Slow Living: What does it actually look like?

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“What is slow living?”, I was asked recently.

Surprisingly, the answer didn’t come as swiftly and eloquently as I thought it should! I utilized the power of the pause and then answered as best as I could in the moment.

There probably should be a short, sharp take-home message that I can deliver in situations like these. As someone who is a fervent advocate for slow living I feel I should be able to articulate this well.

I’ll work on that.

But for now – let me say this (it’s a bit long, I’m hoping you’ll stick with me);

Slow living is not one size fits all. There is no right or wrong way to approach this ‘style of living’.

I believe that slow living is a lifestyle. And it’s so much more than that. It’s a worldview, a mindset and an anchor.

And I can only tell you what slow living is for me (and what it’s not) and then let you – my dear intrepid explorer – uncover what it is for yourself.

Tired of being in a hurry

What is slow living for me?

Slow living is a multifaceted way of living that has changed me for the better. It has taken me from being busy and overwhelmed, to more calm and centered. It has allowed me to search for my purpose and uncover ways of more closely living aligned with it.

Slow living is yoga in some seasons (not right now), and meditation (the sitting on a cushion kind) occasionally. It’s immersing myself in nature and getting lost in the views of my backyard. It’s being present enough to enjoy my children and engage in them in more meaningful ways than I ever have before

Like catching ladybugs with my 5 year old, or having uncontrollable belly laughs with my oldest daughter.

And it’s being too busy for them, sitting at my computer too long. And then it’s being brave enough to pull myself away from my inner world and into the big wide world, arms open to fear, love, sadness, and joy.

Slow living is breathing deeper (I’ve always been a shallow ‘top of chest’ breather), and being mindful of my body and it’s needs. Somedays this means I can’t do the hour long run I want to do.

Living at a slower pace of life means saying no more. It means putting up boundaries where there haven’t been any before. It’s being intentional and purposeful with my time. But it’s also leaving enough white space on my calendar for spontaneity.

Slow living is seasonal living. Our bodies (and souls) are an extension of nature. Identifying and working with these seasons are an important part of my slow journey.

What slow living isn’t

Slow living doesn’t look like overcommitting and having appointments stacked one after the other. But it respects that in some seasons this might have to happen.

Living slow is not mindless consumption of content online or offline. I want to be considerate with the things I allow to speak into my life. So rather than sitting in front of Marie Kondo because that’s the new ‘on trend’ Netflix show, I chose Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency because it makes me ridiculously happy.

It’s not living in a tiny home. I’m a lover of wide spaces and the thought of being cramped in gives me anxiety. I love tiny homes though and admire people who choose to live this way. I am not one of them.

It’s not having a minimalist looking home. I have less in my home than many people, I suppose. There are empty drawers and shelves. But most days the house looks like a bomb has hit it, a) because I have kids, and b) because I choose to prioritize other things over having a perfect minimal looking home.

Slow living isn’t about working myself to the bone. Instead, I value self-care. Many days self-care comes in the form of writing – but living slower means letting go of ‘shoulds and coulds’ that come with writing online.

3 ways to embrace slow living

Sounds great? Sign me up? Er…. what’s next, what do I do? How do I actually live slower?

If you are wondering how to start your own exploration of slow, here are a few starter tips.

Figure out your why

If we don’t know our ‘why’, our purpose(s) for daily living then it’s far too easy to be dragged in every direction but the one you need to go in.

Simon Sinek, Author of “Start With Why”, defines your why this way;

The WHY is the purpose, cause or belief that drives every one of us.”

Knowing what your why is, is powerful and grounding and can keep us off the treadmill if we consistently come back to it.

I believe we can have slighty different ‘why’s for different area’s of our lives, and for different seasons. It wouldn’t make sense for our purpose to be the same as when we were teenagers.

How can you start?

Craft a ‘why statement’. In one or two sentences articulate what your purpose is.

Take some time to consider what lights you up. Pair this with the season of life you are in right now (e.g. young adult with no children, or retiree).

Practice being present

Being present, truly present has been a game changer for me. Being present in the moment is powerful. After living for many years being very future orientated, learning to be in the NOW is a crucial step in my journey to slow.

How can you start?

Once a day, make a conscious mental note to be present. This might be while you are brewing your morning coffee. Notice the steam from your jug, feel the smooth ceramic in your hands, smell the aroma. Be present and aware in these few moments of coffee making.

This doesn’t have to be a formal mediation, although for it to make a noticeable difference making this a habit might be helpful. Choose your action, making coffee, taking a shower, brushing your teeth, and choose to just be in that action – at that moment.

Practice saying no

Saying no more often can sometimes make us feel mean and selfish. But it’s quite the opposite. Saying no to the wrong things liberates you to be available to say yes for the right things. Saying no in a thoughtful and considered way is actually one of the most gentle things you can do for yourself and others.

I’ve spent too long saying yes to too many things. Only to wind up being angry, stressed and resentful. I become unpleasant to be around when I have said yes too much.

How can you start?

I am a firm believer in the power of the pause. Next time you are asked to do something, stop and take a few deep breaths.

Thank you for sticking with me friends. Thanks for being here on this journey of slow with me.

If you enjoyed reading this would you consider sharing it with a friend? I’d be super grateful xo

P.S. If you want to take a deeper dive into all things Slow Living, you might want to check out my course – The Slow Living Toolkit.

Find out more details about the course and sign up HERE.

Image by Jonathan Borba