Embracing the Slow
In a world that constantly pushes us to do more, be more, and achieve more, it’s easy to find ourselves trapped in a cycle of burnout, stress, and relentless competition. We live in a culture where appearance often matters more than well-being, and performance is valued above inner peace. The result? A build up of stress, irritability, and emotions that can quickly spiral out of control.
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Many of us are waking up to the realisation that this fast-paced, “more is better” lifestyle isn’t sustainable. There’s a growing awareness that constantly chasing after work goals, fitness milestones, learning tons, taking demanding challenges and even wellness trends leaves us feeling disconnected from what really matters. And yet, in the midst of all this rush, there’s a simpler way to live — a slower, steadier pace of life that honours our need for rest, reflection, and real nourishment.
Living slowly doesn’t mean abandoning ambition or goals. It means finding a better balance. It’s about stepping back from the constant noise of modern life and aligning ourselves with the rhythms that have been in place long before us — the cycles of nature, the ebb and flow of seasons. When we give ourselves permission to move with these rhythms, we often find that we don’t have to try so hard. Sometimes, we can just… be. At first, some of my friends harshly criticised my new habit of slowing down for a few months, mocking me as a granny. But those slower, restful months each year always prove to be a bonus in the long run.
For a while, I was deep in the wellness world, convinced by others or some powerful figures, that doing more was always the answer. Power yoga? Sure. Detoxes and fasting? Absolutely. Pushing my body beyond its limits in the name of health? You bet. For a time in Bali, there was this huge push to transform every aspect of ourselves. Influencers were everywhere dictated whatsoever new wellness trends, and it seemed like we all accepted blindly that more challenges would lead to greater freedom. It was another form of greed and competition, and I recognized it early. But somewhere along the way, I realised that the most profound transformations didn’t come from adopting intense new habits. They came from the moments when I allowed myself to rest and step back.
Even within wellness, the culture of pushing hard — whether it’s through extreme yoga practices, strict diets, initiations on plants medicine — often becomes just another form of “more.” But what if, instead of squeezing in one more session, we took a moment to slow down and feel content ? What if we embraced gentler practices, like restorative yoga or mindful breathing, that don’t push us but rather invite us to listen, heal, and reconnect with our bodies?
When winter rolls around, it always feels like a gentle invitation to embrace rest. With its quiet stillness, winter is a time to pause, reflect, and nurture our inner world. For me, it’s a season of dreaming — not chasing goals, but allowing my thoughts and desires to settle into something soft and nurturing. Yes, sometimes it’s as simple as curling up under a blanket with a warm drink and letting the world outside fade away. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love the permission to do nothing every once in a while?
Finding Peace in a Fast-Paced World.
But it’s not just about taking breaks — it’s about honouring the natural cycles of time, accepting that not every season of life is meant to be full of action. Slow living doesn’t mean we stop growing; it just means we grow at our own pace, on our own terms. It’s about letting go of the pressure to do it all, and instead, embracing what feels right in the moment.
Slowing down also helps us reconnect with the small joys: the feeling of sunlight through the window, the soft crunch of leaves beneath our feet, or even the simple pleasure of a slow-cooked meal that’s been simmering all day. Life isn’t about racing through the days — it’s about savouring them, no matter how big or small the moments may seem.
For some, the idea of slowing down may sound a bit radical — almost like not accessible with the imposed pace or schedule we are in. But really, it’s not about doing nothing. It’s about finding that space to just be — to allow life to unfold gently, in its own time. It’s about letting nature be our guide and trusting that we don’t have to chase after every opportunity or experience. Sometimes, the best things in life are the ones that come when we simply let go.
So, whether it’s through a slow yoga practice, savouring a a sunrise in the morning, or simply allowing ourselves to pause and breathe, slow living is about returning to what truly matters. It doesn’t sell us anything, but it offers us the gift of peace, presence, and a deeper connection to ourselves and the world around us. And if we can embrace that, maybe we’ll find that life has a way of unfolding beautifully — one gentle step at a time.
For a deeper dive into the practices and mindset of slow living, I invite you to explore The Education of the Soul, published in 2023. In each chapter, I guide you through experiential practices designed to help you embrace your natural rhythms, whether you’re navigating everyday moments or facing life’s challenges. As I share in the book, it’s meant to be a friend’s guide, offering inner nourishment and a practical roadmap for living with the creative power of the Earth side by. The Education of the Soul serves as a life-affirming companion, encouraging readers to reconnect with their own innate wisdom and re-prioritise amidst the noise of the world. It continues to find its readers, a testament to its enduring value as a tool for cultivating balance and peace.
