Walk Super Slowly

On Defying Expectations Set by the Outside World

May 28, 2023

The weather in Toronto this weekend is the type of atmosphere that everyone here lives for. I can just picture the small talk happening in shops and brunches all across the region today. It’s that cool breezy weather with just enough heat.

Because we can never get it just right here in Toronto. Sandwiched in between a morbid winter and a stinky hot summer, this is the weather that everyone dreams of, but will forget it happened within a few days.

Here are three different notes I had written to myself throughout the week:

1. At some point it might dawn on you that you are not a good person. But don’t worry it’s temporary. I would imagine that you’re a good person most of the time, but once in a while, we fall into a trap. We do things like want credit for an idea or we are convinced we’re right about something and another person is wrong. I think these moments are very important because when you’re younger, you’re completely unaware of how selfish you can be.

So it might be worth paying attention to it once in a while. Social media would definitely stir up these feelings so if you need to take a break simply by logging out, then that’s a great first step. When you get caught up in “the storm”, ask yourself if you’re being a good person or what a good person would do.

2. Don’t try to solve all of life’s mysteries. Sometimes we get partial information and we then become a detective to figure it out with our minds. An example would be your boss moved a meeting around unexpectedly. Off to the races your mind goes. This is another trap that’s similar to the one above about always being right. Instead, try to find some joy in not letting the subtle movements of the world bother you. They will definitely bother other people. But you don’t have to be like most other people.

3. Riding my bike I get in touch with the right pace to do things. Even if I’m running late, going too fast through an intersection would be deadly. It seems like everything points to going slower. Our culture makes us feel shitty when we move through life slowly.

In a hurry though, we make bad decisions. My worst decisions have been made when I was rushed. Next time you go for a walk by yourself, try to take pleasure in the joy of walking really slowly and not caring what other people think of you.

Music recommendation: Ambiente X Rival Consoles

This takeover of the Ambiente playlist by Rival Consoles really is a stellar playlist. I think it’s perfect for doing work to it because it’s got some relaxing sounds but it keeps a good pace and rhythm which is found inside of Rival Consoles’ tracks.

Not on Spotify? Here is a link to one of Rival Consoles’ albums Articulation on YouTube and Bandcamp to check out.

This Week’s Non-Bagel

This week’s bagel is not a bagel at all, but it’s a falafel on challah. It comes from the new bakery in midtown Toronto called Romi’s.

This is certainly a delicious sandwich, and one of the highlights is the tahini that will transport you back into the Middle East on first taste.

However, it’s not easy to eat a sandwich on challah, let alone falafel which belongs inside a pita. After three bites I was full and proceeded to nibble on the rest of it throughout the day.

Clocking in at $18 CAD / $13 USD after tax and tip, this is the Rolls Royce as far as daytime falafel sandwiches go, but it was essentially two meals.