The Slow Living movement, which is gaining momentum, calls for stopping the hurry, and living every day consciously, paying attention to quality, not quantity, in any area of life – from food to work. The philosophy of “slow living” teaches how to live well, and that means with quality experiences, verses fast, rushed ones. For example, if you have a long check list for the day, even on a day off or holiday and you are more focused on getting it off the list, than emersion and being present in the moment you are living fast not consciously.
The beginning of the 21st century has passed under the banner of productivity. Megacities dictate their rhythm – there are too many opportunities, you need to be in time everywhere and achieve success in everything. But in this rush there is a real danger of living a life for the sake of future achievements, missing something really important. It creates a lack of connection to self, others, and a slow living life, so in the moment to truly experience an authentic life and relationships that are high functioning.
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History and concept
The need to slow down arose in people not yesterday. The Slow Living movement evolved from the Slow Food philosophy that emerged in Italy in the late 80s in response to the growing popularity of fast food establishments.
The Italians did not accept such interference in their dolce vita and organized the “slow food” movement. They called for cooking from organic products, slowly, with love, and breakfast, lunch and dinner – in a pleasant company at a large table, enjoying the meal.
Slow Living philosophy has many directions. Slow Art supports the idea of a conscious attitude to art and leisurely enjoyment of paintings, music, and performances. Slow Beauty – turning routine care into a daily pleasant ritual with self-love.
“Slow communication” encourages you to abandon the phone and the Internet and replace them with a lively conversation over a cup of coffee. There is even a “slow rest” – a rejection of a schedule full of excursions and entertainments in favor of measured pleasures for body and soul.
6 ways to make life slower
The goal of the followers of the Slow Living movement is to find peace and harmony in everyday life. A few rules will help you slow down and begin to enjoy the process, not the result.
1. Learn to relax
Try not to solve business issues after hours. Use your free time to socialize with your family, outdoor recreation, sports. At least an hour a day, devote only to yourself: do not reply to messages, do not read the news, take a break from the information. Better take a walk in the park, read a book or meditate.
2. Set priorities
In work and in life, do not grab onto everything at once and do not rush to finish all things as soon as possible. It’s better to focus on what you’re doing right now – it’s more effective.
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3. Enjoy the simple
The ability to enjoy the little things lies at the heart of a happy life. When coffee in the morning is not just a habit, but a favorite ritual. When you buy a new dress to pamper yourself. When you notice how the morning sun beautifully breaks through the curtains and illuminates the room. When you celebrate small dates with something tasty, when you create your own traditions.
4. Practice non-action
Try to just sit in silence and do nothing for five minutes. Do not think about the past or the future, do not make plans, do not make any movements, just enjoy doing nothing. It is not as simple as it seems at first glance, but it helps to slow down both physically and spiritually.
5. Get rid of excess
“Slow life” keeps up with minimalism and conscious consumption. The mess in the house prevents us from finding harmony and can cause a mess in life and in the head. Free your home and your life from unnecessary: throw away things that have not been used in the last year, release relationships that are alarming and uncomfortable, give up things that devastate and are given with great difficulty.
6. Take a day off
It’s not about those weekends, after which we need additional rest: when we do not work, but try to redo everything that we did not have in a week. Make a day just for yourself. Stay home alone, leave the city, spend a day in the city alone with yourself. Believe me, in one day the world will not collapse without your participation, the house will not be overgrown with cobwebs, and you will not be fired. But after such a full day off, there will be twice as much energy and desire for important things.
