excerpt taken from the Introductory pages of Slow Living: Cultivating a Life of Purpose in a Hustle-Driven World by Stephanie O’Dea
I get asked to define Slow Living quite often through my work on the Slow Living podcast. The easiest way for me to sum it up in a neat and tidy soundbite is that Slow Living isn’t
a thing, it’s a mindset.
And the mindset is “faster and more does not equal better.”
When you decide to slow down and not rush through life, even somewhat mundane tasks can take on a joyful and peaceful pleasure. It’s actually easier for me to explain what Slow Living is not than what it is.
– Slow living is not minimalism. But it can be.
– Slow living is not deciding to only have a certain number of everyday items. But it can be.
– Slow living is not selling your home, all of your possessions, and moving into a Tiny House or an RV. But it can be.
Slow Living is a way to live life on your own terms.
You can still have goals and aspirations, but you don’t have to sacrifice your well-being or sanity (and that of your loved ones)
to achieve them.
Slow Living is a lifestyle movement that emphasizes the importance of enjoying life’s simple pleasures. It’s about making deliberate choices and focusing on what truly matters, rather
than rushing through life trying to do as much as possible in as little time as possible.
This often includes things like spending time in nature, being mindful and present in the moment, reducing stress, and simplifying life by decluttering and focusing on what is truly
important. The goal of Slow Living is to cultivate a sense of balance, contentment, and well-being by living a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
I like this shortened definition of Slow Living:
Slow Living is being consciously aware of what you are doing, what your
surroundings are, and where you are headed in life.
This means that you’re actively living the life that you have consciously and purposefully decided on—one that is fulfilling, satisfying, and intentional. It also means that you trust that you can meet your personal and professional goals in a thoughtful, methodical, and sustainable way.
In a nutshell, Slow Living is not accidental living.
I have three children, and I currently work in an elementary school. I hear children bickering an awful lot—which means I hear the phrase, “but it was an accident!” more often than I
can count.
And accidents? They usually aren’t ever a good thing. That’s why when cars bump each other, or when somebody falls off of a ladder, the term “accident” is used.
But on purpose? That’s when you consciously decide and plan how things are going to happen. And that’s what I’d like you to do in all aspects of your life.
Slow Living is also about being aware of your surroundings, of other people, and of what you are doing to the Earth and its future inhabitants. You’re not alone on this planet, and you don’t live in a vacuum.
If you continue your current trajectory, what will your life look like in five years? In twenty years? Is what you are doing now meaningful and sustainable?
Some potential benefits of living a slower, calmer, and more peaceful lifestyle include:
1. Reduced stress and anxiety. By intentionally slowing down and simplifying your life, you may experience a greater sense of calm and reduced physical stress.
2. Improved mental health. Slowing down can help you focus on what is truly important, leading to greater contentment, satisfaction, and overall mental well-being.
3. Increased mindfulness. Living slowly encourages you to stay present and attentive to the moment at hand, which allows you to enhance your ability to enjoy simple pleasures and everyday experiences instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
4. Better relationships. When you slow down and consciously decide to spend quality time with loved ones, your relationships improve and connections deepen.
5. Inspired creativity. When you prioritize living a slow life, you may find that you have much more time and space for creative pursuits.
While the benefits of living a slow life on purpose can vary depending on individual circumstances, life experiences, and priorities, most people who decide to live this way report that they have a newfound sense of fulfillment, peace, and an overall feeling of well-being.
Some people embark upon their path to Slow Living because of an upheaval in their life: a medical diagnosis, a divorce, or a death in the family. My hope is that you are here out of
curiosity, not because of tragedy, but no matter why you picked up this book, I’m glad you did.
