Slow Living and the Healing Power of Nature
“I am so busy…” is a common refrain these days. Although we live in a time when we have never had so much technology to do everyday tasks, we are increasingly more anxious and busy.
Table of Contents
We often find ourselves unable to process experiences because they are rushed. We often feel burnt out and stressed. People have lost employment due to automation, the need to speed up to keep up, dangles like the sword of Damocles. So why are we moving so fast to stay in the same place?
How We Got Here
Why are we still “so busy”? Truth be told, we have been groomed to believe that fast equals more productivity, the more we do, the more we get to do, the greater the rewards.
This ties into the work ethic that “The devil makes work for idle hands.” Slow became associated with the idea of being idle, lazy, and non productive. It is hard to break old habits, but the old paradigm is dissolving as people seek a more balanced lifestyle.
Slow living, like its name is not a quick fix. It is a process of adjustment which takes time and patience. A mindful fine tuning that clears way for you to grow towards your truth.
What is Slow Living?
Slow living evolved out of the ashes of life in the fast lane. A world where you do everything that is expected, at pace that often causes you stress and anxiety in the process. The rushed experiences diminish their effect.
Drawing on lessons of Carlo Petrini’s Slow Food Nation movement, which emphasises traditional food cooked in the old fashioned way, the slow living movement now intersects many lifestyles.
Slow living is about living a mindful, simple and intentional life. You are present in the time and space that you occupy. You can still move forward, however, you take control of the pace to allow a balance that works for you. It will be different for everyone.
Benefits of Slow Living
Slow living allows you to explore and participate in the world at a pace that allows you grace.
It is as if the universe has decided to reveal its unlimited dimensions and possibilities through acts of kindness, serendipity and connection.
Slow Living helps to reduce stress.
It increases your awareness of your surroundings and relationships.
You become proactive rather than reactive.
You see patterns in life and can make intentional changes to benefit your physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.
Setting your own pace for your goals makes them more achievable.
Sit quietly doing nothing, spring comes, and the grass grows by iteself.
-Zen Wisdom
In the search for understanding and alternative healing I have been pointed in many interesting directions. A return to slow living is a good fit for the those caught up in modern fast paced chaos which does not serve them.
Caroline Myss, who writes about mysticism, has said that our connection to our own energy reflects back on us, so we better be aware and in control. Basically, when we love and respect ourselves that energy spreads out positively, paying it forward and expanding even more.
The popular passage from Marianne Williamson’s book, A Return to Love, captures the quandary we have:
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. - Marianne Williamson
First, we have to persuade ourselves that we are powerful. The principle of persuasion in advertising, and social media, is based on the idea that we are lacking material goods, and time. Slow living returns us to a positive reframing of our abilities and power.
All that's visible springs from causes intimate to you.
-Dogen
Mindfulness
Slow living with intent opens up the possibilities. We are beautiful beings, full of graciousness, strength and passion. It may be hard to believe when we watch the news, and hear about disturbing events around the world. We have not yet learnt as a collective to harness this power for greatness.
The quieter you become, the more you can hear.
-Yasutani Roshi
Meditation and reflection are important components of slow living, but you are free to design the framework that works for you.
There are individuals and groups where the lights are bright, others where the lights are dim and flickering. When the fuse is completely blown, it can be horrific. The challenge is for you as an individual is to find your power.
Your strength is being aware of the possibilities and being more resolved to retain your power. You can give it away, but it cannot be taken from you. You got the power!
Strategies to Help You Invest in Slow Living:
1. Be Grateful – Gratitude opens up the possibilities to everything else. Life can be beautiful, and when it is, take the time to show gratitude. You can’t control everything, but you can prepare and take charge of your life. Make it the best for you.
2. Declutter and Decorate – This can be very therapeutic. Your living space is a constant reminder of things past, and present. Clear your space, and rearrange your environment, be it Feng Shui, or just moving a sofa. Bring nature into your rooms with your favourite indoor plants.
3. Be Mindful and Intentional – Choose the tasks you want to complete and be intentional in the things you do.
Slow Living Nature Guides
Energise You Body Through Grounding
At the end of the day, Slow Living is living with intention, allowing us to be mindful of every aspect of how we live on this planet. It allows us to balance ourselves and align with nature. A life of intention and peace is good for you. You deserve it.
