On “Greek Time”: A Lesson in Slowing Down
Last week, I returned home to Oslo after two weeks in Greece, my partner Dimitris' homeland. We visited his family, hosted our third Yoga & Well-Being Retreat, and enjoyed a little vacation together.
It’s been a beautiful time and I’m bringing so many good memories home with me. I’ve also been reflecting on something that always stays with me from Greece, and I’d love to share it with you.
There’s something about Greece that just sticks with me. But it’s not the sights or history that linger most. It’s something subtler: a gentle slowing of pace, a reminder that not everything has to be raced.
When I first started dating Dimitris 5 years ago, I noticed something fundamental that was different between us: our pace.
I had lived in New York for most of my twenties, where the pace of life was fast and everything happened quickly. Dimitris lived differently.
I remember one time we were cooking dinner together in the early days of dating. I watched him chopping vegetables, taking his time with every slice, while my approach was just to get it done as fast as possible.
At first, this difference really frustrated me and honestly kind of annoyed me. But over time, I’ve come to appreciate it.
After some conversations and reflections, I have realized that what I saw as “slow” was actually mindfulness. He took his time, immersed in the moment, almost as if each task were a tiny meditation.
Over time, I started to appreciate that his pace wasn’t slow, it was present. He has taught me how to let go of unnecessary rushing.
In Greece, this slower pace is part of life. You notice it especially on the islands and in the villages. There’s a saying: “siga-siga,” meaning “slowly, slowly.” It’s about taking things easy and savoring the moment instead of hurrying.
Meals stretch over long conversations. Coffee breaks are slow and relaxed, more about connection than rushing. The tradition of siesta gives the day a natural pause. Even simple everyday tasks feel a bit more intentional. ✨
In Greek, there are two words for time. Chronos is clock time: the steady tick of minutes and hours. Kairos is different: it’s the “right moment,” it's about quality rather than quantity - the kind of time that feels meaningful. When we slow down and pay attention, these moments stay with us.
This isn’t a universal truth, just my personal observation. Dimitris jokes that I might be romanticizing Greece a little, and maybe I am. But this slower pace really does feel different to me. And I think there’s something to be learned here: slowing the pace isn’t laziness, it’s presence. 💛
A few questions for you that I invite you to reflect on:
🌿 Can you recall a moment when time seemed to slow and you were glad it did?
🌿 What everyday ritual could you turn into a moment of presence?
🌿 If you were to invite “Greek time” into your day, where would it matter most?
As always, you're welcome to share your reflections. I’d love to hear your reflections. Feel free to email med to share your thoughts or DM me on Instagram!
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Take care, and maybe let a little “siga-siga” slip into your day. 🤗