My approach to slow living

In a world that seems to value speed, efficiency, and constant progress, I’m embracing the process of simplifying my life and work.

I’m taking a deep breath, and embarking on a journey towards a slower, more meaningful, and mindful approach through slow living and minimalism!

Slow living encourages us to embrace the present moment, find joy in simplicity, and rediscover what truly matters.

And it feels liberating! I’m letting go of clutter and commitments and hopefully creating a greater sense of purpose and balance.

Although, with the constant stream of information, technology, and expectations I admit it can feel challenging to achieve.

Leo Babauta captures this predicament by highlighting how the illusion of constant activity might feel productive, but in reality, it masks a state of distraction.

“We may feel productive when we’re constantly switching between things, constantly doing something, but in all honesty, we’re not. We’re just distracted.” – Leo Babauta

As I researched slow living and minimalism, I discovered individuals who are on a similar transformative journey. They are moving away from over consumption and busyness to a more deliberate, conscious, and meaningful way of being.

If you’re interested in discovering more, you can find the details, at the end of this email, of some of the people who are inspiring me with their insights and stories to live a more intentional and minimal life.

Here is what I’m aiming for…

Simplifying my schedule by not over-committing, saying no more often, and focusing as much as possible on tasks and projects which I find fulfilling.

Prioritising my self-care to include yoga, walks in nature, meditation, exercise, saunas, and healing practices. We need more rest and rejuvenation time to recharge our energy, particularly during the winter months.

Disconnecting from technology and screen time. I’ve removed most social media apps and I’m even considering deleting email from my phone. Instead, I will be reading more books, visiting art galleries, engaging in face to face conversations and practising my photography.

Investing time in nurturing meaningful relationships with family, friends, clients, and community. At the end of day these relationships are what truly matter.

Letting go of clutter which no longer has a useful purpose or value. Apparently, the average American House has 300,000 items and from my own experience I can see how things quickly accumulate! As Peter Walsh writes, “If your home is peaceful, then the other areas of your life, such as your finances, emotions, relationships, and a sense of well-being will reflect that.”

Finally, I plan to be patient, take small steps, and not put pressure on myself to achieve fast results.

In essence, slow living is a mindset that values quality over quantity, and presence over distraction. It encourages us to step back from the pace of modern life, reassess our priorities, and align our actions with our values. By slowing down and being more mindful, we can cultivate a greater sense of space, meaning and fulfillment in our life and work.

I would love to know whether any of this resonates with you!