
Exploring what’s been getting in the way of the change you want
Learning a CBH tool tailored to your goal
Guided hypnosis or mindful practice to embed that skill
Agreeing a small, achievable action to practise between sessions
Think of CBH as a training process: each week you gain tools, build confidence, and strengthen new habits with support.
How many sessions will I need?
How many sessions will I need?
This varies depending on your goals and situation.
Many people start noticing progress within 5–12 sessions, especially with consistent practice between sessions.
Together, we review progress regularly and adjust our plan so you feel supported and not overwhelmed.
You are always in charge of how long you continue.
Can CBH be done online?
Can CBH be done online?
Yes, absolutely.
CBH can be just as effective online as in person, because the core elements (learning skills, practising focus, reviewing progress) translate extremely well to video sessions.
All you need is a quiet space, a stable internet connection, and headphones if possible.
Whether you are in Paris or elsewhere, you can access therapy in the language you feel most comfortable with.
Will I be in control during hypnosis?
Will I be in control during hypnosis?
Yes.
Hypnosis used in CBH is not about losing awareness or control; you remain fully conscious and able to stop at any time.
There is no stage hypnosis and nothing happens without your consent.It is simply a guided way of focusing attention so you can practise new responses with less interference from stress or overthinking.
Is CBH right for me?
Is CBH right for me?
CBH is a great fit if you are an adult who wants practical support with:
Anxiety, excessive worry or “what-if” thinking
Stress, tension and difficulty relaxing
Low self-esteem or confidence
Overthinking and rumination
Phobias (flying, animals, etc.)
Habits you want to change
Sleep difficulties
CBH is a supportive, skills-based therapy. It does not diagnose or treat mental illness and is not suitable if you:
Are in an acute mental health crisis
Experience psychosis or hallucinations
Have high-risk clinical depression or active suicidal thoughts
Require medical or psychiatric intervention
Your questions.
Answered.
Not sure what to expect? These answers might help you feel more confident as you begin.
What is CBT and how does it work?
Therapy isn’t just for crises. It’s for anyone curious about growth, clarity, or navigating life’s changes with more support and self-awareness.
What is CBT and how does it work?
Therapy isn’t just for crises. It’s for anyone curious about growth, clarity, or navigating life’s changes with more support and self-awareness.
What is Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy (CBH)?
What is Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy (CBH)?
CBH integrates evidence-based CBT methods with hypnosis and mindfulness techniques.
Hypnosis in CBH helps you enter a calm, focused state of attention where it can feel easier to learn, rehearse, and reinforce the new skills we are working on.
You remain fully conscious and in control at all times. Hypnosis simply creates the mental space and clarity needed to practise change more effectively.
What happens in a CBH session?
What happens in a CBH session?
Sessions generally follow a clear structure:
A brief check-in on how things have been since last time
Exploring what’s been getting in the way of the change you want
Learning a CBH tool tailored to your goal
Guided hypnosis or mindful practice to embed that skill
Agreeing a small, achievable action to practise between sessions
Think of CBH as a training process: each week you gain tools, build confidence, and strengthen new habits with support.
How many sessions will I need?
How many sessions will I need?
This varies depending on your goals and situation.
Many people start noticing progress within 5–12 sessions, especially with consistent practice between sessions.
Together, we review progress regularly and adjust our plan so you feel supported and not overwhelmed.
You are always in charge of how long you continue.
Can CBH be done online?
Can CBH be done online?
Yes, absolutely.
CBH can be just as effective online as in person, because the core elements (learning skills, practising focus, reviewing progress) translate extremely well to video sessions.
All you need is a quiet space, a stable internet connection, and headphones if possible.
Whether you are in Paris or elsewhere, you can access therapy in the language you feel most comfortable with.
Will I be in control during hypnosis?
Will I be in control during hypnosis?
Yes.
Hypnosis used in CBH is not about losing awareness or control; you remain fully conscious and able to stop at any time.
There is no stage hypnosis and nothing happens without your consent.It is simply a guided way of focusing attention so you can practise new responses with less interference from stress or overthinking.
Is CBH right for me?
Is CBH right for me?
CBH is a great fit if you are an adult who wants practical support with:
Anxiety, excessive worry or “what-if” thinking
Stress, tension and difficulty relaxing
Low self-esteem or confidence
Overthinking and rumination
Phobias (flying, animals, etc.)
Habits you want to change
Sleep difficulties
CBH is a supportive, skills-based therapy. It does not diagnose or treat mental illness and is not suitable if you:
Are in an acute mental health crisis
Experience psychosis or hallucinations
Have high-risk clinical depression or active suicidal thoughts
Require medical or psychiatric intervention