What Is Slow Living? | Slow Living For Beginners
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 พ.ค. 2024
- What is slow living?
You may have heard the term in the media recently. It’s a movement that is quickly gaining in popularity, alongside the minimalist movement. But what does it stand for?
For many, the word “slow” has mostly negative connotations. In today’s fast paced world, it’s all about efficiency, getting things done quicker and living life to the max. Surely you’ll get left behind when you take things more slowly, right?
In this video, I explain how the goal of slow living is to find balance. Slow living is really about doing everything at the right pace. Some things require speed. But other things benefit from taking it slow.
In this video, we will first discuss the basics of slow living: what is it? Then I’ll debunk 3 common slow living myths. Then, I’ll give you 5 slow living for beginners tips. Practical advice to start living slowly yourself, today.
Let me know in the comments below: what does slow living mean to you?
0:00 - Introduction
1:11 - What Is Slow Living?
6:23 - 3 Slow Living Myths
12:46 - How You Can Live More Slowly (5 Tips)
- BOOKS MENTIONED IN VIDEO -
• Carl Honoré - In Praise of Slowness: a.co/d/59BuZJp
• Carrie Fisher - Postcards from the Edge: a.co/d/bh1FEuR
• Bronnie Ware - Top Five Regrets of the Dying: a.co/d/02EThBQ
• Chris Bailey - Hyperfocus: a.co/d/9d6WP0r
- LINKS -
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
♪ TikTok: / slowlivingminimalist
🖼 Posters: iampetercook.gumroad.com/l/po...
💻 Try Skillshare for free for 1 month: www.skillshare.com/en/r/user/...
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
What does slow living mean to you?
Sem sệc
The art of doing nothing ✨
@@pranjalpatnaik4846 that's a great one! And I actually have an entire video dedicated to that 😉: th-cam.com/video/_hFmagRoiA8/w-d-xo.html
@Neen Gwynn Those are lovely memories! Sounds like you are connecting with your roots. Sometimes it takes a difficult event in our lives to ask ourselves what we truly value in life. And then make changes, in this case, to slow down more. I'm glad to hear you found the tips in the video helpful. Good luck!
Being purposeful without regard to speed or productivity
I reside near a large Amish community. One morning I drove to a popular Amish bakery and arrived too early. I had a half hour wait until they opened so I sat on the tailgate of my truck and watched the sun rise across a pasture. A couple of horse-drawn carriages rolled slowly down the road and some Amish fellow waved hello. It was perhaps one of the most peaceful moments of my life.
That sound like a wonderful experience! 🍞
Sounds superb and very soothing. Best wishes from Devon UK
@@danoyse8233 Wish was near the Devon coast like you ... feeling stuck in landlocked part of UK :-]
We also live by Amish and own and run our own dairy farm. I used to live very fast in all areas. If not careful, I can still live like that. But living where I do has helped so much. Continue to enjoy your slow moments!
I hope to have one of these moments every day
Watching this on 1.5x speed
Best comment 😂
😂
Perfection
Savage
Yeah, I don't need next 2 hrs in My life
What got me into “slow living” was noticing how I never wanted to cook for myself cus it would take 30+ minutes - yet spend 4+ hours on my phone and social media every.day.
This fast paced world is meant to keep us disconnected from the things that matter. Our spirit, loved ones, nature, etc
Great example, Lily, thanks for sharing! 😀
social media is a cancer on society, it really is terrible for mental health.
I definitely should try slow living as someone who also sits on my phone all day, it could be a good idea!
My personal take away from that is that spending 4+ hours on social media and your phone isn't physical work or even really mental work so its must less of an investment than cooking for yourself for even 30 minutes. I don't feel disconnected from anyone by the pace of the world (just my own personality quirks that make communication hard). What slow living would offer me is not so much the connection; but the ability for work to not also be stress, making the thought of cooking for myself less dreadful.
TH-cam did help me in a way when I started rose growing and I would sit for hours staring at each bud
Buddhism has been preaching this for century's. When you walk, walk. When you drink tea, drink tea. Simple but a hard concept for most of us. Definitely worth the time to take the time to live.
Indeed, Sanchez. Being present sounds so simple yet often isn't easy to do!
@@IAmPeterCook Meditation is the practice of living in the present moment. After a short amount of pratice you will notice that you are more aware of the present moment when you are not meditating. It happens naturally and is amazing!
I think movements like these are great. When we talk about buddhism, a lot of people will tune out because they instantly think religion, monks etc. But this allows access to some of the same practices which can only be beneficial. As someone who follows predominantly buddhist practices (but is also interested in others such as Hindu and yogic practices), I also started by following mindfulness and meditation apps. My practice started hopefully, but eventually hit some dead ends as I was searching for a deeper meaning of why I was just sitting there. After dipping in and out of meditation over the years, this eventually lead to what I can only describe as my first real spiritual awakening, which eventually made me realise that as you say, these practices are all based on ancient and extremely rich philosophies. I believe that everyone is on their own spiritual path, and that movements like these are all great gateways to awakening and can only bring benefits! 😀🙏
Opposite of multi tasking which all bosses want you to do.
*centuries. You NEVER pluralize words with an apostrophe. Thanks.
Watching a video titled "slow living" in x2 speed instantly made me me realize i could change a couple of things
😂😂😂😂😂
my thoughts exactly
I just resigned from my corporate job. I have no other job to go to but I am burnt out and my health has been suffering for years. I’m embracing slow living to reconnect with nature, my friends & family and rebuild my health. I will pursue more creative endeavours and work enough to pay my bills. I’m not a minimalist but I’m going to consume more consciously. I’m looking forward to gardening and cooking because I want to enjoy more slow food also.
Sorry to hear about your burnout and bad health, Katy! That's a bold decision you made, leaving your corporate job. I hope living more slowly will help you get back to good health. I'm rooting for you, good luck! 😀
This is my story, too. I am slowly recovering from burnout. So glad I found this channel. Great content.
That's all you really need, really. It took me probably 5-6 years to start getting over burnout but the physical damage is permanent. You have nothing if not your health. Take care of your foundation (you) and all else can follow. You are going to feel much better, as much as you can, but it will take time. Just remember that recovery doesn't have a deadline and "slipping" is normal. Corporate life doesn't believe either should ever happen but people are not machines.
Do something creative, or something you just kind of enjoy. This sounds contradictory, but part of burnout recovery was just... taking walks outside. Going to a low-cost art museum sometimes, or finding little local cafes that hosted artists. Just... sitting at a table, drinking my coffee, looking at stuff on the walls. I've come home with some things. I volunteer once a month to do things within my capability, like "socialise" cats at shelters (pet them. brush them. play with them.) or organize a storage unit with a mutual aid group. Gardening some. Light weight-bearing stuff which repaired muscle and improved some of the back pain. You might like it.
I've embraced the principles of Japanese omiyage (gift) culture: most gifts are 1) usable, and therefore don't take up physical room in small sq footage, 2) often thoughtful + bought from some independently-owned shop, not a Uniqlo or hyakuen (dollar store). 3) wrapped in reusable packaging if it doesn't come in a store-branded box, like high end gifts (think Tiffany & Co.) Have you seen square scarves at thrift stores? They're called furoshiki in Japan, and there's hundreds of ways to beautifully wrap things. Then just wash and pass them on.
Applying those principles, I think about what I give myself. Most things I buy are now useful and usable. It's very hard to buy most things from anywhere but big box stores BUT I can get myself a drink at a local tea house. I can buy secondhand books at a non-chain thrift store or local bookstore, and then 'trade' some of those books right back out. Many luxury items are things like soaps from small sellers, so they're useful, will be used soon, and don't take up much room. I even trade things for these items sometimes, like a necklace for a candle (about $15 for $15.) It smells subtle and wonderful.
I think more about the usefulness and sustainability of things I buy, within my budget. Unless you or someone close by personally harvested materials + handcrafted the item, very few things are truly sustainable or eco-friendly. It's all a trade-off. But now instead of buying say, 10 plastic organizers for drawers, I'll figure out some other solution. I still buy plastic fridge storage instead of glass because ulnar nerve damage means I drop a *lot* of things. I wanted to get "minimalist" eco-friendly glass products, several times more expensive, but I was anxious about dropping them, breaking them, and potentially injuring myself and the animals EVERY TIME I used one. NOT useful! Just get the plastic and don't feel guilty! But maybe I also don't really need to buy 5 of the same shirt because it's Perfect. I'll find a new Perfect shirt next year. I don't need or want "absolute minimalism." It's okay to have a few more things than I NEED. It isn't okay to have so much stuff that I'm stressed out from managing it, cleaning it, storing it, etc.
You don't have to be "minimalist" to enjoy your 'new life,' either. You can do what you want! Like you said, just consume more consciously. Just learn to be aware of how you're doing, what your mind is circling on, what your body feels like, what you think of your daily environment. It takes practice. It's like a muscle- you have to build it up. It's uncomfortable and takes time. Don't worry about a plateau. Just reassess, take some time, think about what you really want *right now* (not what you wanted 5 years ago) and go for it!
I applaud you. I stayed in a toxic workplace for 10 years. I quit as soon as I reach the age to qualify for a pension.
Good man! I have been overworking for years in order to gain freedom in my life. Looking forward to finishing this chapter so I can get back to enjoying the countryside slow life I grew up in.
I am an introvert and a traveler. I have lived slow now for maybe 12 years. I am now retired so it has become easier. I have to say though that I often feel odd and out of sync with many of my friends and family. I have come to realize that this way is what is right for me, even when I am pushed by people to DO. The odd thing is, for most people it doesn't matter much what a person does, as long as they are DOING. It seems that is how most of our society defines the value of a person. It's sad really, because so much DOING has no real meaning.
Hi Carolyn, this reminds me of what Jenny Odell wrote in her book: "Nothing is harder to do than nothing!" Also, I recently read Oliver Burkeman's book 'Four Thousand Weeks' (amazing and very profound btw!), and he touches on what you shared. He says that if all of your time is focused on creating some better more fulfilling future, we’re missing the point of life. We will never have enough time for everything we want or feel we need to DO, and we can’t control the time we do have.
So, ironically, Oliver Burkeman argues that spending some leisure time “wastefully” is the only way NOT to waste it. Because we’re simply doing it for the pleasure of the experience without an ulterior motive.
Sound like you have been on the right track for those 12 years! ✨
..I concure... I right behind you
♥
✌
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We are Human beings....not human doings. That’s how I think of it. Just be....and stop doing for awhile.
I think it's more natural for us to live this way, it's how our ancestors use to live. Why rush for, why make yourself physically unwell or stressed or bloody miserable.
Live the way nature intended that's what I say at 29.
Im not competing with others any more, I've had enough. I just want my health, time and happiness.
Power to you brother , living the slow travel life in Au bringing me lots of calm peace and satisfaction
I used to live near an art museum, and I became a member. I would go there two or three days a week and go look closely at just one painting. People around me would bustle through the gallery and glance at each painting, often spending more time reading the wall text than looking at the painting.
I think everyone would get more out of art museums if they only look at a couple of things, and try not reading the wall text. Let the artist tell you something, and don't think you have to understand, know any trivia about the work, or see a lot.
That's such a good example of living more slowly, Carmen! 😀 Have you ever heard of Slow Art Day? It's one day a year where people visit local a museum or gallery to look at art slowly: five works of art for 10 minutes each, and then meet together over lunch to talk about their experience.
In his book "Four Thousand Weeks", Oliver Burkeman also talks about Jennifer Roberts (art history professor at Harvard University). She gives her students the assignment to choose a painting or sculpture in a local museum, then go and look at it for three hours (!) straight. Why? Because she wants her students to experience firsthand how strangely excruciating it is to be stuck in a position, unable to force the pace, and why it’s so worthwhile to push past those feelings to what lies beyond.
It’s all too easy to tell yourself that once you’ve taken a couple of seconds to look at a painting, you’ve thereby genuinely seen it.
I loved this. Very true.
And here you are... 'enlightened', making yourself more/ better than other people, in TH-cam comments of all places. Your comment is the opposite of 'slow living'. (From my point of view)
If I may, can I I advice you to read Tao the Ching from Lao Tzu'? Much love from Amsterdam 💟💟💟💟
@@SiebeLouis i recommend reading The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*** by Mark Manson, because wow.
@@miabohe7555 Maybe be you should read it again yourself, because you clearly are giving a f***.
One love 💟
I’m 67. I’ve lived like this since I was 25. Obviously I started this before the ‘trendy’ words surrounding it all came to pass. It’s very simple and easy……so many people these days don’t have a minute to live….🇬🇧
Maybe, in a way, the trendy words are just a way for younger people to get reacquainted with the old ways. 🙂
Minimalism, or just the removal of most of my belongings, has led me here to the idea of slow living in general. I’ve been using a lot of my time just enjoying the sound of birds and wind in the trees around my home.
Thanks for sharing! 🙌🏻
That sounds lovley🌈
Working on minimalism and slowing down. I homeschool my two kids and I’ve found if I don’t rush with that and slow down we all get more done.
So basically you are healing yourself. Congrats on ur journey ❤️✌️.
Aaaahhhh! The wind in the trees…..the best
I love this and I talk about it all the time with my wife. We talk about slowing down our days. What are things we can do to "slow down the weekend" for example. If you come into a weekend with the purpose of slowing it down you can really make that happen. Sometimes by Monday morning we feel like we just had two weeks off when it was just a weekend. Turn off the TV, put down the phones. Do a puzzle with the kids, go for ice cream and then walk in the park, sit around the living room and just talk with the kids as a family. Take extra time to make dinner and then read a bit of a book afterwards. There are so many ways you can slow down your days. It's to the point now that we can't stand "fast" weekends. We often plan weeks ahead figuring out how we are going to slow things down. I recently did this on a week off and it felt like 3 months off. If you have not tried this....try it soon!
I love this ❤️: "If you come into a weekend with the purpose of slowing it down you can really make that happen." Thank you for sharing. And perfect timing. I'm about to go on a 1-week holiday and in need of slowing down myself. I'm hereby setting the intention to slow down during that week, the suggestions you gave are a good starting point!
That's lovely
Encouragement for any nuerodivergent folks: i have ADHD and i felt shame that I couldn’t follow the minimalistic life. I thought it would solve all my problems but instead I felt stress at not doing it “right”. My version of slow living looks different than what many youtubers portray. I found that it was harder for me to slow down without becoming anxious. If you are a person who naturally needs fast paced activities and background noise, that’s ok!
Try this: take moments throughout the day to pause and ground yourself. Start your slow living journey small so as not to overwhelm yourself. Spend your 10 minutes doing nothing by listening to loud music that you enjoy. Take time to talk with friends and family instead of scrolling tik tok. Go for a jog outside. If you try and meditate, keep your eyes open and feel free to wiggle around. You’d be genuinely surprised how once you start slowing down, it’s easier to live the classic slow life. It may take you a little longer than other people to make the adjustment, and that’s ok! Stop and ask yourself what you need in order to feel more at peace. It’s all about mindfulness ❤️
Thank you for this❤
so... slow down on slowing down? genius
Thanks neurofriend. It helps so much to hear fellow ND perspective
thank you so much for this perspective for us adhd ppl
♥️
“Being slow means you control the rhythms of your life.”
I will never remember the times I was stressed and overworked, but I will always remember the times I took an hour to cook a nice meal, or sat outside with my coffee while people watching, or laying and listening to my partner's heartbeat. The slow moments in life are the best ones, and they've made me much more patient and more capable of dealing with stress :)
I have anxiety, I think living “fast pace” is really effecting my mental health to the point I’m always on edge or in flight/fright mode. I would like to live slower and be more comfortable with myself :)
You can do it, Elle. I think you already made a big step in acknowledging it. I hope you'll be able to bring more slowness in your life, even it's just little bits here and there.
same here!! we can do this!!!
I have no problem with the "Slow movement' and practice this every single day and am anything but boring or stupid, because it gives you more time actually to do more creative things and read books! I've been a protessional artist for over 50 years and a composer! I also have a mild form of MS which is the "slow-motion" disease! There is no way in hell we can move any faster than we do! I've noticed ever since I went to Europe to study art, that they're not nearly as rushed as Americans are who leave me out of breath! I live a more European style of living, as well! After living , working and studying in the dog eat dog world of NYC as a fashion illustrator , a floral designer and then as a fitness trainer while raising three daughters , while working outside the home, too and owning two of my own small businesses, I'm enjoying slowing down at age 73, meditating, still weight training, doing yoga and still doing my art! Thanks for the tips...peace, love and namaste~
Thanks for sharing, Brenda. That's very inspirational! ✨
@@IAmPeterCook You're welcome!
Awe love it... I'm so Glad you are so nice and seem to feel complet... also like the comparison & the fact you liked Europe 😍😊
So touching ,you are unstoppable keep up I have really learnt something.Much love from Africa
Never new slow living existed I am always trying to stay 2 steps ahead nice to know there is a time if I make the time to just live slowly! Thank you great video.
As someone who struggles with anxiety, one of the most important things I talk about with my therapist is learning how to be relaxed and be present in the moment. Basically, how to exercise mindfulness or slow living.
Although I find myself agreeing with this phylosophy, it's often hard for me to actually stick with it, both because of the way I was brought up, and because my anxiety often times makes it very hard to not obsessively think ahead. However, when I do manage to just enjoy the moment, it's truelly liberating.
This video really inspired me and gave me a renewd motivation to be more mindful and slow down. In other words, thank you for this video, it honestly really made my day :)
Thank you for the kind words, Rina! 🙏🏻 Happy to hear you enjoyed the video. Good luck with slowing down, just little bits here and there can already make a big difference.
I actually describe Working from home in a less stressful job slowing down…grateful every day to have this option
Happy to hear it, Acer! 😀
Working from home is a trap! You don't get to socialiize, are isolated, it meshes worlds that are not meant to be meshed!
I haven't worked for over 5 years (health reasons) I haven't driven a car for 12 years minimum. I am an avid reader, draw every day, and live in rural Virginia. I have no social media. if I go any slower I will be going backward😂😂. Thanks for the video I never heard of slow living before but I'm pretty close to doing it without knowing it. I enjoy sitting by a window and just watching nature in silence. Have a great day everyone. ❤❤❤
Learning to be calm even when the world needs you to be rushing. Slower often means better. Eg : better health.
More efficient, receptive, creative, cultural and intentional. True desire to be present in every moment.
As artists it gets harder, Da Vinci's last words were “I have offended God and mankind because my work did not reach the quality it should have.”
Thank you for this video, Peter. I resonate with this so much. I am 38, living in the Philippines. I have always felt that there is something wrong with me for not having reached a certain position in the corporate ladder, for not being married and not having kids, not owning things that people my age own. I’ve just always felt like a failure in life. But in reality, I thrive more in being slow, avoiding stressors, and my creativity gets nurtured by daydreaming and listening to music and doing nothing. I have been fortunate to have had the privilege to choose this life. Many in my country can’t. We’re in a third world country and everyone here is fighting just to have a decent meal. We grew up in a society that gave so much importance to hustling. That’s why there’s still that voice in my head pressuring me to achieve and do more. I’m glad there’s space in the world for these types of conversations. Also, you’re very funny too and I’m always drawn to funny people.
Thank you for sharing your personal story, Valerie! I think it's awesomethat this comment section is filled with people like yourself sharing how there's an alternative to the hustle culture, a slower way of life that's equally valid and worth pursuing, and arguable more meaningful. 😉
I can relate with you Valerie so much. Thank you.
I’m all for slow living. I feel like it’s just how I naturally prefer to live.
Often times, I get pressured by family members to speed things up. In some cases it’s necessary, but in others, I don’t see the meaning in it.
It’s all about balance at the end of the day.
Thanks for the video
Indeed, balance is key! ⚖️
I just discovered that I have been practicing slow living for fast 2-3 years of my life without even realizing it. 😇 Thank you so much making this video. 🙏😊
That's great, Mimi, it's already part of your daily routine then! 🙌🏻
Me too! I really enjoy my life so much more now🤗
@@valerieb3195 that's great to hear and I hope you continue living a wonderful life ahead. 😇❤️🙏🏼
@@IAmPeterCook Yes, it is. I really enjoy doing things at my own pace irrespective of my surroundings. I always listen to what my heart says. I am a minimalist when it comes to my lifestyle. Besides working 10-6, I really enjoy being with myself in my own space. I enjoy making healthy meals, organizing and decorating my room, cleaning/washing, learning new language, drawing/painting, caring for my plants, reading/listening books, listening to music and dancing alone in my room. 🙂 Learning to play guitar has always been my wishlist. Hope to make it a reality soon. 😇 Going for running, walking, sitting alone amidst nature are my all time favourite things to do. After returning from work, I enjoy having a cup of tea or coffee while sitting with my thoughts in silence. Which seemed impossible for me to do even a few years back. I used to be someone who always used to look for company or things to keep me occupied. 🥲 Thankfully at this point I am totally content with my life where taking care of my health and finances are my top most priorities. 😇 Thank you once again for sharing your knowledge and wisdom. 🙏🏼❤️
@@Mimi-dv7ql And to you as well🤗
I am glad to hear that the lifestyle I have been living and loving for several years has a name. Now I can say I'm slow living, not lazy and unambitious. I enjoy taking time to smell and pick my roses, to watch the birds play in the yard or even just enjoy watching my cat sleep. I really think it is about making the most out of life.
Indeed, Lonnie! Thanks for sharing. 😊
Wow! I watch my dogs!!!
For those of us like myself who have struggled through life with no real sense of direction, the 'work hard - play hard' way can be torturous and counterproductive. Now that I have begun to find a better path forward, I see the value in doing so with a quiet purpose, not a frenzied one. Inner peace requires a balance of efforts across the spectrum of speed. Frantic should be reserved for true emergency situations. The mind and body react to excess pain and excess pleasure as a stressful state! Nature requires of us that we seek a balance in all things.
Well said, Steve.
Thank you for the reminder of the benefits of slow living. I quit my stressful job a couple of months ago and now I'm a potter... Waiting for pots to dry, making enough to fill a kiln before firing, glazing enough for a second firing, there is nothing speedy about ceramic art and I love this 💜
A potter? That sounds interesting! I hope you will do well, sounds like a great slow living practice.🙂
Your pottery sounds so peaceful! Thanks for sharing. I recently did something similar: quit a stressful job of 7 years to start working with leather, making watch straps and wallets. It's a bit of a shock to the system when the noise suddenly falls away.
@@TheVelvetBackhand indeed it is peaceful. I used to teach pottery to adults with learning disabilities who were constantly needing my help and very noisy. It was very rewarding but was not only wearing my hands out but also mentally draining. I loved my students and miss them a lot but sometimes you have to look after yourself first and foremost or you're no good to anyone. It took 3 months to heal my hands and I had to learn to be slow and gentle with my work. Enjoy your peace and good luck with your work
'Life is what happens to you when you're busy making other plans' - this hit home. Thanks again, great videos. I will share it with my hard working friends, we all need to chill out :)
Great that you found it helpful!
don’t rush your day enjoy every minute of life
I came out of a supermarket one Winter evening, I looked up and the sky was ablaze! I couldn't believe the colour of the whole sky! it was really beautiful, I just stood there looking at the sky, I was awestruck! and then I noticed everyone else was hurrying to get to their cars and not taking any notice of the awesome sky
switched off my device after watching this and went for a walk :-)
The slow thinking also relate to the case when you search something, it gets on your nerves, you don't find it. But then when you think you are not thinking about it you find it. Sometimes focus is not focus, because focus can mean narrow when you need wide. In French we have the expression "se noyer dans un verre d'eau".
We’re all conditioned to work hard, hustle and grind culture.
I followed suit and burn out was sure as hell.
It’s really a beautiful thing to practice slow living and minimalism.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. 😃
You're totally right, Hazel. Slow living and minimalism are great tools for a sustainable lifestyle and to prevent burn-out. ✨
Slow down means not getting things done.
I work , I volunteer, I have grandkids, I garden, I have elderly parents and relatives to look after .
If I slow down someone does not get what they need . I belive I was put on this earth to be helpful.
I never speed I love driving I sing with radio and I enjoy life and have a great time
Sounds like you're too keyed up
@@justinedse3314 no means I belive in wprking,giving back to community I belive in teaching the younger generation ( my grandchildren) the proper way to live canning growing foods, I also tech them compassion. I also belive unlike you if you fo something give it a 200 percent ,or dont do it at all.
Mt generation was taught to work not to ex I eat outlets to do what you can ,or will not do. We were taught to take care of ourselves and our families. We were taught to truly love our pets ,our children, grandkids, to resoect our ekders that means looking adrer them groceryshopping for them,cleaning tgeir house ,mowing there lawns, takingvthem to drs appt. My generation is a dueing breed if my chikdren call need me no matter there age i will assist them with a smike on my fCe Nd a happy heart because i love them .
Donna from what I took away from the video there are times we need to be fast paced and on the go like you taking care of family etc. Very important. Also, when we can take or make time to slow things down there are many benefits especially for the busy person such as the selfless person you seem to be.
So, they can go hand in hand.
God bless.
Hi Peter, I have started to notice about 1 year ago, that I don't want to live in constant rush always trying to achieve something.
Sometimes I want just to just go to the beach, breathe fresh air, enjoy the sun and just... Do nothing. That's much better to do in my weekend or after work then continue working, learning and burning myself out.
Even though, it sounded dumb at the beginning and I felt like I waste my time, I have started to notice later that I get much calmer and have more motivation after doing so. Feeling of actually living.
This video seems to be just about what I need! Subscribed to your channel. Will definitely watch your other videos!
Thanks for your efforts!
Thanks for the thoughtful comment! Sounds like the slow living lifestyle is something you can really benefit from (and already are). You might want to check out my more recent video 'The Art of Doing Nothing' (th-cam.com/video/_hFmagRoiA8/w-d-xo.html).
As you pointed out, slowing down and incorporating doing nothing when you have a very busy lifestyle can initially make you feel like you're wasting this time.
I've definitely had feelings of guilt + that judging voice in the back of my head. But I've learned to ignore it, or even challenge it. Because I know - and lots of research backs this up - that taking moments to slow down or even do nothing has a positive effect on your long-term well-being and productivity. Plus when you take moments to unwind, you'll enjoy the journey (and life!) much more.
So that’s what I’ve been doing for the past few years without realizing there was a term for it! After burning out from running my own business and developing a severe autoimmune disease, I realized a drastic change in my life was required. I now live a healthy balanced life as a nomad in a vintage caravan and focus almost completely on self-care and healthy living. Thanks so much for this video. 💗
You're welcome, Lisa! That's great that you were able to make such a drastic change in your life to find more balance. I still struggle with that myself sometimes, I make this video also for myself, as a reminder to not work so much but slow down as well. 😉
You might enjoy the TED talk by Dr. Terry Wahl. She reversed her MS with lifestyle and healthy diet. I wish you peace and healing.
This is really great content! I'm so happy to hear there are many people starting to embrace this mindset. I'm a medical doctor and in the fraternity, we have such a toxic culture of being over achievers such that opting to adopt a more intentional and slightly 'laid back ' approach to career advancement means people see you as lacking ambition or failing to progress.
Please keep posting! I really enjoy your Content
Thanks, that's really kind feedback! I've lately been thinking a lot about what success really means. I know what society tells us, and that includes chasing wealth to buy things we don't necessarily need to impress people we may not even like. I've lived like that for years myself, until I started questioning why I was in the rat race? At the end of my life, how will I reflect on how I lived it if I keep going like this? When framed like that, difficult decisions become (like about career) easier in the moment.
Peer pressure can be difficult. I don't agree that wanting to slow down means a lack of ambition. I myself still work hard and have goals. But to what end? I think it's important to really check in with yourself what success really means to you. Is it just material goods, a job with status, and money in the bank? Or also time to spend with your loved ones, pursue other interests that may not make you any money, or having meaningful experiences? To me, being able to do the latter is also a sign of success.
@@IAmPeterCook you're so right! I think being in the rat race one gets so close to the tree that one loses sight of the forest. Like we also become addicted to being enslaved by capitalism that breaking free is in itself a task. I think contentment has also been frowned upon for the longest. Though the arguement will always be that only those who have achieved a certain level of financial comfort can afford to 'pursue' slow living.
So true, medical culture is very toxic
Really! It always intrigues me how Medics find friends at all. I avoid them like the plague because they immediately think that friendship gestures are purely patronage.
@@Belfreyite 😂😂😂 no offense taken 😆😆 are we that cut throat? No surgical pun intended. But yes we can unrelenting in getting more patrons.
What can I say. Your video is packed with useful tips, calming rhythm and entertaining silly jokes. I can say it is definitely a good slow video. Subbed.
Thanks Hakim, appreciate the kind words 😉!
This is our souls natural way... time is speeding up and our souls are calling us to slow down. Time is a human consteuct and illusion anyway but it is by design by a programme. I love it when I find out all my years of doing something different has a label lol. I think our humans needs this to innerstand our souls path in balance and harmony just like the seasons. 🙏🏼💜🙏🏼
Thanks for sharing, I like this notion of seasons to maintain balance and harmony. 😀
Never knew my evolving approach to life had a name. Speed in the right context describes it well. I enjoy spending hours cooking, eating, and relaxing in the evening, as well as slow bicycle rides and walks with the dog among the trees, having left a high-stress (but well-paying) job a few years ago; but I balance these slower things with motorcycle rides-a man has to have some fun! Gave up tv and news a couple years ago, movies a few years before that, and even most music. No social media, except TH-cam. Focusing so much less on the outside world has helped me become far more mindful and present in my life. Have also gotten rid of a lot of possessions and don’t buy much anymore that isn’t related to my hobbies. The redirected time and effort has enabled me to spend time learning about and experimenting with proper human nutrition (i.e. animal-based foods) that have helped me recover my physique of 35 years ago, my strength, and overcome chronic health issues; and understand what had happened to me without understanding of what was going on in the unconscionable contract for men that is marriage and started recovering from that. I’ve learned more about life in the past five years than the previous five decades and have a far more stoic outlook now. I’m glad I jumped off the hamster wheel and took time to decompress, examine, research, implement a new approach, focus on myself, and slow down. Otherwise, I’d likely be dead.
Thanks for sharing, JKL. Sounds like you really embraced living with intention. That's awesome, you've been living like this for years and experienced these profound benefits in your life. Inspiring!
Great content,Peter. Quit my 9 to 5 and started working for myself. Much happier now,because I get to control how my time is spent and what I pay attention to.
Time for contemplation,family and my dogs.
Thank you so much for this video! So much of what you've described are things I've been aware of and have been doing already (mindfulness practice, time away from technology, nature walks, being "present" for activities, etc.) It all seems to be coming together for me now under the "concept umbrella" of slow living. Thanks again. I'm looking forward to exploring your other videos!
LESS CLUTTER. JUST WHAT I NEED. EASY TO MAINTAIN AND TRACK. LIFE'S GOOD. BALANCE IN THE END.
This is the first video I’ve watched on slow living and I feel like I learned a lot! Thanks for taking the time to make this content and I appreciate the effort you put in to this wonderfully made video!
You're welcome! Glad to hear you got value out of the video 😀.
I concur. I've been researching living off the grid, van life, & minimalism. This is the first I've seen of the "slow" life approach, I too thank you for this content, it's imperative for all to see different perspectives in life & to actually get what "life" has to offer. I've had many different lives within my life & I appreciate the "slow" to the minimalistic approach to the entirety of trying to keep up w/the Joneses. It's your life, yours alone, no one will ever be you, there's only one of you, enjoy the you that you are supposed to be. If we all had all the noise of others quieted, what would your noise be saying to you? Thank you Peter for your information, insight, & inspiration on this way of living. Sharing to my family. Love to hear more!
I’m the human version of a sloth-I’ve lived slowly my whole life, born in 1960-weird to find videos on this lifestyle, but awesome.
Sloths are one of my favorite animals! 🦥
I’m glad this video found me too. I’ve always liked to take in things slow or how they’re supposed to be taken in and not rushed. I feel like people are in a rush to die 😂😂😂 But i’m enjoying every second of this life baby 🙏
I work hard for 40 years but took all my vacation and sick days. Now I’m retired and i live a slow and happy life because I have saved and prepared for it❤️
That sounds wonderful, Kathye! Well-deserved 😉
I found I lived live to the max after not being totally exhausted with a bunch of crap that didn't matter constantly on my mind.
10/10
Amazing content! I love that you added the timestamps and what the video's about in the actual video. I believe it's the first time I've seen that on youtube and it's such a nice touch 💛
Yes, I try to make it easy to follow. Especially in a video that's so packed with information as this one. And the timestamps also help when you want to rewatch a particular part of the video that you resonated with. I always appreciate it when other TH-cam creators do this, so it's the least I can do on my own videos. Thanks for the kind feedback!
Excellent advice, Peter; thank you so much! I started doing this slow living about six months ago and have finally been able to shake off any guilt! I am free from fb & ig, as well as all news. I haven’t felt so happy in years! Thanks again!
That's great to hear Michelle, sounds like you're on the right path with a strong sense of direction. Keep it up! ✨
I've fully embraced the slow lifestyle. 🐌 It took me over 1 hour to type these 2 sentences.
I'm impressed 😂
Just come across this video and I think I've found what I've been looking for!! Slow living! Wow :) I am introverted mostly and want to travel a lot.
Im in the middle of building my own business online from home so I can be as quiet and introverted as possible, travel when I want and do things my way, at my pace. Im loving it and it feels so right and feeds my soul.
I'm working on mindfulness and practice meditation & manifesting which has already changed my life. I no longer have anxiety. So grateful for that.
So, I have subscribed and look forward to learning much more. Thank you! 🙏
Yes I agree with. I actually get more done for my boss when I'm not anxious about speed. Speed often creates accidents or non cooperation from the people your trying to influence. If you give people and tasks a bit of quality time you achieve more
Same here, Marian!
I am trying to embrace slow living and literally 'force' myself to take a step back and look from a different perspective at the world around me. This is how I found you, Peter. Not only do I resonate with everything you say in your videos, but my eyes got watery seeing my Bulgaria through your eyes; I was born in Sofia and lived there for 30 years before moving to the UK. Big greetings from rainy Dorset, and keep making those videos. They do add value to random people like me.
That's wonderful to hear, Shana! Some footage was indeed shot in Sofia, glad to hear it brought a bit of light to rainy Dorset 😉
I live a very busy lifestyle, it’s all go go go. This video was amazing- and really opened my eyes- I’m going to try some slow living now. Thanks man ❤
I particularly love slow reading. It makes the adventure in the book seem longer.
Excellent video. I love slow living, minimalism and meditation so I'm definitely subscribing. I love all your points here and have saved it to watch again because there was a lot of good points. You are great on the guitar too.
Thanks Michael, happy you found something helpful in the video! ✨
Slow living means enjoying the process of whatever you are doing and not just focusing on the result. It's a way of being present in every moment.
Indeed, Michael! 🙂
I'm a minimalist, clutter, excess and feeling "rushed" are my pet hates. I'm so grateful I found your channel, for the first time in 41 years I don't feel alone. Thank YOU 🫶🏻
Thank you - love the guitar playing too!
Took a severance package from my previous employer of over 20 years. Moved to another state. Met an amazing man who I never thought I’d fall for anyone so deeply any more. From being burnt out living a fast life in big cities all my life (Im almost 50) and now again moving to small town of less than 10k ppl. I love living in the country. While everyone thinks it’s boring and nothing to do. I tell them, look up at the sky at night you see stars beyond what the eyes can see. And hear so many beautiful songs our insects and animals sing. All this to say. To each his own. But living a slower more less complex life will help you live longer and much more peaceful.
This sounds wonderful, I was picturing it just now. 😉 Do you think that maybe we go through different seasons in our life? Like when I was a teenager and in my 20s, the thought of living in a small village with nothing to do just sounded so boring (I've lived in cities most of my life). But now that I'm a bit older I'm more drawn to peace and quiet than before, although I still enjoy the perks of city life.
@@IAmPeterCook you have a good point, we do go through seasons.
OMGGGG this was my favorite explanation on slow living ive ever seen. The guitar solo really got me 🥲 Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Soraya, happy to hear that! ✨
My Ex: "You're not really going anywhere."
Me: "I'm already where I want to be."
Finally! It all makes sense. All I knew was the steady steps up till I hit burnout and knew to exit that life. Went minimalist, clutter free and now I want to add an awareness to slow living. Thanks for explanation and tips!
I'm excited to try this "slow living" approach in the coming days. Thank you
I feel understood, and somehow that this is exactly what I need. Great video! I have been brought here by my curiosity of what slow living is, but this is genuinely a really healthy mindset that could heal hyperactive over-stimulated society. This deserves to be shared.
Thank you, I'm glad you found it genuinely helpful! And you're right, I think many people would benefit from implementing slow living practicing to counterbalance the overstimulation many of us face on a daily basis. 🙌🏻
Thank you for the video. I remind myself on occasion that if I find myself rushing it's a sign something in my life is out of balance.
That's great to have to that clarity to remind yourself that your life is out of balance, glad the video helped a tid bit with that! 😀
The vibes from the way you speak to the piano music in the background, with the cozy, clean background... it's so calming, it gives such respite, the only way that I have to describe how all that feels is "Christmas". And that's saying something, 'cause I don't recall having had that many good Christmases
I appreciate the time stamps because it allowed me to watch this video more efficiently and get back to being productive.
This video is so important 🙏
I really appreciate the time and energy you took to round this out 💖
You're welcome! 🙌🏻
Much thanks Peter for this outstanding and inspiring video that was produced with professionalism. It was well organized and executed marvelously. Looking forward to seeing more of your SL productions and presentations. Cheers
Thanks Dawn! Happy to hear that 😀
I really need this especially today. What a cool algorithm to bring this to my attention. A learned a lot of insights and strengthened the old ones. Thanks
Every morning at 4 or 5 am, i sit on terrace and meditate, listen to birds, watch sunrise, sky, birds. It is so fulfilling. I love mornings now 🌅
That sounds like a wonderful start of the morning 😊
Wow ❤
I would love to do that, but the tranquillity is always ruined by barking dogs. Such a disgustingly stressfull sound.
I appreciate how much work and thoughts you have put into making this video. Great content, thank you so much for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed it, Leona! 😊
@@IAmPeterCook This is my first ever comment on TH-cam, I felt the need to respond to the positive messages you are conveying to the world. I also watched your Barcelona pavilion video, very well narrated as if you are the actual architect who designed the building. Thank you.
Just found your channel, and I immediately subscribed. I really enjoy your content and your relaxing voice! Keep it up Peter Cook, people need to hear what you have to say.
Appreciate that, Chris! Thank you for the kind words 😊
Man it took me 40 years to understand what's being going on with me. Thanks for the insight. It feels lonely at the moment but I'm sure patience is key.
EVERYTHING within moderation. This is all you need to understand.
This is the first video of yours I'm watching and when I saw the National Palace of Culture in Sofia, I got excited as I am a Bulgarian! This is such a nice video and I'm also happy that you captured some of the beauty of Sofia.
Glad you liked it, Rose! Sofia is indeed a beautiful city 😉
Hi Peter, wow, loved this video and you've hit the nail on the head with your views on slow living to me. Thank you for all the info, books etc too. I'm definitely subscribing to your channel xx
Thanks for the kind words, Davina! 😀
@@IAmPeterCook you're very welcome and I'm now watching some more of your videos, as well as having great content, they also make me chuckle too 😉xx
Thank you! Love this!
I found exactly how I have been trying to live my life and why I have been feeling so uncomfortable since many years with this face paced monotonous racing life we all are expected to live.
Thank you for making this effort to clarify on the ideal way to live a life with a purpose.
God bless you with good health & peace always.❤❤❤ I will always watch this video when i get overwhelmed with everyday challenges.
I really, really, REALLY enjoyed this and learned a lot. Thank you!
Happy to hear that! 😊
not me watching this vid at 1.25X speed 😐
Double.
“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” - Lao Tzu
I embraced this and have now missed a dozen flights
Definitively sharing this idea and this video with my students back here in Brazil.
Good to hear, glad you enjoyed it ☺️!
Gentle, paced, deliberate living 👍🏻. I’ve subscribed 😊
Welcome aboard!
As a senior I already practice "slow walking" and "slow driving"
I saw the title and instantly felt relief.
You may be on to something. I get so stressed out sometimes that I just shut down. That of course means I'm getting nothing done, which leads to me feeling even more stressed out. I really appreciate you introducing the concept to me. I'm going to try and give this a shot and see if it helps. Thank you :)
Good luck, Jon!
Great video! I love slow mornings and drinking coffee and watching the sunrise. On weekends, my favourite thing to do is sit in bed in the afternoon drinking black tea and look outside my window from bed, very relaxing 😇😇😇😇
That sounds very relaxing indeed, Toby! 🫖☕️
Yes please more more more videos of this. Thank you
This was an EXCELLENT video! Love your examples and your enthusiasm. Keep up the great work! And yes, I will slow down 😊❤😊
1. I find this really interesting.
2. It will be challenging for me. I work at Aldi and they are known for extremely fast service. My second job is Doordash/etc. It’s all about delivering fast. And I literally live 30 seconds from the interstate which I take almost everywhere.
3. I have a plan though. To slow things down. My goal is getting out of the city and getting a place out in the country like I grew up so my kids and I can fish and camp and disconnect from the world more often. I’m excited!
Thanks for the video.
Good luck, Trav! You have set the intention to live more slowly and that's huge. Maybe things won't change overnight, but I hope the actions you take will compound over time and you can create the slower life you envision in point 3. 😀
Thank you so much for taking the time and your efforts to explaining it and share what you learned, that shows your generous loving heart 💖
For me it’s not feeling guilty for doing nothing or wasting time when I feel Holy Spirit slowing me just because He wants to enjoy my presence as I’m enjoying His presence 💞💖
It’s going with God’s rhythm I’m learning and He lead me to your video
And I’m grateful for that
I will practice what you recommend
God bless you 🌻
Thank you, Mary! Good luck with living more slowly. ✨
This is absolutely fantastic! Gonna share it with everyone I can.
What a beautiful tune you played on the guitar! Thanks for a great video, I have already started my slow living life and I got some more tips from this video. :)
In general i am a “slow” person, I am meticulous in my tasks and take my time, and I don’t really care to be fast. The problem I have is that I have many interests and I find myself not having time for everything I want to do. I know it’s impossible to do it all, but I feel that I give up parts of myself when I give up on projects I wanted to do. I wonder how to find balance between slow/intentional living and not missing out on everything that I want to do.
Hi Samantha, I can relate to this problem. So many things you wanna do, so little time. And if you want to practice living more slowly, that seems to just amplify that problem. I recommend you read Oliver Burkeman's book 'Four Thousand Weeks.' I just finished it and I think you will find a lot of food for thought in it.
To share a few things I picked up from this book:
- You will never have enough time. Why? Because of the efficiency trap: the demands on your time will increase to offset any benefits. Far from getting things done, you’ll be creating new things to do.
- You will never be able to master the time you DO have. We can only influence what we do right now, we don't even know if we'll live tomorrow. I liked this quote: “We treat our plans as though they are a lasso, thrown from the present around the future, in order to bring it under our command. But all a plan is, is a present-moment statement of intent.”"
- But if we can embrace our finitude, then we can start cultivating a fulfilling life.
How?
- Pick something to fail at. We don't have to good at everything at the same time.
- Do something for its own sake, not only as a means to better future. So relax for the sake of relaxing, not just so you can be more productive tomorrow. Hobbies are a great example of doing something for its own sake.
- Treat each experience as if it’s the last time you’re doing it. A coffee would taste much better if you knew it was the last one you'd ever drink, right? We can use this method to be more present.
Hope this helps, Samantha! ✨
I feel the same way.
Thank you Peter for your tips and the book recommendation 🤗
Thank you so much, Peter! This is just sort of who I am, anyway. This is one reason I've always felt like a misfit, but even more so, as the world becomes still more obsessed with speed and mindless "productivity". My environment has a strong effect on me and I often feel like I need to find a place to live with a slower pace. On the other hand, I'm an introvert and don't like living in a place where everyone knows my business, as is usually the case in a small town. Also, I need high-speed internet, access to healthcare, healthy food and other amenities more commonly found in cities. I'm sure that others have faced this dilemna and hope that you'll consider doing a video on the subject of finding the right place for slow living.
This is a great suggestion! I struggle with this, too. I've lived in (and continue to switch between) small towns, cities, and metropolises. And there are pros and cons for all of them. I enjoy the calm, slower pace of a small town, as well as the easier access to nature. At the same time, I love the variety (restaurants; culture; etc), the anonymity, and the liveliness of a city. I did actually make a video on this, which you might be interested in → Guide to Slow Living in a City: th-cam.com/video/W2gGY4Z12U4/w-d-xo.html
Lately, I've been intrigued by Cal Newport's thoughts on "slow productivity," which I'm sure will be the topic of one of his future books. It's about finding that balance between slow living and productivity. I can relate: slow living is not the end-all-be-all answer to being overworked. A lot of us DO want to be productive, achieve/build something. Just not to the point of burn-out. A lot of us can't just go to our boss and say: "Hey, from now on I'm going to do less." Merging the ideas behind slow living with productivity might be a better option.
If you're interested in learning more, check out these resources:
- Deep Questions with Cal Newport podcast Ep. 171: Is Slow Productivity the Solution to Burnout? (www.listennotes.com/podcasts/deep-questions/ep-171-is-slow-productivity-6og5MZb-fe9/)
- It’s Time to Embrace Slow Productivity, Cal Newport (www.newyorker.com/culture/office-space/its-time-to-embrace-slow-productivity)
Hope this helps!
@@IAmPeterCook Thank you for the thoughtful reply and great info. Where productivity is concerned, I think it's of the utmost importance to be doing something, which is personally fulfilling. However, even within that parameter, pacing can make an importance difference, (for example, drinking from a fire hose is not productive). I'm looking forward to reviewing the resources you've provided!
I'm an American expat in Germany (15 years). Germany has its faults, but the quality of life is very high. Everything is closed on Sunday, there are quiet laws regarding the hours when you're allowed to make noise, and the entire country is filled with biking and hiking trails that encourage being in nature. Big cities are surrounded by tiny dorfs, so if you crave some Indian food (as we do living in this culinary wasteland 😂), it's usually pretty close. When my husband retires, we'll move to Spain, where they also know how slow down and just be.
@@TerriblePerfection Thank you, Luann. Both Germany and Spain have long been on my radar as very desirable places for relocation, but the cost of living may be prohibitive, especially in Germany.
@@dArtagnan712 Germany is high, true, but Spain isn't, especially in the smaller towns that you might prefer.
Beautiful video dude, appreciated 🤙🏼