The Art of Slowing Down to Move Forward

A few nights ago, I was parked up along the Welsh coast, sleeping in the back of a 1997 Toyota Hiace with my kids. The van’s a slow and steady Japanese import — not much to look at, and definitely not built for speed — but it’s exactly what we wanted. Its pace demands presence. You can’t rush in the Hiace. You just go.

That’s part of the beauty.

Life gets busy. Between training, work, family, and creative projects, it’s easy to feel like the days blur together. But something shifts when you’re in a camper van. The usual demands fade into the background, and suddenly the small moments get a little louder — cooking dinner together, watching the tide come in, sharing a laugh over a familiar meal that somehow tastes better when eaten in the back of a van.

And that’s the thing: it’s the same food we eat at home. But the environment changes the experience. That’s something my kids noticed on their own. As we sat with the door open, sea breeze rolling in, one of them said, “Why does this taste better here?”

They were right. Where we are changes how we feel. And how we feel changes everything — how we perform, how we connect, how we create.

A Few Thoughts to Take With You:

• Your environment matters. You don’t need to overhaul your life. Start small: clear a bit of space, throw your phone on airplane mode, brew a coffee. Create an environment that invites clarity and focus — whether you’re drilling techniques, journaling, or making art.

• Slow is a speed. The Hiace taught me this. Slowing down doesn’t mean falling behind. Sometimes it’s the only way to really move forward.

• Stay open to wonder. One of the best parts about van life? Waking up in one place and falling asleep in another. That sense of movement and surprise is what fuels me as an artist. You don’t need a van to chase wonder — just stay curious. Take a different route. Read something outside your lane. Ask better questions.

• Presence is the point. Whether you’re rolling on the mats or making breakfast for your family, be there. Not half-there. Fully present. That’s where the good stuff lives.

This little trip wasn’t long, and it didn’t need to be. A few days of simplicity gave me what I needed: time with the people I love, some space to breathe, and a reminder that adventure doesn’t always require a plane ticket. Sometimes it’s just a full tank, a quiet road, and the willingness to see things differently.

See you out there.

— H

Further Reading:
If you’re interested in reading more about how to create an inspired and engaging environment try Atomis Habits.