I didn't know there's a word like slow-living until I come across this week's topic. This solidified my belief that there's no feeling that is new, nothing I will experience that others haven't, and nothing I'll say that no one hasn't said before, believe it or not:)
Before knowing this word, slow living was already a part of me. I called it "my moment of peace", 'relaxation' in other words. It took me a long time to incorporate this into my lifestyle.
The word laziness is easily used on us, humans, and even on animals like dogs and cats.
My extended family uses this word more on us young ones, and even on adult members who prioritize self care. Even my country despise laziness, and the truth is that you can't survive here if you aren't strong and hardworking.
So because of this we do work out our asses even when our body is pleading for care and attention.
We don't want to be tagged lazy by the society. Aside from that, we won't be happy if we don't accomplish that which we want to, so we push ourselves further until we can't move anymore. I was like this, a year ago.
I first embraced slow-living after a physical breakdown in my health.
I was working as a sales representative at a pharmacy and at the same attending classes.
Both were very important to me, I didn't want to fail my exams, and my job was my passion, I needed the money too.
I didn't even know what creating a balance was, so I sacrificed myself for it until I slept one night peacefully, as usual, only to wake up broken, pained and helpless. I couldn't move any part of my body, my bones were weak, and there were these pains in my joints and muscles.
I spent three days in the hospital, no work, no studying. I couldn't do any of them anymore.
You will have to stop working, my Senior sister said, and I agreed with her. My boss won't accept me anyway, he wouldn't want to work with a sick teenage girl.
It was at this time I realised that there's a way I would have managed both my work and studies. So from that day forward, I made a promise to myself to embrace what I now understand as slow living and incorporate regular breaks into my routine.
It wasn't always easy, but those days in the hospital served as a powerful reminder of the importance of finding solace in the midst of chaos. I understood that taking breaks wasn't a sign of laziness, but rather an act of self-care.
As I grow older, I became more aware of myself, how my system works and my stress limit. I also understand what is best for me, and where my body and soul love most for relaxation.
I took little steps to incorporate slow living into my daily routine. One of which was taking a cup of tea in the morning, and the other, recognizing the beauty of nature.
I do take a leisurely walk in the park close to my house. Sometimes I will sit there for hours, reflecting on my life; my little daily achievement, and try to check if there are things in, and around me that needs more attention. This moments brought me peace and allowed me to reconnect with myself. The immense benefits I experienced is worth this time - the increased clarity, the heightened sense of gratitude, and the overall improvement in my mental and emotional well-being.
I understood slow living as taking a step back from the fast-paced, always-on lifestyle and embracing a more relaxed and mindful approach to life. It is about slowing down, savoring the present moment, and finding joy in the simple things.
It is like pressing the pause button on the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allowing myself to breathe, and focus on what truly matters to me.
It's about finding balance, prioritizing self-care, and being intentional with my time and energy.
In a layman's sense, slow living is about taking it easy, finding peace, and enjoying the journey as it goes.
Images are mine