SPECIAL | The rapid rise of the slow living movement
Nov 28, 2024
auto_awesome
Rachel Schwartzmann, author of "Slowing" and a champion of the slow living movement, shares her journey from a fast-paced career to embracing mindfulness and self-care. She discusses the beauty of everyday moments and the need to redefine success away from hustle culture. The conversation delves into the challenges and mindset shifts required to adopt slow living in a busy world. Rachel also offers insights on cultivating patience and emphasizes the importance of genuine connections during the holiday season, encouraging listeners to disconnect and engage more deeply.
Slow living promotes self-care by encouraging mindfulness and a less frantic pace, challenging traditional views of productivity and success.
Adopting practical actions like outdoor activities and journaling can help ease the transition to a slower, more fulfilling lifestyle.
Deep dives
The Importance of Slow Living
Slow living is presented as a radical approach to self-care, emphasizing a less frantic pace and mindfulness in daily decisions. It counters the culture of relentless productivity, suggesting that prioritizing quality over quantity in life can lead to greater well-being. By integrating practices that encourage presence and intentionality, individuals can better navigate the anxieties that come with fast-paced living. The conversation highlights how slowing down can promote a more meaningful engagement with both personal and professional aspects of life.
Reframing Mindsets on Productivity and Achievement
Shifting the mindset around productivity is crucial for embracing slow living, as it focuses on internalizing success and achievement rather than conforming to societal expectations. The notion that success must always be tied to visible milestones or outputs is challenged, allowing individuals to define their accomplishments privately. This perspective encourages people to realize that slowing down does not equate to falling behind, but rather provides an opportunity for deeper satisfaction and personal connection. By recognizing the value of what is often overlooked, one can cultivate a greater sense of fulfillment.
Practical Steps to Embrace a Slower Lifestyle
Implementing small, practical actions can facilitate the transition to a slower lifestyle, such as engaging in outdoor activities or journaling to reflect on one’s experiences. These activities help individuals reconnect with their environment and promote mindfulness. Additionally, dedicating time to disconnect from digital distractions, especially during busy periods like the holidays, can foster meaningful interactions and self-reflection. Embracing the sensory aspects of life, such as enjoying the beauty around us, is essential in making the slow living practice more tangible.
Americans hustle. We get after it. And, while having the ability, desire and energy to accomplish extraordinary things is commendable, it can also lead to burnout and high levels of stress. Is it time for some of us to slow down? Slow living is a radical approach to self-care which celebrates a less hectic pace of life along with making mindful choices to enhance our wellbeing. Is it possible to marry our desire to have it all with a slow living lifestyle? Author Rachel Schwartzmann, whose new book “Slowing” came out this fall, joins The Excerpt to give us a better understanding of the slow living movement.