The Slow Approach: If slow living is an antidote to a hectic lifestyle, a quick approach doesn’t feel right to me.
Whenever I am interested (read: obsessed) with something, I like to scour the internet (read: Pinterest and Instagram) and read everything I can on the subject. If I can find an amazing audiobook on the subject, sign me up. Listening to a narrator talk about slow living, minimalism, hygge, etc. for 10-15 hours might sound excessive, but I like that approach to learning about something. The more you flush out an idea the better.
There is a lot to be said about the way we consume information; ironically many prefer to consume information where there isn’t a lot being said. Social media is a fast consumption game. Trends show us that we should be short and snappy; quickly engage our audience and leave them wanting more. It’s not really a meal; it’s an appetizer that you throw back without chewing. I don’t dislike being dazzled by a seven second long video, I just don’t need everything to fit this mold.
If slow living is an antidote to a hectic lifestyle, a quick approach doesn’t feel right to me.
You don’t wake up one day and decide “I think I’m going to start Slow Living” and then work as hard as Elle Woods getting into Harvard.
There are countless blog posts out there that will give you a laundry list of ways to start Slow Living, but it feels a little all or nothing to me.
Have a Better Life
First of all, the whole point is to have a better life.
If something is diametrically opposed to Slow Living but brings you joy, you should keep it in your life. IE: If you want to tell me about the importance of sitting down to eat without distractions you are preaching to the choir. But you know what? My husband and I love to sometimes sit down and eat dinner and watch an episode of Stranger Things. I have no intention of giving that up for some ideal of Slow Living.
Don’t bring things into your life that bring you misery.
Slow Living is about happiness, not following rules. IE: You don’t have to wake up early and journal. You don’t have to even wake up early. Is there value in early mornings? Yes. Is there value in journaling? Sure. You just don’t have to do either if it doesn’t work for you. You don’t have to take up knitting or read every day if you don’t want to. I would argue you don’t even need to read at all.
Focus on Happiness
The whole point of Slow Living is to be able to focus on what makes us happy. We should be present in our own lives, and we shouldn’t be killing ourselves for the sake of productivity. Seriously, what is the point of living in the moment if you’re constricted by this ideal? Not everything has to be curated, high brow, or perfect. Not everything has to be “That Girl” Instagram worthy. Wearing your old sweats on a Friday night and eating takeout in front of the TV is great. It’s not the same as wearing linen and eating a beautiful salad with grilled salmon, but it is great.
Start small and slowly with what feels right to you. Slow Living isn’t a checklist. Slow Living still means YOU have to live YOUR life.
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