A gentle path back to yourself.
What if you didn’t need to speed up your life, but rather slow it down to truly arrive?Do you often feel like you’re constantly chasing after something?
Chasing appointments, expectations, to-dos—and perhaps even an ideal that doesn’t truly fit you? I know that feeling all too well. For a long time, I believed my life had to be full to be fulfilling. I thought productivity equated to worth. Yet, I often felt empty, overwhelmed, and… lost. Until I discovered Slow Living for myself.
Today, I invite you on a brief journey: to explore what Slow Living truly means, its origins, why it’s much more than a trend—and how you can begin to lovingly reshape your life with mindful awareness.
What Exactly Is Slow Living?
Slow Living is more than just a movement. It’s a life philosophy. A conscious decision to no longer be driven by external forces—but to rediscover your own pace.
It means valuing quality over quantity. Depth over superficiality. Intention over reaction. And above all: living instead of merely functioning.
In a world where speed is equated with success, Slow Living is an act of self-care—almost rebellious in nature.
The Origins of the Slow Movement
The roots of Slow Living lie in the Slow Food movement, which began in Italy during the 1980s as a response to fast food and globalized eating habits. This evolved into a lifestyle that emphasizes enjoyment, locality, seasonality, and conscious consumption.
Today, Slow Living encompasses much more:
- conscious eating
- mindful living spaces
- minimalist lifestyle design
- loving self-care
- sustainable consumption
- decelerated work practices
- mindful management of time, money, space, and energy
Why We Crave Deceleration
Most of us live in a constant state of activity. Between WhatsApp messages, emails, social media, work, and daily routines, there’s little room for silence. Yet, silence is precisely what we need to hear ourselves again.
We feel like we never have enough time—and simultaneously, so much of our life slips away due to distraction, overload, and overstimulation. Slow Living reverses this principle:
It’s not about doing more, but about living less, yet more consciously.
Slow Living Doesn’t Mean You Have to Do Everything Perfectly
It’s important to note: Slow Living isn’t another ideal you need to chase.
It’s not about suddenly living in a van, only buying second-hand, or completely overhauling your life.
It’s about your own small steps. About conscious decisions that feel right for you.
Perhaps it means drinking your first coffee of the day in silence. Or turning off your phone in the evening. Or focusing on just three to-dos instead of five—but doing them with full presence.
What Does Slow Living Look Like in Everyday Life?
Here’s a glimpse into how Slow Living can be practically implemented:
- Peaceful morning routine: a glass of water, a quiet breathing exercise, a few minutes of journaling—a gentle start.
- Mindful eating: with time, gratitude, and enjoyment instead of hastily and on the go.
- Minimalism at home: fewer visual stimuli = more inner peace.
- Digital breaks: phone-free times and conscious screen use.
- Experiencing nature: a walk without a goal, barefoot in the grass, enjoying forest sounds.
- Learning to say no: lovingly setting boundaries—for yourself.
What Slow Living Changes—Deeply and Sustainably
Since embracing Slow Living, so much has changed:
- I’m more relaxed.
- My daily life feels lighter.
- I need less to feel fulfilled.
- I’m more creative because my mind is freer.
- I have more energy—even though I objectively “accomplish” less.
Why? Because I’m no longer working against myself—but with myself.
Slow Living & Sustainability
Another wonderful effect: Those who live more slowly automatically live more sustainably.
You consume more consciously. You eat more seasonally. You buy less. You use things longer. You appreciate resources. And you begin to respect not just your life, but life as a whole.
Sustainability doesn’t start at the supermarket—but in the heart.
Slow Living & Work—Is It Compatible?
Absolutely. Even if it sometimes requires courage. I’ve learned that less is often more: less distraction, less busywork—more focus, more impact.
Perhaps that means for you:
- reducing your working hours
- structuring your daily routine
- planning clear breaks
- or pursuing a new career path
A mindful business can be more powerful than a hectic empire.
My Favorite Rituals for a Mindful Life
- Evening tea by candlelight
- Yoga by an open window
- Journaling with pink ink
- Sunday brunch with vegan banana bread
- Weekly decluttering—including digital
- Natural scents in the diffuser (e.g., lavender, citrus)
- A slow playlist for quiet afternoons
How to Start with Slow Living—My 5 Tips for Beginners
- Choose a ritual that feels good to you and make it a habit.
- Reduce your to-do list to the essentials—3 heartfelt tasks per day.
- Find your own pace—and trust that it’s enough.
- Consume consciously: Before every purchase, ask yourself: Do I really need this?
- Allow yourself breaks—and recognize them as productive.
Conclusion: Slow Living Is an Invitation—Not an Obligation
It’s a return to your natural rhythm. An invitation to live with your heart again—instead of against the clock. You don’t need to “achieve” anything to arrive. You are allowed to simply be.
Your pace is enough.
Your life is allowed to feel good.
You’re not here to rush—you’re here to live.
With all my heart,
Marie
