Colophon

These are the complete sacred texts of the Church of The Holy Snail, compiled across seventeen centuries of slow deliberation, mystical encounter, field observation, occasional disagreement about how slow is slow enough, and one committee meeting that lasted so long three members achieved enlightenment during it and two others simply fell asleep, which the Council ruled were the same thing.

They were composed at the pace appropriate to their contents. This is the only pace at which they can be properly read. Reading quickly is technically possible. The Council notes, without judgment, that you will have read a different document than this one.

The Holy Snail was consulted throughout the compilation process. It did not respond, which the Gastropodean Theological Society takes as neither approval nor objection, consistent with the general character of a divine being that finds written endorsements slightly beside the point and blurb requests frankly baffling.

Handle this document slowly. Read one section per sitting if the sitting can be managed. If you find yourself skimming ahead, that is Aridus. You know what to do. Put the document down. Go outside. Place your hand against the nearest stone and remain there until the stone feels like more than a rock you are touching. It will not take as long as you think. It will take longer than you want. These are the same amount of time.

The Church of The Holy Snail thanks you for your attendance, extends no pressure to stay longer than you are ready to stay, and notes that The Holy Snail itself will be in the garden whenever you decide to visit. It has always been in the garden. It will continue to be in the garden. The garden is open. The dew is free. The stone is there. All that is required is that you slow down enough to find it, which is also, not coincidentally, the definition of finding everything else that matters.

Compiled by the Office of Slow Wisdom · Third Slow Council · Still in review, as everything worth reviewing should be