THE ART OF SLOW-LIVING
Perhaps it is a term you are familiar with or have been seeing/hearing more of just recently. More than just a term, it could be considered a lifestyle. To me, this idea of “slow-living” was somewhat foreign, until earlier this year (2023). Here is a story to put things into context for you.
Let me take you back to last year (2022)- I was living a very rapid lifestyle, with no true purpose or direction. There I was, 30-yrs-old without a clear idea on what I wanted to do as far as my career and living situation. I had just quit my corporate job and decided to “temporarily” move back in with my parents.
There were many ideas and projects on my mind but I wasn’t sure on how to get started on these. Until one day, I found myself feeling completely burned out and overwhelmed. On a late summer night in August, without much of a plan or money left on my savings, I decided to book a flight to my dream destination (Bali) and registered to take my 200-hour yoga teacher training there. It truly was a dream come true and to this day it is one of the most life changing experiences I have yet lived!
{Enjoying the view. Gili Islands, Indonesia -Jan. 2023}
Fast forward 3 months later- Coming back home to the USA took some adjusting at first. I had become accustomed to the slower pace of living that I had been introduced to back in the islands of Indonesia. There, I learned how happiness comes from within us and that we don’t need to go searching for it because it is already a part of us. Happiness comes from a place of gratitude. When we focus on giving thanks about the smallest things first, starting with what we already have, we start creating this energy of abundance all around us. Therefore, attracting more abundance and prosperity into our lives. It is a daily practice that can be done by anyone. This perspective opens new portals and allows us the power to shift our own reality.
Living a slower-paced life means letting go of the pressure that we are feeling by “society” to live our lives a certain way.
I, myself, have decided I will no longer allow others to dictate how I should be living my life. I will not allow others to make me feel like I am worth any less because in their point of view, I am not living up to their standards. I have decided to be thankful for what I already have and to follow my heart in doing what truly brings me peace and joy. My soul has been craving freedom for way TOO long… and now, HERE I AM… Thirty-One years later, giving myself permission to finally BE FREE.
These are questions I ask myself every day:
>> What actions can I start taking that will truly make me happy and attract light and abundance into my life?
>>What brings me true satisfaction?
>>What are my passions?
>>Am I living the life that is best aligned with my values?
>>Am I speaking words of kindness and spreading love to those that cross my path?
>>How can I be a better person and help serve others?
I wake up every morning and reflect on what new skills I want to learn that day and what new habits/rituals I want to explore more of. I also ask myself what habits or actions I can destroy and let go of that are no longer serving me for the better.
I sip on my tea or cup of coffee every morning, romanticizing everything I do. I make time for my morning rituals, such as journaling, meditation, reading or watering my plants. Starting my days and finishing my nights expressing gratitude for all that is present in my life. Taking breaks and having days where I am doing absolutely nothing and allowing myself to not feel guilty about it. Taking a few minutes, or sometimes hours, to have an honest internal conversation. For those that know me well, I make it well-known that I am an advocate of SELF-CARE and will dedicate a full day out of my week to making sure I am showing up for myself in this way. Spending time in nature, “earthing” and absorbing natural vitamins.
These are a few ways that I like to implement this rhythm of slow-living into my life.
I strongly believe that this is only the beginning of a majestic era that we are all entering into. I welcome us all to try and slow down a bit. There is no rush to get absolutely anywhere. Allow yourself to flow with the Universe and trust in its power to guide you along your journey.
Do not be afraid to step out of your “comfort-zones” and explore all of your true passions; one by one. Flow at your own pace.
Do not be afraid of CHANGE. Change is necessary.
Keeping in mind to enjoy every second of your journey because the destination might not even be the best part once you get there. Stop and smell the flowers, look up and admire the clouds, surrender onto a nice patch of grass, dance around like no one is watching, howl at the moon… Do whatever makes your soul happy!
Do it for YOU and no one else.
