Slow Living: My Journey to Embracing a Slower Pace

In today’s world, the term slow often has a negative connotation. We must move faster, work harder, do more, or risk feeling unproductive or lazy. So, how do we transition from that mindset to truly embrace a slower lifestyle? Well, my sweet friend, today I am going to get very personal with you and share my journey into slow living. I hope it helps you as you embark on your own slow living experience. 

What is Slow Living? 

Before we dive into my journey, let’s break down what slow living is all about. Slow living is about embracing a mindful, intentional, and balanced approach to life. It encourages individuals to pause, reflect, and appreciate the present moment, fostering a deeper connection with ourselves, others, and the world around us.

Slow living embodies a shift away from the constant rush and hustle culture that often dominates our lives. It invites us to take a step back and experience each moment so we can enjoy more and rush less. It is broken down into three basic principles: Mindfulness, Intentionality, and Balance. Let’s dive a little deeper into each, shall we? 

1. Mindfulness: Slow living encourages us to be fully present in each moment, cultivating awareness and acceptance of ourselves and our surroundings. By slowing down and experiencing life with heightened senses, we can savor the beauty of everyday moments.
2. Intentionality: Being intentional means aligning our actions and decisions with our values and priorities. Slow living prompts us to question the busyness and distractions that often crowd our lives, allowing us to focus on what truly matters.
3. Balance: Finding balance is crucial in slow living. It emphasizes setting boundaries, managing stress, and prioritizing self-care. Creating space for relaxation and leisure helps in fostering personal well-being.

The Catalyst to My Slow Living Journey 

Before I had kids, I worked… a lot! When I wasn’t at the office, I was picking up shifts at a restaurant. When I wasn’t working, I was trying to balance time with family, friends, and squeezing in time for me in the tiny spaces in between. I rarely stopped moving and when I did, I would get the itch to clean the house or run an errand. It was like I was programmed to hustle. Everything I did was to achieve a goal or to check a box, my focus was geared towards productivity. 

The day I had my girls everything changed. Moments after I brought them into the world, I almost left it. It was a reality that I never imagined and it really forced me to re-evaluate my life and slow things down a bit. Thankfully I had an incredible care team and I am still here to tuck my beautiful babes into bed every night, but what  I took away from that experience was to slow down and enjoy every second of this life that was almost taken from me.

The Beauty in Slowing Down

To this day what I remember most about the moment things went south is my breath. I could feel that something was wrong and in that moment I knew I needed to tap into to the powers of my breath. I looked at my husband and said “something is wrong, but it is going to be ok… yoga breaths.” So I began taking deep breaths and connecting each one to my bodily experience. I firmly believe that played a massive role in my outcome. After that day I had a renewed and even stronger appreciation for the mind-body connection. What my body needed was for me to slow down and take life one breath at a time. 

I am not going to lie, this slower lifestyle was an adjustment. Even as someone who has practiced mindfulness and meditation for years, this habit of constant productivity was a hard one to break. My husband had to remind me on a regular basis to rest and let others help me (not my strong suit), but after awhile I started to feel the effects sink in and it became easier to take things slow. I found myself letting go of certain expectations and the urge to control things. This was HUGE for me. Once I let go of that, the rest fell into place. When I would find myself getting up to do something because I felt like I should, I took a moment do a quick body scan to see what I needed.

Slow living has transformed my life. I went from hustling for the should-do’s to connecting more deeply with the present and making the most balanced decision for myself and my family. Slowing down has allowed me to deepen my mindfulness and yoga practices, strengthen my relationships, and focus on becoming the mom I have always dreamed of being. 

I want this for you too my friend. So I have put together some tips on how to incorporate slow living practices into your busy life! 

Practical Tips for Incorporating Slow Living

1. Simplify your schedule: Take a step back and evaluate your commitments. Identify tasks or engagements that drain your energy and consider reducing or eliminating them. Embrace the idea that it’s okay to say “no” to activities that do not align with your values or priorities.
2. Create slow rituals: Incorporate mindful rituals into your daily routine. It could be savoring your morning coffee, reading a book before bed, or taking a peaceful walk in nature. These intentional moments create a sense of calm and appreciation for the present. One thing I love to do during nap time is take a moment outside with my dog. I close my eyes and let my senses take over. Feeling the sun warm my face, the breeze graze my skin, and the fresh air filling my lungs helps me reconnect to the present moment and renews my energy.
3. Disconnect from technology: Take regular breaks from the constant digital distractions. Designate device-free time zones, engage in offline activities, and practice being fully present with those around you. Pro tip: Create a “Downtime Schedule” on your phone or utilize app limits to help you disconnect.
4. Practice gratitude: Cultivate gratitude by reflecting on what you are grateful for each day. This simple practice helps shift your focus to the positive aspects of life and fosters a deeper appreciation for the present moment.

Slow living is a powerful antidote in a world that often values speed and productivity. By embracing this slower lifestyle, we can transform our lives from a hectic race to a meaningful journey. Slowing down our daily lives allows us to savor life’s simple pleasures, nurture connections, and find peace amid chaos. So, let us all take a step back, breathe deeply, and embark on a life filled with purpose, presence, and contentment.