What Slow Living Means to Me
What Slow Living Means to Me
I recently came across an incredible blog dedicated to all things slow living: Simply Bare, written by Rachel Bare, a Colorado native and slow living advocate. Her blog is full of thoughtful insights, and after reading her post, “What Is Slow Living?”, I found myself reflecting on what slow living means to me.
Slow living has become increasingly popular over the last few years, but do we really know what it means when we say we’re embracing a slower life?
For many of us, slow living can feel foreign. We live in a world that often rewards productivity, busyness, and hustle. We’re encouraged to do more, achieve more, and stay constantly connected. But what happens when we live that way for 30 or 40 years? How does our nervous system respond? Is it healthy to be “on” all the time?
These are questions worth asking.
One thing I appreciated about Rachel’s perspective is that she doesn’t blame technology for our fast-paced culture. Instead, she reframes it as a tool. Technology, social media, AI, podcasts, television—they all have value when used intentionally. The key is remembering that they are tools, not the drivers of our lives.
To stay in control, we need self-awareness. We need to be conscious of how much time we spend consuming and how often we’re reaching for distraction instead of connection.
Slow living reminds us not to forget the simple joys that existed long before screens. The things that have always been available to us: conversations, nature, creativity, rest, family, and community.
It asks us to pause and consider:
I only have so much energy today. How do I want to spend it?
What do I need most right now?
What will feel meaningful when this day is over?
Because ultimately, how we spend our time, where we direct our energy, and who we share our lives with shapes the life we create.
I think about the fact that life is short quite often—not in a fearful way, but in a way that reminds me what matters.
At the end of my life, I don’t want to look back and wonder where the years went. I want to be able to say:
“I lived the heck out of it.”
It may have been messy. It may have been imperfect. But I was present. I noticed the glimmers. I experienced the beauty that was right in front of me. I spent time with the people I loved. My nervous system knew peace. And I wouldn’t trade those moments for the world.
I am certainly not a slow living expert. I’m simply a person trying to live a meaningful life. Here are a few things I’m personally working on:
1. Finding Balance
This one is hard.
I have so many interests and hobbies that excite me—watercolor painting, gardening, reading, pickleball, writing, and more. But I also want to make space for rest, nature, and quality time with my family.
Slow living isn’t about doing less of what you love. It’s about making sure what matters most has room to exist.
2. Limiting Technology Use
Awareness is everything.
It’s incredibly easy to pick up our phones and lose an hour without realizing it. Slow living encourages us to set boundaries around technology so we can be more intentional with our attention.
Maybe that means:
- Not checking social media until noon.
- Leaving your phone in another room.
- Turning off the television.
- Going for a walk without headphones.
Small changes can create more space for presence.
3. Practicing Patience
This one challenges me daily.
When I get excited about a new idea or project, I want to dive in and see results immediately. But slow living reminds me that good things take time.
Growth takes time.
Relationships take time.
Dreams take time.
Not everything is meant to be rushed.
4. Living Intentionally
One of the best decisions I’ve ever made was stopping drinking.
It gave me clarity. It helped quiet the noise and allowed me to become more intentional about the life I wanted to create.
I started paying attention to my choices. I created vision boards. I reflected on my values. And little by little, decision by decision, I began building a life that felt more aligned with who I truly am.
5. Getting Back to the Basics
When I think of slow living, I often think of simpler times.
Hanging laundry on a clothesline.
Sitting around a fire.
Eating outside.
Playing cards with family.
Running barefoot through the grass.
Catching tadpoles.
Watching a sunset.
Climbing trees.
Taking long walks.
These aren’t revolutionary ideas. They’re simple. But sometimes the simplest things are the most meaningful.
When I picture a life filled with joy, purpose, and connection, I don’t picture endless productivity.
I picture togetherness.
I picture presence.
I picture the simple moments that become the memories we carry with us forever.
If you’re curious about slow living, I highly recommend visiting Simply Bare and reading some of Rachel Bare’s work. Her writing is thoughtful, practical, and full of wisdom. It may just inspire you to slow down enough to notice the beauty that’s been there all along.
And if you’re on this journey too, I’d love to know:
What does slow living mean to you?
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