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The origins of the Western world’s exploration into the slow living movement started withSlow Food.
Shifting Priorities
In 2020,Roxanne Morrisonwas working a busy job that she loved.
Then, the summer rolled around, and she found herself unemployed thanks to a round of layoffs.
“Slow living is rooted in the embodiment ofpleasureas well,” she explained.
In the slowness came the calling to pursue two of her long-term passions:astrologyandsculpting.
She was able to start two businesses out of these passions, signaling a major reprioritizing of her desires.
Yet, it isnt without its concerns.
Businesses can have highs and lows.
Figuring out how I am going to make things work financially can bepart of the stress.
It would be a utopia if I didnt have to deal with that, she stated.
The Revolution of the Resolution
With the darkness of winter comesNew Year’s resolutions.
It wouldnt be uncommon to read this article and vow to dial your life back to a leisurely pace.
Slow living can give youanxietyat times…
It turns out this is a common side effect of slow living.
This can be terrifying.
We might meet self-judgment, unfamiliar emotions, fear of what will happen if we step back or away.
Such big feelings may prompt some to jump ship and avoid the lifestyle changes altogether.
We might meet self-judgment, unfamiliar emotions, fear of what will happen if we step back or away.
The resolution to live a more thoughtful lifestyle is common.
About 25% of Americans who made resolutions in 2022 focused on the intention to live a healthier life.
After all, the point is to slow down, live more, and work less.
Plus, many struggle to actually meet their resolutions.
In our2020 reader poll, 25% of respondents stated they rarely meet their New Year’s resolutions goals.
Fine-Tuning Your Vision of Slow Living
Does this mean we forgo resolutions altogether?
Lets turn to some research to see what shifts a resolution into lasting change.
DeVos also acknowledged the inherent challenge that comes with moving towards slow living.
What are you willing to give up?
Some of you may be hungry for a lifestyle that prioritizes family.
If family dinners are in your vision, what needs to happen daily to enable that?
How might you oughta sit down with your partner or family to restructure your weeks?
she explained, mentioning that this might require newboundarieswith yourself or at work.
Feel like you could benefit from some support in shifting to a slower lifestyle?
See if any other friends are hoping to do the same and if you could support each other.
Is Slow Living Possible for All?
Without a doubt, career demands and financial realities can outshine the possibility of slow living for many.
Let’s take the Pomodoro Technique.
This method invites folks to navigate time management a bit differently.
You’ll set a timer for 25 minutes and work diligently, trying your best to avoid all distractions.
When the timer goes off, take a five-minute break.
Repeat three more times and then take a 30-minute break before starting the process over again.
This timing of this technique can be adapted to the unique challenges of your job.
A 2022 study found the Pomodoro Technique to enhance the learning and skills of students.
Easing the Pace
Slow living is a conversation inherently steeped inprivilege.
My nervous system was in shock, and I needed to slow down.
Sometimes, this would last for less than five minutes.
I was slowing down, even if it didnt seem like it.
Amidgrief, financial insecurity, and despair, I found a pocket of peace.
According to DeVos, these moments count as part of the movement.
Slow living doesnt have to mean drastic change.
Slow living doesnt have to mean sacrifice.
It can actually lead us to more freedom.
Perhaps freedom is here.
We just need to slow down and take it in.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Stress.
YouGovAmerica.Americans who plan to make New Year’s resolutions are more optimistic about better things in 2022.
2020;15(12):e0234097.
2022;6(3):3384-3390. doi:10.31004/basicedu.v6i3.2619
