Lucy Cooke - Life in the Sloth Lane

Contents Introduction S loths are the perfect role models for a more mindful existence. I believe their laid-back lifestyle has much to teach the human race, and thats why I founded the Sloth Appreciation Society after years of documenting and observing these amazing creatures. We humansbusy bipedal apes who are determined to move faster than nature intendedsometimes need a little help remembering how to slow down and appreciate what we have, rather than constantly racing after what we desire. Sloths are Natures Zen masters of mellow. They have hung about the planet in one shape or another for more than 60 million years, outliving faster, flashier animals like the sabertoothed tiger. The secret to their success is their stealthy, sustainable slothful nature.

So, take a leaf out of the sloths serene bookit could benefit not just you, but the rest of planet Earth. Lucy Cooke Slow and steady wins the race. Aesop If you live in awareness, it is easy to see miracles everywhere. Thich Nhat Hanh Take it Slow S loths may appear to be sluggish, but theyre not inappropriately idle. Its both an adaptation to spend less energy and a defense mechanism against predators. Happiness never decreases by being shared. Happiness never decreases by being shared.

Buddha You need to let little things that would ordinarily bore you suddenly thrill you. Andy Warhol Sleeps what we need. It produces an emptiness in us into which sooner or later energies flow. John Cage Savor the Sweeter Things in Life S loths subsist on a lean and green low-energy diet of leaves that provides them with just 160 calories a day. Their only indulgence is the occasional hibiscus flowerthe equivalent of sloth chocolatewhich they eat petal by petal. For fast-acting relief, try slowing down.

Jane Wagner Wait. Be patient. The storm will pass. The spring will come. Robert H. Schuller There is no hurry.

We shall get there some day. A. A. Milne If you see someone without a smile, give em yours. Dolly Parton Live in the Moment S loths are found only in the jungles of Central and South Americathe land of the siesta and home of the hammock. Its the simple things in life that are the most extraordinary. Its the simple things in life that are the most extraordinary.

Paulo Coelho Happiness, knowledge, not in another place but this place, not for another hour, but this hour. Walt Whitman Dont Sweat It S upercool three-toed sloths dont sweatliterallybecause they have no sweat glands. Two-toed sloths have some sweat glands, on their snout, for example, but none are present on their feet, so theres no danger of them slipping from the trees. Miraculous turns of fate can happen to those who persist in showing up. Elizabeth Gilbert Dont worry about a thing. Bob Marley If you smile when no one else is around, you really mean it.

Andy Rooney If your eyes are blinded with your worries, you cannot see the beauty of the sunset. Jiddu Krishnamurti Its All About the Journey O ne of the keys to sloth life is persistencethese travelers keep climbing in the superhighway of the treetops on a never-ending quest for tasty leaves and sunny spots. Their motto is Dont hurry, be happy! Sloths dont flinch nervously or react to noises, so they can truly chill out and enjoy the ride. And they can cover quite a bit of area: In the wild, sloths roam a range the size of five soccer fields. Our life is frittered away by detail.... Simplify, simplify.

Henry David Thoreau