Practice Ways with Rachel Schwartzmann

Slowing, seasons, presence

Practice Ways is a monthly feature on Balance Practice that shares notes from writers, makers, coaches, and creatives, offering perspectives on what balance looks like as real life is happening.

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When I came upon

Rachel Schwartzmann

’s new book last autumn she had me with the title — Slowing. As the pace of modern life continues to accelerate, never has the possibility of slowing our cadence (and scroll) felt more appealing albeit challenging.

As Rachel points out in its early pages, the directive to slow down is thrown around so casually these days, a fleeting encouragement and common Instagram caption. But what are the results of slowing, really? Does it make us feel better? Different? How?

Rachel offers a breadth of insights as to how we might consider pace and time, spanning the beginning, middle, and end of our stories. The book, like her, is full of questions. I relate to this, so much, and suspect you might too. I think that’s what I love most about her work — her thoughtful inquiries create entry points to our own attention and practice. Like all of her writing, Slowing is something to sit with and savour, a gentle encouragement to take your time and see what’s there. Reading it feels like a meditation. The accompanying mantra that comes to mind is, There’s no rush.

Rachel furthers her exploration of slowing on

Slow Stories

here on Substack and her podcast is truly insightful, featuring guests from Pico Iyer to Maggie Smith. This week I lingered over her essay Be Slow in

Suleika Jaouad

’s latest, The Book of Alchemy, where she highlights the opportunity slowing creates for noticing, listening, and considering our moments with more honesty.

Some brief insights from Rachel…

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What’s feeling really good to you in this season? 
The season itself! I’ve always said I need to live in a place where all four seasons are able to show themselves off—and in that regard, New York never disappoints. I’ve also started to reclaim time and space to continue working on my next book which feels equally daunting and exciting, but I’m ready to rise to the occasion.

 What does balance look like for you right now?
Balance is often a nuanced idea, so I tend to substitute it with presence. And right now, presence looks like being engaged with my loved ones, myself, and the work that nourishes my creativity.

What practices support your sense of balance?
Enjoying daily walks in my neighborhood is integral to achieving a sense of balance. I’m lucky to live within walking distance of Prospect Park and take every opportunity to enjoy its rich natural beauty. I’m also a mother to a seven-year-old Lionhead rabbit named Pepper, and spending time with her always leaves me feeling restored.

What’s one gesture toward center you’d invite everyone reading to partake with you today?
Pay attention to life’s ordinary, tangible details. In other words, look up.

Photos courtesy of Rachel Schwartzmann.

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Rachel Schwartzmann is the author of Slowing and the writer of Slow Stories — a multimedia project that explores time, creativity, and pace. She also writes about books, creativity, design, and fashion, and her essays and interviews have appeared in BOMB Magazine, Coveteur, Literary Hub, TOAST Magazine, and elsewhere.︎︎︎ Rachel has been featured in esteemed outlets, including ELLE, Vogue, Condé Nast Traveler, The Creative Independent, and more. She currently writes, consults, and creates content for various publications and brands︎︎︎ and is working on a novel.