Slow Living: What It Is and How to Do It
A rustic log cabin in the wilderness surrounded by pines.
Over the last few years, a collection of trends revolving around slowing down and living more mindfully has risen in prominence and popularity. Many are simply calling this phenomenon “slow living.” So, what exactly is this new way of life?
Let’s dig in and explore what slow living is and how you can make it a part of your life.
What Is Slow Living?
Slow living is a purposeful way of living that promotes mindfulness and being present. It’s a broad term and can encompass many different practices, but at its heart, it’s about living a good life in a present manner.
To get to the heart of this movement’s beginnings, we must travel back in time to 1980s Italy. A movement arose called the Slow Food Movement, which was a response to the modernization of the world and fast food restaurants. Ultimately, the idea was to appreciate and engage in traditional methods of making food and to enjoy the journey rather than just getting food fast.
Over time, this idea has broadened and found its way into the public consciousness. In his book In Praise of Slow originally published in 2004, author Carl Honoré highlighted the dangers of living in a society that increasingly promotes and prioritizes speed. In this work, Honoré referenced the Slow Food Movement of the 80s and 90s, and ultimately makes the case that “slower, it turns out, often means better.”
Fast forward to the COVID-19 pandemic, and people began to realize — despite the difficulty of the pandemic — they didn’t necessarily have to live fast. Since this time, more and more people have begun to explore slow living and the positive impact it can have on their mental wellness and lives as a whole.
So, to sum things up, slow living is about approaching life slower. Doing fewer things in your day and being present while you do them.
Now, while you may be convinced that living a slower life is worthwhile, you’re probably scratching your head wondering how to do so. Well, fret not.
Let’s dive in and explore some of the many ways you can escape the cult of ultra-fast and engage in some sumptuous and mindful slow living.
Prioritize Doing Fewer Things
Modern life in anything even vaguely resembling a metropolitan city can be hectic. And the frenetic energy typical of these spaces is often contagious and we feel a pressing need to always be doing more. If your average day consists of doing a seemingly infinite amount of things and making countless decisions, be mindful and cut that list down.
Of course, what this will look like is sure to differ for each person. We all have different occupations and obligations and doing a complete 180 on life isn’t always the easiest thing to do. But, it’s possible and if you feel like you need it, take the time to start.
Identify the core things you must do, and solely focus on those. Try to cut out all of the extra fluff, and instead, really put effort into being mindful about doing your few core tasks. Over time, this should get easier, and the more you shape your life in a way where you have less to do each day, the more you’ll reap the benefits of slow living.
Finally Start That Consistent Meditation Practice
If you’re like me, you’ve tried and failed to incorporate a daily meditation practice into your life countless times. The first step is to tell yourself that it’s ok. You don’t have to get everything right the first time. And, if you’re really committed to engaging in a slower, more mindful life, incorporating a meditation practice is a fantastic way to begin your journey.
To start, pick a time of day. For many of us, the morning is a great time to put a few minutes aside to sit, breathe, and be mindful. However, if that doesn’t work for your schedule, feel free to make it anytime at all, such as during your lunch break or before bed.
This practice will help you develop the muscle of being present when you want to be. Over time, whether you’re cooking, gardening, or having a conversation, you’ll be better able to focus and really sink into the moment. While the meditation practice may sound like a slow-living cliche, it’s an enduringly popular practice because of the immense value it can add to your life.
Walk At a Relaxed Pace
Walking is a very human pastime. Our ancestors have been doing it for thousands of years and no matter where in the world someone is from, people walk. While all forms of exercising can be beneficial, walking at a relaxed pace can be both a physical and a meditative practice.
Personally, I’ve always found walking to be soothing and conducive to thinking. At those times when it feels like the world is going too fast and you’re feeling way too stressed, rather than reaching for some carbs or a digital device, try making a walk your new go-to. And if walking isn’t an option, just moving around in any way possible without a destination in mind will work too.
By walking without a specific destination or goal in mind, you’re giving both your mind and your body permission to just be. This act of simply existing is an important part of slow living, and walking is a great way to start being intentional with your life.
Practice Gratitude
An important part of slow living is appreciating that the present moment, no matter how mundane of a task you’re engaging in, is precious. To get more into the habit of shifting your perspective and appreciating all of the moments that make up your day, try practicing gratitude.
If you like writing things down, grab a pad and list everything you’re grateful for once each day. If you like singing in the shower, sing everything you’re grateful for to the tune of “Baby, I Love Your Way.” No matter what form it takes, the point of the practice is to put aside time to just bask in and focus on all of the aspects of your life that you’re thankful for.
If you live with a partner or family, you can get them involved too and have a moment each day in which you each share a few things you’re grateful for and why. After a while, your overall perspective toward life will drift toward one of being more appreciative of everything you come into contact with.
