“What is this life if, full of care
We have no time to stand and stare? -”
W.H Davies begins his poem — Leisure with these lines. I believe it conveys perfectly the need and idea of Slow Living, which we are going to talk about today. Slow Living puts emphasis on a way of living that approaches the small things which we come across, every day. It is an act that takes place through your senses, as you imbibe from all the things and situations that are around you.
Today, everyone seems to be caught up in a routine and a mechanical way of life, and if one were to excuse my deliberate attempt at humor, I would say that the Human Race is really taking the “race” bit way too seriously.
One cannot deny that this fast-paced life has caused severe mental health issues, anxiety and frustration in the youth. In fact, in this race towards success, we have physically rushed our lives but at the same time, this has caused a mental stagnancy in most of us. As each action is followed by another because nobody wants to be left behind, we often end up skipping the thought process or contemplation behind doing things.
I know what you are thinking, that Slow Living sounds like stopping and becoming stagnant too. But see, this is where you are wrong.
If we really take this moment to think about it (but oops we rarely take moments to think about anything but if we do), we would realize that the racing routine does not allow us to get inspired, or do something new. It rather makes us focus on moving ahead, even if it means we are just moving in circles and not forwards.
On the other hand, the act of Slow Living gives us the freedom to have these inspiring experiences — A magical solution which can get us out of the cycle of utter exhaustion. It is an internal process and deals with how we can able ourselves to feel the pleasure alongside the stressful.
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you live your life, slowly.
1. Take voluntary self-care breaks. I know it sounds like a waste of time to most of you, but it isn’t.
2. Observe and learn from your surroundings. Instead of working the pressure of doing everything in a single day, allow yourself the time to cope with your skill in a more creative and efficient manner.
3. Hear the voice of your senses. They will speak to you, if you try to hear them.
4. Make yourself a cup of coffee and introspect about the little things that constitute of a large part of your day. Enjoy the simple things.
I assure you, the change in your life will surprise you! Here’s to living, slow and simple.
- Tanishqa Saraf
Content Team
Zuperly
