If you are reading this article, chances are you have been seeing the books, articles, reels, and YouTube videos talking about the concept of slow living. The videos I have seen, usually filmed by women, are paired with a vintage or cottage-core aesthetic and portray cinematic happiness.
But what is slow living, why is it such a big deal, and how does it translate to real life?
Slow Living: A Definition
Slow living is the practice of living at a slow pace; taking the time to enjoy the present moment and make intentional choices that fit your values and desires in your life.
Why So Many People Are Talking About It
The reason everyone is talking about the concept of slow living is easy. Everyone is tired of running after something they may or may not even want. After the series of Industrial Revolutions, we have had generations of people raised to believe they need to work harder, achieve more, and never stop moving forward. Time is money, right? Then we have children and society tells us to create productive and successful members of that society. Put them in the best schools and make sure they learn it all in time to get a successful job so they can rush through life just like us.
Well, finally we are ready to push back against that ideology. We want to have time. Time to enjoy the fruits of our labor.
If you look at the Bible, you will find a whole book dedicated to this concept. In Ecclesiastes, the writer (believed by many scholars to be King Solomon), wrote about his success in life and the surprising lessons he learned along the way. When observing how generation after generation labors just to be forgotten by the next, the writer says
“What has a man from all the toil and striving of heart with which he toils beneath the sun? For all his days are full of sorrow, and his work is a vexation. Even in the night, his heart does not rest.” (2:22-23)
Followed by his revelation:
“There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment?” (2:24-25)
He thought about his life and decided that there was no point in humankind laboring if they were not able to take time to enjoy it. Even pointing out that to enjoy the fruit of our labors is a gift from God.
How It Translates To Real Life
Now, the beautiful aesthetic of social media content is something we should be familiar with by now. While enjoyable to watch, it can leave viewers feeling as if influencers’ seemingly beautiful lives are unattainable. So is slow living just for content creators? And if not, how can the principles of slow living fit into your life?
It starts with intentionality. Start with spending a day paying attention to what your routine is. Do you have a morning routine? Do you wake up just in time to get to work? If you have time, write them down what you are doing throughout the day. Pay attention to how the decisions you make influence your life, your mood, and your relationships. After this, decide how it is serving you and your loved ones. Choose a few simple changes you can make to your day to enjoy it more. Maybe that means taking a few minutes to enjoy your coffee or tea before getting ready for the day or creating a more efficient daily plan so that you have time to rest at the end of the day. Start small, and stay intentional. See how the changes affect your life, and if they do not serve you and your family, then reevaluate. Don’t get stuck on autopilot.
Conclusion
While this might not result in you spinning in your kitchen, wearing a prairie dress, and looking like a princess while you cook breakfast, it can lead to a satisfying life. Intentionality changes how our minds work, allowing us to take control of our lives and find gratitude in what we have been blessed with.
Let me know what you think of slow living. Is this just a social media trend or is it a revolution?
If you decide to track yourself for a day, tell me at least one thing you are going to try to change in your daily life and how you are going to achieve it! I am rooting for you and please let me know if you have any questions about this topic!