Looking Ahead – Navy SEAL Tactics for Creating New Year’s Intentions

A few months ago we were in Germany leading a conference for Navy Chaplains. And as I pondered and prayed about our time together a phrase came floating up from my memory banks: “Slow is smooth and smooth is fast.” I had heard that phrase one time as I listened to a movie star talk about training for his role in an upcoming blockbuster. But what does “Slow is smooth and smooth is fast” have to do with looking ahead to 2019.

Research revealed that Navy Seals (per navyseals.com) have understood this concept for decades with the dynamic of slow, smooth, fast--and also crawl, walk, run. Here's a brief excerpt to explain:

“In The Way of the SEAL, we are striving to navigate that journey with increasing awareness and power. Once you set foot onto this path, you begin to find extraordinary results through doing ordinary things extraordinarily well—and it eventually comes naturally. That is mastery.” (Mark Devine)

At Unhurried Living, we have taken on a similar way for ourselves and our work. Spiritual practices are the slow of “slow is smooth” that we practice so that when we work, we have access to a deep reserve from within.

In our spiritual practices our souls are learning to become present...present to God, present to ourselves, present to others. Our souls practice remembering that God is with us. And we will have quicker
access to this reality in times of need.

Our work becomes the “smooth is fast” part. This is what we mean when we talk about Jesus being relaxed. When we are relaxed instead of anxious, we are more creative, more insightful, less constricted, less distracted.