Oh thank you so much. Honestly, feels like such an honour to be part of your Sunday routine !
I hope your declutter and simplify day went well !!! Lovely to have a helper too!
I'd say it's the tip I return to the most ... Pottering, decluttering just really helps my mind, both in the practice itself, but then in feeling safe and relaxed in a decluttered space afterwards 🙏🏠💕
I think that slow living comes down to simply creating and embracing more space in our lives.
Not constantly flood our brain with stimuli but give our mind space to be present. The concept of that is so simple. It's not about doing more things to live a slower life but less. So my best tip would be; reflect on your life and your values, continue or start doing what you love and remove all the clutter, whether physical or mental, whether items or activities that do not benefit you and only take up space.
Hello Alex, thank you so much ... This is such a wonderful tip and a very good point.
It's only in our recent history that we've hit this saturation of noise, stuff, news, food etc... In this modern world everything is at our finger tips and when we want it, we want it now. It does make it extremely difficult to push some of that chaos away, and live slower and more intentionally.
That's why I refer to slow living as a slow and gentle guiding philosophy... providing the opportunity of time and the gentle guidance to refocus on what is truly important to us. I believe, it is life changing 🐢
Your message is so sweet, Emily. It made me time-travel to when I NEEDED the distraction of the Beatles or that rock and roill all the time.
Now, after 54 blessed years of meditation (blessings to the late Maxwell Maltz, the late Alan Watts, and to the late Norman Vincent Peale), I have learned to be comfortable in God's creation. Sitting in the backyard is fun.
Thank you so much Charles. 🙏 Meditation is such a valuable part of our self care ... Though it can be one of the most intimidating for a lot of people. I'm so in awe of your journey and I hope to make it a bigger part of my own life 💕
My "journey" began with reading PSYCHO-CYBERNETICS and practicing Dr. Maltz' "theater of the mind" exercise (it did wonders for my hockey game). Next, I got the Nightingale-Conant tape/book set of THE POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING. Over the years, I discovered Robert Monroe and Hemi-Sync.
In my old age, I have taken to Mindfulness Meditation and I get wonderful benefits from the guided meditations of Scott Taylor (INTO THE LIGHT / Hemi-Sync) and HIGHER PERSPECTIVE by Glenn Harrold (another Hemi-Sync CD).
Just taking slow, deep breaths and using the mantra "Love" produces a good meditation and so does Lillias Folan's Inner Smile meditation.
Thank you so much for sharing your recommendations. I used to meditate every day, but I haven't had a consistent practice for a while. I am thinking of kick starting my habit again by doing a daily meditation challenge in May.
Many say it is important to meditate daily at the same time, facing the same direction, using "healing sounds" from chu kung to find serenity in their perfect little Buddhist or Christian shrines.
I meditate when I feel like it and despise all the rules that the purists insist on. The Lotus Pose? Forget it. I couldn't do it 50 years ago and I can't do it now. In my mind, the only reason to maintain an erect posture during meditation is to encourage the chi to flow through the Dan Tien centers or to wake up the Kundalini.
I agree - you have got to feel your own way, with something so pure and personal I don't believe it should have rules and restrictions placed on it either, this whole idea of the 'right way vs the wrong way' is so harsh ... also agreed The Lotus Pose is not my go to either!
Thanks for sharing this Emily. It’s so nice to have all the tips for slow living in one place. I am one of those naturally driven-by-a-motor people and find I am often going at either 100mph or grind to a halt (usually horizontally) from exhaustion.
It’s a tricky and delicate balance to master for me, but I know I benefit so much from it when I do slow down and prioritise myself.
Saying no is a big one for me and is something I am always working on. I particularly love the idea of declutterring and minimizing my space to help feel calmer too, something I definitely need to work on. I feel I can get into a cycle where I am very busy with work, life speeds up and then I tend to spend more money (on things I don’t really need) because I feel I deserve it. But I know slowing down, buying less and appreciating what I’ve got is really the way forward.
I think my whole life could do with simplifying and declutterring to be honest, as nothing beats that feeling of peace you get from having space around you to live slowly in a way that feels good to you. Enjoy Denmark! 🇩🇰
Yes, finding that balance and the speed that works for you is such a unique part of slow living because my 'slow' won't necessarily be your 'slow'! I think if you spend time exploring and being open to the possibilities you will find your own way 🐢.
Saying no and setting healthy boundaries is so difficult, but one of the most impactful. I like to think of it as advocating for myself...
It sounds simple but one of my biggest hurdles was learning to be kind to myself and the realisation that I was worth time and care.
You are very much heading in the right direction and it's a beautiful path, we can enjoy exploring together. 🙏
This is wonderful 🥰 How have I only just discovered you.. so glad I have.. I very much look forward to reading more and starting to put into practice some of your slow living tips 👍 Thank you ☺️
Hello Eva 👋 a warm welcome to you, I'm so glad you found this little corner of Substack ! I really hope slow and gentle living will continue to inspire you 🐢 it's genuinely been life changing for me, and I just want to share as much as I can with people and provide a little moment of calm just for you each week with my Slow Sunday Letter 💌 so happy to have you here 🙏
I did a daily challenge in January, which kickstarted my practice! Is your May challenge your own or are you joining one? (I.e. I did mine on Insight Timer)
I also think everyone is creative in some form or another. I’ve been more serious about my meditation practice this year and it has made such a difference in so many things - my overall mood, my sleep, etc. Getting outside is always a favorite slow living practice of mine as well 😌 Thanks, Emily!
Thank you Rachel! I am aiming to kick start my meditation practice by doing a daily challenge for the month of May. Getting outside should be so much easier too now the weather is cheering up here! I hope it is for you too.
Meditation is so helpful for me! It helps especially if I am in a situation where I feel a bit of anxiety, I remember to slow my breathing and take things one moment at a time 🌸
Hello Mackenzie, it's such an amazing practice and I love how mediation can be just as impactful whether it is one minute or an hour. I am the same, I try and focus on my breathing throughout the day. It's amazing how tiny little increments throughout a stressful day can lead to quickened breath which for me can lead to panic and anxiety. Just a little time focusing on the breath is so calming, and something we can control. Thank you so much for sharing 🙏
I always look forward to Sunday morning and your latest masterpiece. It has become part of my routine. I admit that I cheat and watch the video first. You are a natural!
I am going with number 1 today. You inspired me to declutter and simplify a few weeks ago and I have made a lot of progress. I am also making money on ebay getting rid of the accumulation of a long life. My nephew even came over and helped me clean out the garage.
Bless you and keep doing what you are doing. You are making a difference.
Oh thank you so much. Honestly, feels like such an honour to be part of your Sunday routine !
I hope your declutter and simplify day went well !!! Lovely to have a helper too!
I'd say it's the tip I return to the most ... Pottering, decluttering just really helps my mind, both in the practice itself, but then in feeling safe and relaxed in a decluttered space afterwards 🙏🏠💕
Being outside is my favorite form of slow living! I also love the idea of single-tasking!
Single-tasking has honestly changed the way my brain works! And I love it !
Multitasking has the inherent inefficiency of starting and stopping and re-starting again every time switching between tasks.
I think that slow living comes down to simply creating and embracing more space in our lives.
Not constantly flood our brain with stimuli but give our mind space to be present. The concept of that is so simple. It's not about doing more things to live a slower life but less. So my best tip would be; reflect on your life and your values, continue or start doing what you love and remove all the clutter, whether physical or mental, whether items or activities that do not benefit you and only take up space.
Hello Alex, thank you so much ... This is such a wonderful tip and a very good point.
It's only in our recent history that we've hit this saturation of noise, stuff, news, food etc... In this modern world everything is at our finger tips and when we want it, we want it now. It does make it extremely difficult to push some of that chaos away, and live slower and more intentionally.
That's why I refer to slow living as a slow and gentle guiding philosophy... providing the opportunity of time and the gentle guidance to refocus on what is truly important to us. I believe, it is life changing 🐢
Wow, I have been focused on decluttering my house but I think I need to declutter my brain even more. Great insight from you.
Your message is so sweet, Emily. It made me time-travel to when I NEEDED the distraction of the Beatles or that rock and roill all the time.
Now, after 54 blessed years of meditation (blessings to the late Maxwell Maltz, the late Alan Watts, and to the late Norman Vincent Peale), I have learned to be comfortable in God's creation. Sitting in the backyard is fun.
Thank you so much Charles. 🙏 Meditation is such a valuable part of our self care ... Though it can be one of the most intimidating for a lot of people. I'm so in awe of your journey and I hope to make it a bigger part of my own life 💕
My "journey" began with reading PSYCHO-CYBERNETICS and practicing Dr. Maltz' "theater of the mind" exercise (it did wonders for my hockey game). Next, I got the Nightingale-Conant tape/book set of THE POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING. Over the years, I discovered Robert Monroe and Hemi-Sync.
In my old age, I have taken to Mindfulness Meditation and I get wonderful benefits from the guided meditations of Scott Taylor (INTO THE LIGHT / Hemi-Sync) and HIGHER PERSPECTIVE by Glenn Harrold (another Hemi-Sync CD).
Just taking slow, deep breaths and using the mantra "Love" produces a good meditation and so does Lillias Folan's Inner Smile meditation.
PEACE, LOVE, etc..
Thank you so much for sharing your recommendations. I used to meditate every day, but I haven't had a consistent practice for a while. I am thinking of kick starting my habit again by doing a daily meditation challenge in May.
Many say it is important to meditate daily at the same time, facing the same direction, using "healing sounds" from chu kung to find serenity in their perfect little Buddhist or Christian shrines.
I meditate when I feel like it and despise all the rules that the purists insist on. The Lotus Pose? Forget it. I couldn't do it 50 years ago and I can't do it now. In my mind, the only reason to maintain an erect posture during meditation is to encourage the chi to flow through the Dan Tien centers or to wake up the Kundalini.
I agree - you have got to feel your own way, with something so pure and personal I don't believe it should have rules and restrictions placed on it either, this whole idea of the 'right way vs the wrong way' is so harsh ... also agreed The Lotus Pose is not my go to either!
Thanks for sharing this Emily. It’s so nice to have all the tips for slow living in one place. I am one of those naturally driven-by-a-motor people and find I am often going at either 100mph or grind to a halt (usually horizontally) from exhaustion.
It’s a tricky and delicate balance to master for me, but I know I benefit so much from it when I do slow down and prioritise myself.
Saying no is a big one for me and is something I am always working on. I particularly love the idea of declutterring and minimizing my space to help feel calmer too, something I definitely need to work on. I feel I can get into a cycle where I am very busy with work, life speeds up and then I tend to spend more money (on things I don’t really need) because I feel I deserve it. But I know slowing down, buying less and appreciating what I’ve got is really the way forward.
I think my whole life could do with simplifying and declutterring to be honest, as nothing beats that feeling of peace you get from having space around you to live slowly in a way that feels good to you. Enjoy Denmark! 🇩🇰
It's my pleasure 🙏
Yes, finding that balance and the speed that works for you is such a unique part of slow living because my 'slow' won't necessarily be your 'slow'! I think if you spend time exploring and being open to the possibilities you will find your own way 🐢.
Saying no and setting healthy boundaries is so difficult, but one of the most impactful. I like to think of it as advocating for myself...
It sounds simple but one of my biggest hurdles was learning to be kind to myself and the realisation that I was worth time and care.
You are very much heading in the right direction and it's a beautiful path, we can enjoy exploring together. 🙏
This is wonderful 🥰 How have I only just discovered you.. so glad I have.. I very much look forward to reading more and starting to put into practice some of your slow living tips 👍 Thank you ☺️
Hello Eva 👋 a warm welcome to you, I'm so glad you found this little corner of Substack ! I really hope slow and gentle living will continue to inspire you 🐢 it's genuinely been life changing for me, and I just want to share as much as I can with people and provide a little moment of calm just for you each week with my Slow Sunday Letter 💌 so happy to have you here 🙏
I did a daily challenge in January, which kickstarted my practice! Is your May challenge your own or are you joining one? (I.e. I did mine on Insight Timer)
Oh that's great that's yours was so successful... It's my own, I'll vary the type of meditation and just enjoy exploring it again 🙏
I also think everyone is creative in some form or another. I’ve been more serious about my meditation practice this year and it has made such a difference in so many things - my overall mood, my sleep, etc. Getting outside is always a favorite slow living practice of mine as well 😌 Thanks, Emily!
Thank you Rachel! I am aiming to kick start my meditation practice by doing a daily challenge for the month of May. Getting outside should be so much easier too now the weather is cheering up here! I hope it is for you too.
I really love these - thank you for sharing 🙏 In particular, there is so much richness to be found in simply being still.
Thank you David 🙏 I am appreciating the sound of silence more and more lately.
I think that earthing and grounding yourself would augment slow living. Try walking barefoot and focus on your deep connection to Mother Earth.
Meditation is so helpful for me! It helps especially if I am in a situation where I feel a bit of anxiety, I remember to slow my breathing and take things one moment at a time 🌸
Hello Mackenzie, it's such an amazing practice and I love how mediation can be just as impactful whether it is one minute or an hour. I am the same, I try and focus on my breathing throughout the day. It's amazing how tiny little increments throughout a stressful day can lead to quickened breath which for me can lead to panic and anxiety. Just a little time focusing on the breath is so calming, and something we can control. Thank you so much for sharing 🙏
I always look forward to Sunday morning and your latest masterpiece. It has become part of my routine. I admit that I cheat and watch the video first. You are a natural!
I am going with number 1 today. You inspired me to declutter and simplify a few weeks ago and I have made a lot of progress. I am also making money on ebay getting rid of the accumulation of a long life. My nephew even came over and helped me clean out the garage.
Bless you and keep doing what you are doing. You are making a difference.