Yes, you can live a slow and simple life.
A few tips to help you in our highly productive rush culture....
Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.
Hello my friend.
A very warm welcome to my little corner of Substack today. Come on in, make yourself comfortable. Have you got a warm drink? Good, lets chat.
Today’s publication was inspired by a recent newsletter written by the lovely
about living a slow and simple life. Clementine spoke about a note she read on Substack whereby the writer shared:-“slow living requires middle-class privilege, and that you can only do it if you are working less hours or working from home, and growing your own food”
Clementine said she couldn’t disagree more. I feel the same. You can read Clementine’s publication here.
What I’m about to share with you today are a few things I do regularly to slow down and live simply, to demonstrate that slow living is not just for the middle-class privileged. Absolutely anyone can follow these practices.
Firstly, a little about my background. I work as a data analyst four days a week, eight hours a day for a corporate company. Up until April this year I worked full time. I live in a regular semi-detached house, with a small garden, just five miles from the centre of Leicester. My parents are in their eighties, with my mum in the latter stages of dementia. I spend time with them every other day, supporting my dad with mums’ care when needed.
Creators on YouTube and Instagram would have you believe that to live a slow and simple life one would need to live self-sufficiently in a cute little cottage or cabin in the middle of nowhere with some land to grow one’s own food and have some chickens, pigs etc. Working from home as a craftsperson i.e. an artist or writer would be essential of course.
Whilst all of this sounds idyllic and many of us dream of that lifestyle, the reality is that it’s the rare few that have such a lifestyle and I’d put money on it that it is not that simple at all.
At the risk of preaching to the converted, photographs on Instagram and other social media platforms are often staged, and only show you the best of that life, not a typical day. Living slowly and simply does not imply living easily without any problems.
That said, here are a few simple things that I do to slow down my day and live in a simpler way. You can do them too.
Read
Whilst having my breakfast I often read, sometimes a Substack publication or a chapter in my current book. In the evening, the same, before going to sleep. I also try and find small pockets of time during the day to read where possible. For example, in-between preparing the evening meal and waiting for Anthony to get home there is normally a half-hour window where I can read a book. I think if one evaluates their day, quiet moments can often be found.
Write/Journal
I journal daily about anything that has happened during the day. It helps me to clear the “mental clutter” especially if it has been a particularly challenging day. I make time for intentional writing too, by that I mean work on a newsletter for Substack or another project, like a writing course.
Meditation
I find meditating to be an effective grounding tool. There are many apps for guided meditations of course, but I usually focus on deep breathe work and affirmations. The time spent meditating can vary, for me it is normally around ten to fifteen minutes daily but you can choose timings to suit your needs and time available. Even five minutes makes a difference.
Sit outside and listen to nature, or go for a nature walk
Sitting peacefully in your garden and just listening. It is amazing the sounds you can tune into when you sit quietly. Close your eyes too, your senses will pick up even more.
Taking a walk in nature is a perfect way to slow down. Just take your time, don’t rush. Look around and notice everything. Visit a local park or woodland if you can. If you don’t have either nearby, try and find a quiet road and do the same.
Star gaze
I am not too knowledgeable about astrology I confess, but it fills me with wonder every time I see a star filled sky at night or early in the morning. Autumn and Winter are the best times to star gaze as the air is crisper. There is less haze therefore making the stars seem brighter.
A hot drink
How often do any of us just sit and enjoy a hot drink whilst doing nothing else? Frequently we are multi-tasking. Taking a sip in-between doing another task, like cleaning, or whilst reading or watching Netflix. Try it one day, see how it feels.
Listen to music
Same principle as above, try just sitting and listening to your favourite songs, rather than them being relegated to background noise.
So there you have it, a few ideas for you to try. Hopefully you can invite more calm and simplicity into your day with a few practices to help you to live a slower and simpler life.
Have a beautiful day.
Until next time.
Debbie xx
Brilliant words, and yes, we have to keep ensuring that living slowly and simply isn’t seen as a picture-perfect aesthetic and lifestyle to which we should all aspire 🌱
Oh Debbie this is just beautiful ❤️ and I was reading a long with my cup of tea, nodding away ! It upsets me so many people push this narrative that slow living is only for 'some' because I like you, believe in my heart and soul - slow and gentle living is for every one and I know how transformative it can be! 🙏 I love how you have shown how very small actions, choices and moments can create this sense of slow in your every day life. Thank you for this ! 🙏