How might your schedule both help AND hinder your practice of slowing? We describe slowing as an internal posture—living from rest, not rush—while also naming external, intentional choices that help create margin and space to be present to yourself and to God. We discuss how slowing often starts as a planned habit (like adding 10–15 minute blocks between commitments) and, over time, becomes a natural rhythm that shows up in the cracks and crevices of everyday life. We also explore how an intentional plan can help you build margin and rest into your schedule. Listen in for practical ideas and insights into how your schedule can be utilized for good when it comes to living from rest, not rush!

CLICK HERE for your free resource on ideas and tools for engaging with Slowing!

00:00 Welcome to the REALIFE Practice + This Season’s Focus: Slowing
00:50 How the Podcast Schedule Works (Two Shows, Alternating Weeks)
01:23 Today’s Topic: Using Your Calendar to Create Space for Slowing
01:51 Slowing as an Internal Posture—And Why Your Schedule Still Matters
02:57 Create Margin on Purpose: From Habit to Rhythm to Spiritual Practice
04:31 Start Small: 15-Minute Buffers, Interruptions, and Building Breathing Room
05:25 Theresa’s Real-Life Reset: Mornings, Early Bedtime, and the Hot Tub Story
08:08 Find Your “Place” to Slow: Familiar Spaces, Nature, and Jesus’ Rhythms
08:39 Walking as a Simple Practice: Body-Based Slowing That Doesn’t Take Hours
10:22 Evening Transitions & Family Pace: Letting Go of Productivity Mode
14:32 Different Paths to Rest: Planning Ahead vs. Procrastination-Induced Rush
15:34 Bigger Rhythms: Day Away, Retreat, Sabbath, and the Balcony View
20:00 Cracks & Crevices + Health: Why Slowing Can Be Non-Negotiable
21:33 Practical Next Step: Audit Your Calendar and Add One Pocket of Slowness
22:23 Wrap-Up Resources + How to Connect (Free Download, One Life Maps, Contact)
24:07 Final Encouragement: The Unforced Rhythms of Grace

LIFE MAPPING TOOLS
Gain clarity at life’s transitions and know yourself and God better through our visual life maps. CLICK HERE to learn more about oneLife Maps. Now available digitally!

JOIN REALIFE CONVERSATIONS!
REALIFE Conversations is our monthly 90-minute live call where you’ll engage in deep discussions facilitated by Sibyl Towner and Lindsay Sterchi. CLICK HERE to learn more and to sign up.

JOIN OUR FREE COMMUNITY
CLICK HERE to become part of the FREE REALIFE Process® Community! Connect with Teresa & Lindsay and other podcast listeners, plus find additional content to help you discover your best REALIFE.

READ TERESA’S BOOK
Banish busyness and discover a new way of being productive around what truly matters. Learn more at DoWhatMattersBook.com.

About Teresa McCloy:
Teresa McCloy is the founder and creator of the REALIFE Process®, a framework designed to empower individuals and groups with the tools, training, and community needed for personal and professional growth. Through the REALIFE Process®, Teresa is on a mission to help others grow in self-awareness, establish sustainable rhythms, and enhance their influence and impact by integrating faith and work into their everyday lives.

She lives with her husband of over four decades on their 5th generation family farm in central Illinois and enjoys great coffee, growing beautiful flower gardens, and traveling as much as possible. Connect with Teresa on Facebook or Instagram.

About Lindsay Sterchi:
Lindsay Sterchi is the REALIFE Practice Executive Director at the REALIFE Process®, where she leads and guides our REALIFE Practice Membership and Community. She also writes about habits and rhythms for the Mind, Body, and Soul for a holistic approach to spiritual growth and formation at lindsaysterchi.substack.com.

She lives with her husband Tyler and elementary-aged twin daughters. She has an M.A. in Transformational Leadership from Bethel Seminary, and her background is in church ministry.

When she’s not working or spending time with her family, you’re most likely to find her reading a good book. Connect with Lindsay on Facebook or Instagram.