”A quiet mind is able to hear intuition over fear.”

The present moment – the only moment there is for us to be alive. Humans are very good at preparing to live, but not very good a living. Habitually dwelling in the past and dreaming of the future, while having difficulties concentrating the mind on the present moment.

The concept of slow living has never been more relevant. As we navigate the fast-paced currents of 2024, the slow living movement urges us to pause, breathe, and savour the simple joys of life.

Slow living is about creating time, space and energy for the things that matter most to us in life. It’s about taking the time to do things properly, and thereby enjoy them more. Allowing ourselves to be fully present.

I think it was Socrates who said:

”The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.”

There are of course many mindsets one can incorporate in order to embrace a slower kind of living. Here are just a few of my favourites at the moment. I hope you’ll find enjoyment in them as well.

Less screen-time

Slow living invites us to unplug from the digital noise, to embrace moments of silence, and to be present in the real world. This conscious disconnection allows for genuine connections with others and with our own thoughts. It’s very difficult to hear oneself when the mind is constantly caught up in the outside world. If we never take the time to just sit with ourselves, we won’t hear the silent, important whispers from the soul.

More often than not this fast paced society triggers feelings such as worry, anxiety and stress. We constantly feel the pressure to have more, do more, be more. Never being satisfied, and continually seeking instant gratifications. Forgetting all about how to breathe, losing sight of the moments in-between.

When seeking stillness you allow your brain to go beyond thought. You might for example struggle with a challenging task, and seek more intelligent ideas on how to proceed – when you allow your brain to unwind, and ”turn off”, hence getting rid of all the pressure, you allow your creativity to come alive, which in turn may lead to more creative solutions to your problem.

Nurture your relationships

Slow living prompts us to invest time and energy in meaningful relationships. Whether it’s spending quality time with family or enjoying a face-to-face conversation with a friend, prioritizing relationships contributes to a sense of fulfilment and belonging.

When it comes to relationships you have the opportunity to be both the teacher, and the student. Therefore, start practising slow living when interacting with other people. What can you teach each other? In what way can you serve one another? How can you both benefit from the interaction? Start by listening without judgment. Listen to understand, not simply to respond.

Find balance

Balancing work and personal life can be a real struggle, however, the concept of slow living emphasizes the importance of creating boundaries. Redefine what success means to you, focus not only on professional achievements but also on personal growth, well-being, and peace.

Embrace the here and now

Perhaps the most significant lesson from the slow living philosophy is the importance of embracing the present moment. In a world that constantly pushes us to plan for the future, slow living teaches us that life is happening right now. By being fully present in our daily experiences, we can cultivate gratitude and find joy in the seemingly ordinary, yet profound moments.

With this being said, I strongly believe we all can benefit from introducing the concept of  slow living into our hectic lives. Not only for the sake of our own wellbeing, but in the interest of gaining a deeper connection within our relationships.