The Importance of Perspective
In the midst of life’s chaos, it's easy to lose perspective. The daily grind can become all-consuming, and for some, simply getting through each day can feel like the only goal. This is understandable and, in many ways, necessary—without focusing on the details, the larger picture can seem distant or even unattainable. However, stepping back and gaining a bird’s-eye view of a situation can be incredibly valuable. A wider perspective is not meant to overwhelm or depress us, but rather to encourage and uplift, helping us to keep moving forward through the daily challenges.
The Concept of "Go Slow to Get There Faster"
In Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), a core philosophy is captured in the phrase: “Go slow to get there faster.” This concept might sound counterintuitive at first—especially for those of us who are naturally impatient and pride ourselves on getting things done quickly. The idea of slowing down, when it seems like we could achieve more by rushing, can feel frustrating.
However, this approach is grounded in a deeper understanding of how we process and achieve lasting results. In fact, the slow and steady approach often yields better outcomes, particularly in therapeutic settings.
The Tortoise and the Hare: A Lesson in Consistency
This phrase brings to mind the classic fable of the tortoise and the hare. In the story, the hare, overconfident in his ability to win, rushes ahead, while the steady tortoise keeps moving at a consistent, deliberate pace. The hare’s decision to relax leads him to fall behind, and ultimately, it’s the tortoise’s persistence that wins the race.
In therapy, this concept of consistency and perseverance is essential. For children in therapy, having a consistent, steady pace helps them feel safe and accepted. It also allows the therapist to remain attuned to the child’s progress and emotional state. While we may aim to gently expand the child’s window of tolerance, we must be careful not to push them into dysregulation, which could hinder their progress. Slowing down gives the therapist the chance to observe, understand, and adapt to the child's pace.
The Power of Observation: Walking vs. Driving
Imagine you’re traveling the same route first by car and then on foot. When walking, you’re able to take in more details and notice things that would be missed from the car. This analogy highlights the value of slowing down to observe. For children, incidents can occur so rapidly that they may go unnoticed unless we take the time to slow down and pay attention. This is especially true in trauma work, where being mindful of small, seemingly insignificant moments can help us understand the larger, more complex picture.
Reflecting on the Bigger Picture
Earlier this week at Popeth, we dedicated an hour to stop and reflect. We took the time to think about the families we work with and the values we hold. Stepping back allowed us to connect the small, everyday moments to the larger, more complex work we do—especially in trauma recovery. Trauma often feels timeless and inescapable, and when we’re immersed in this kind of work, it’s easy to adopt a similar mindset. Taking a step back, allowing ourselves space to breathe, and getting external pressures off our shoulders helps us regain perspective.
For example, a quieter morning where your dog accompanies you to work may seem simple, but it can be a powerful way to reset in a world full of data, demands, and constant questions.
Finding Your Own Way to Regain Perspective
So, what can you do today to regain perspective? Whether it’s taking a break, slowing down, or simply stepping back to reflect, we encourage you to find your own method of creating space in your day. It’s important to give yourself the opportunity to observe and reframe your experience. We’d love to hear what works for you!