The basics of Slow Living
With so many competing priorities it's easy to get caught up in the speed of life.
But there is an antidote the frantic pace, we can learn to slow down. Be mindful. Be present. And remember it's a practice.
Borrowing language from the Slow Food movement, the basic philosophy of slow living is to cultivate connections with our own lives. To bear witness by being present, and slowing down enough to pay attention.
Be present in your tasks and relationships:
* you don't always have to multi-task: in fact, concentrating on one thing at a time is known to reduce stress and improve your sense of well-being.
Care for your body (not just your mind):
* stay moving: just because we encourage slow living, we don't mean stop moving. That yoga class you take, or the run, or walking the dog, all of that is good for clearing your head and staying healthy.
* in nature: research shows that looking at beautiful scenery actually helps bodies heal faster after injury and surgery. And being in the presence of rustling trees and waves slow our metabolism and heart rate in ways that meditation does.
* in our homes: eliminate clutter and keep only what is treasured or useful, preferably both. And create pretty places for your eyes to rest: window sill, bedside table, mantle - objects of meaning to you.
Hygge, wabi sabi, minimalism and slow living are all about BEING and not about HAVING.
Some help for Slow Living in the Real World
monique herzig, alchemist, aesthetician