Slow but Joyful

A Lesson from the Diani people way of working

Along the coast, workers are often slow but joyful. Not everyone is efficient, and sometimes it can drive me a little crazy – especially when things are delayed or done without much planning. But at the same time, I can’t help but smile when I see their happiness. Their joy is infectious.

When I manage to stay in a place of gratitude, I don’t feel irritated. But when my Western mind kicks in – the part of me that expects everything to be fast, structured, and efficient – that’s when frustration arises. It’s in those moments that I struggle the most, when I think things should be different or move quicker.

What I’m learning here is to let go of that inner pressure, to stop chasing speed and instead lean into the now. It’s not always easy and I wonder – is there a middle path, where we can be both effective and joyful? That would truly be the best of both worlds.