What is Slow Living?
How are you?
How is your heart, mind, and body feeling today?
In the recent past I came across the concept of Slow Living and have deeply identified with it's concept. You know how sometimes when you find a description that describes you, the way you live, or perhaps the way you feel, you see yourself in it? and suddenly a sense of belonging, of being seen, of finding yourself awakens within you?
Well this naturally happens because in a way our mind is constantly seeking ourselves / out there. Making sense of the world and life.
So when you name something, naturally and organically, there is a remembering, of calm, of inner peace. And this remembering, this sense of inner peace, flourished in me, when I found this concept, of slow living. As this has been the way I have been living my life.
I often have shared with you how the quote of "Be the Change you want to see in the World": was my true north for a long time. During this time I was part of the Slow Food Committee in Vancouver, BC, Canada. The Slow Food Movement started in Italy, by Carlos Pettrini in the 80's with the hope of honoring all that is slow, good, and fair in the food industry as fast food was booming. The concept of the art and communion with nature, in the food it provides, weaved into the way food is preserved and made, the taste of each land has always fascinated me. Our connection to nature, to the land we live on, and our role as caretakers of this planet, honoring of this Earth has been something important to me. In 2012 I went to Terra Madre as a Canadian delegate, and it was a powerful experience of walking in the Salone del Gusto, talking with artisan and producers that had been making the same recipe of sauerkraut for ages, fermenting it in a pit underground for months, or a certain cheese with this specific and unique breed of goat or sheep, or sourdough bread with an ancient preserved seed that can only be find in this part of the world. Through these, I have understood the importance of biodiversity, of the sacredness of ancient wisdom, the art of caring for what we love, the magnificent of this earth, and our true potential as human beings.
In a world that seems to move at lightning speed, where busyness is often worn as a badge of honor, I invite you to pause and consider the beauty of a slower, more intentional way of living.
Slow living isn't just about moving at a snail's pace; it's a mindset shift toward curating a life that aligns with your deepest values and priorities. It's about doing everything at the right speed, not the fastest speed. It's about quality over quantity, presence over distraction, and intentionality over mindless consumption. I often share how my focus changed from "Being the Change I want to see in the World" to "“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” by Rumi. This created a radical shift in the way I live my life, because I began to go inwards, to focus on Who I am being moment to moment. I understood that the change begins with me, inside of me, and ripples outwards. So Rumi's quote began being my true north, and continues to be. I understood that this is how I create true impact.
Imagine a life where you're not constantly rushing from one task to the next, but instead, you're fully present in each moment, savoring the richness of life's experiences. That's what slow living is all about. At its core, slow living encourages self-awareness and conscious decision-making for the betterment of both ourselves and the planet. It challenges the notion that being busy equates to success and invites us to reevaluate what truly matters in our lives.
Embracing the principles of slow living as you seek a deeper connection to yourself and the world around you. It's a gentle reminder that faster isn't always better and that by slowing down, you can cultivate a more meaningful and fulfilling existence.
I invite you to join me on this journey toward a slower, more intentional way of living. Let's prioritize what truly matters, savor the moments, and live with purpose and presence.
With love and care,
Sofia Martinez
