a blog on all things simple, slow & meaningful
Every spring, millions of Japanese people stop what they're doing — stop working, stop rushing, stop planning — and sit under a cherry blossom tree. Not to photograph it. Not to check it off a list. Just to watch it while it's there. They call it hanami. Flower viewing.
Slow living is definitely a trending topic, on- and off-line. Due to the rapid gain in popularity of the concept and a growing interest to capitalize on this niche in the post-pandemic era, social media has given rise to several misconceptions about slow living. While some people embrace it with an open heart, others consider it a non-subject or just a social media trend depicting an unrealistic lifestyle.
Daily routines are a great tool for instilling a sense of order and structure in our everyday existence. Sticking to a daily routine can lower the stress associated with last-minute decision-making and reduce anxiety caused by not knowing how to cram so many activities in such a short time.
The way we feel at home plays a huge role in our well-being. If there’s an area of your life where you can start your slow life journey, that’s definitely your house. Simple steps can make a huge difference – declutter, simplify, rearrange, refresh. Practical and immediate changes in the space where you spend most of your time will give you a deep sense of satisfaction and new fuel to further simplify other areas of your life.
Small towns can be beautiful places to live in. They generally offer a more quiet and meaningful existence and they make it easier for you to feel part of a community. In addition to the obvious perks of lighter traffic, less pollution, proximity to nature, and a lower cost of living, small towns can offer you more time and a more suitable context for a slow life.