Slow Living // What it means to me
Slow living is a term used to describe a lifestyle philosophy. A person, group or company defined as ‘slow’ have decided to create a more meaningful and conscious way of being that is inline with what they value most.
I define my Pottery as slow and by that I don’t mean it takes me ages to make it, however sometimes it does! What I really mean is that my work is made consciously and in a style that best suits me as an individual.
I consider the environment, my own well-being and create handmade items to hopefully support others wanting to live a simple and meaningful lifestyle.
Its little things like eating breakfast from a handmade bowl, outside when its sunny and taking a moment to feel how great that is!
“slow living” is definitely not about moving as slowly as possible, however speed has become an issue for a lot of people. So yes I do think we should feel free to glide through the day an a snails pace.
There is this pressure now to live faster, to get more done and sadly this can cause burn out, especially for those neurodiverse folks.
A slow lifestyle suggests that instead of pushing yourself to do things faster why not just do things better. Better for you, better for your loved ones and better for the planet.
I’d personally say its about self-awareness, taking time to work out what you value, what’s better for your mental health and the world around you. Some of the things I value now include a restful and calm home space, time be creative and of course being outdoors with my loved ones, preferably by water.
My son ‘Bow’ on one our morning walks.
It all began in Italy as ‘The slow food movement’ back in the 80’s and 90’s when a group of people protested against the first McDonalds opening its doors in lovely Rome.
The idea of fast food was rejected by people wanting to hold onto the enjoyment of traditional eating with friends and family. So the idea of slow food was developed which then evolved into slow living because very quickly our societies have not only adapted to fast food but now fast fashion, next day delivery, instant access to information via the internet and so on.
This new pace of life and the technology we all use in one way or another means that we feel like we can get more done in a day, allowing us to work faster for longer. Always reachable and more productive than ever before. But its also become clearer that living in the fast lane can be pretty exhausting and people feel a pressure to keep up.
Slow living offers some head space for all the burnt out folks and/or those that find they just don’t feel comfy in the fast lane. Its a chance to realise its more than ok to change that pace from fast to slow. It also encourages us to more present and make choices based on what feels good over what is more efficient.
It can also be seen as direct activism against the busy and successful lives we see presented on social media. Those people who make you believe that you can have it all if you cram it in. Unfortunately doing to much has an impact on our physical and mental health. People are suffering from extreme tiredness yet they cant sleep and this is leading to epidemic of anxiety or depression. The phase “its all a little to much” comes to mind. The slow living ethos would definitely respond with the phase “less is more my friend”.
In its nature, slow living also encourages us not be wasteful or over consume and instead to take time to live life with more kindness and meaning.
For example slow living guides would suggest that you have a go at growing your own veg and cooking a meal with your produce, to try mending clothes or even upcycling your furniture before buying new.
Another key competent to the lifestyle is to appreciate and spend time in nature, in an effort to feel more connected to the earth. It recommends activities such as long walks in the outdoors, maybe without your phone, listening and looking at what is around you.
Something I love to take my shoes and socks off and just spend 10 minutes enjoying the feeling of fresh grass or warm sand on my feet. taking that small amount of time to just feel connected really is lovely.
Of course, if your looking at ways to embrace slow living it can seem inaccessible and perhaps only achievable by the hippy elite. Its easy to be deterred if you don’t feel you have the luxury of slowing down. Maybe you have a young family to organise and/ or a demanding job role you rely on. So I thought I would wrap up this article by saying that maybe you could start by just trying a few little things if the concept appeals to you.
such as:
learn the art of saying no and don’t agree to social expectations that result in you being to busy to feel rested. This is especially relevant if you are not neurotypical.
turn your phone to flight mode in the evenings every now and then and enjoy not being reachable.
have a little stretch in the garden and spend a few minutes with your eyes closed just gently listening to the sounds.
on your days off work make a point not to work through your ‘to do’ list and instead make sure you get at least one hour of chill time, whatever that looks like for you.
try growing some herbs on your kitchen window ledge and use this in your cooking.
If your making a big hearty meal, offer a plate to your elderly neighbor or someone that lives alone.
For further reading I also recommend these books:
‘Grounded’ by Anna Carlile.
Seeking Slow: Reclaim Moments of Calm in Your Day by Melanie Barnes
Destination Simple: Everyday Rituals for a Slower Life by Brooke Mcalary
