So timely for me today because I’m trying to move more and more into a slower lifestyle and this is very helpful for keeping me on track. Yesterday I sat and read a book in the sunshine for an hour and it was the first time in a long time I let myself do it without feeling the pressure to get on with many other chores. I will keep coming back to this to keep inspiring me. 🤩
Thank you Victoria, that means a lot! Exploring slow and gentle living - little by little is the perfect way. Allowing it to start influencing little things, and big things in your life. A perfect example, is your hour read! What are you reading? It is so freeing isn't it? Suddenly becoming aware of your time and how you spend it.
I’m reading a book called London Clay about the lost rivers of London and all the history that is below the surface of the city. You’ve really inspired me to not feel guilty about taking time for myself and prioritising self care. 🥰
Boundaries have been the best and most complicated thing for me ... !!! I'd be lost without mine, but I find them so hard to make, and then maintain! Thank you for all the work you do, finding your Substack has been really inspiring and so helpful for me.
It’s lovely to read that Emily, thank you! The boundaries draft post got so big that i might now make it into a workbook. Sounds like you’re doing well with yours, they do often need to shift and tweak over time.
I enjoy reading your words so much, but as I live in Australia, the cost difference for membership is out of my reach. But I will continue to read your free compositions.
Thank you so much Nicole. I am so grateful for your company, and I will always devote so much to my free content. It is so lovely to have you here with us.
Hello Emily, I really like the "nothing" days which are very rare 😅 currently this is my Tuesday afternoon after I end my job and my son stays one hour more at school for some gymnastics.
At first I take my dog out for a walk and try to thing about nothing and enjoy the trees and the birds and everything that caught my eyes. When I go home I have a cup of tea and relax. Enjoy the silence and if needed, I do some stretching (I have a bit of a back ache lately)
That's it. I love it 💖 a little time for myself, well deserved 😄
Lara - that sounds lovely, and epitomises quality over quantity. I love the sound of your walk - do you ever journal afterwards? I am still so intent on nature journaling this spring/summer. I tried last year but stumbled, I think I overthought it (as always!). I am sorry you have a bad back ache, I am sure the stretching will help loads. Thank you always for your kind, and encouraging support, it is always lovely to chat.
I thought about keeping a nature journal last year but in the end I didn't I also thought to keep a diary with some drawings of the plants in my garden but didn't that too. Many ideas, little time! But I committed to look around more. Last year I realized there was an oak tree just outside my house and I've walked there so many times and never realised until I went with my mum to collect some acorns for an autumnal centerpiece!
I'm trying to observe more the little nature I have around.
Thank you Emily, I'm seeing some improvement with Mt back ache! 💖
I love read your posts and taking time to exchange some thoughts!
I have recently started reading a book all about reconnecting with nature - it is called The Blackbird's Song & Other Wonders of Nature - Miles Richardson - it is really beautiful so far - I think you may enjoy it too.
Ah just lovely! You describe slow living so perfectly, and you're right, it's about doing it in a way that fits in with your life, not what you see online.
Loved reading this Emily. Your morning sounded idyllic. I restarted morning pages this weekend just gone. I've just started reading The Artist Way again.
Same here, my journey into slow living began around the time of lockdown. It was during those lockdown months that I began to destress and appreciate slower times. Hobbies definitely play a crucial part to calmer times. Your words reminded me of their importance. Thank you as always for sharing your words of wisdom 😊
I'm quite enjoying the morning pages, although during the week they become afternoon pages. Getting up earlier than I already do at 4.30 isn't quite achievable at the moment 😄. But the pages are being done daily which is the important thing isn't it.
This was such a beautifully written and grounding read. Your words are a gentle reminder that slowing down isn’t just about doing less—it’s about making space for the moments that truly matter. I love how you frame slow living as something accessible to everyone, not an unattainable ideal but a practice we can embrace little by little. Thank you for creating such a warm and inviting space for reflection and intentional living.
Thank you so much 🙏 this is honestly everything I am hoping to put out into the world, so I'm so happy you felt that and grateful you shared with me. 💞
What a lovely reminder to slow down. I also find myself needing, and enjoying, a slower pace. Especially in the mornings before the busyness of the day takes over. We often need gentle practices to soften our edges and emotions. Your tips are exactly the practices I need 😀
Thank you so much Katrina. I am so glad it has helped even in a small way. Sometimes, our instincts to slow down are there but it is hard up against the pressures and demands of life. Just seeking out the opportunities to slow down are so powerful.
There is so much value in your writing Emily. I resonate deeply as I need my days to be slower and intentional. As always it is a working process of ebbs and flows. Thank you for this lovely post 🌻
Thank you so much Clare, this is what I really hope when I put these letters out into the world, so it has honestly made me so happy that you felt it! Thank you for taking the time to comment.
Sounds perfect Julia, in true slow living style - we move slowly, learning and growing as we go. I think you are doing wonderfully. Thank you so much for your support.
So timely for me today because I’m trying to move more and more into a slower lifestyle and this is very helpful for keeping me on track. Yesterday I sat and read a book in the sunshine for an hour and it was the first time in a long time I let myself do it without feeling the pressure to get on with many other chores. I will keep coming back to this to keep inspiring me. 🤩
Thank you Victoria, that means a lot! Exploring slow and gentle living - little by little is the perfect way. Allowing it to start influencing little things, and big things in your life. A perfect example, is your hour read! What are you reading? It is so freeing isn't it? Suddenly becoming aware of your time and how you spend it.
I’m reading a book called London Clay about the lost rivers of London and all the history that is below the surface of the city. You’ve really inspired me to not feel guilty about taking time for myself and prioritising self care. 🥰
Oh that sounds really interesting!!!!
I am so glad, because you deserve it!
I love the quote you started with! So inspiring and perfect! And all of your thoughts and tips are spot on. Such a beautiful post, Emily. 🫶🏻
Thank you Liz - I love that quote so much as well. I am so glad you liked the letter.
Beautiful writing. Your mornings sound so lovely and gentle Emily! 🧡
Thank you so much Kate, that means a lot - especially coming from you! I have been loving all your posts, especially the Bloom Sessions.
Thank you, I’m glad to hear you like them! I am working on a boundaries one though confess I don’t have it all figured out quite yet…!
Boundaries have been the best and most complicated thing for me ... !!! I'd be lost without mine, but I find them so hard to make, and then maintain! Thank you for all the work you do, finding your Substack has been really inspiring and so helpful for me.
It’s lovely to read that Emily, thank you! The boundaries draft post got so big that i might now make it into a workbook. Sounds like you’re doing well with yours, they do often need to shift and tweak over time.
Oh wow, I look forward to it Kate!
Beautiful writing
I enjoy reading your words so much, but as I live in Australia, the cost difference for membership is out of my reach. But I will continue to read your free compositions.
Best wishes Nicole
Thank you so much Nicole. I am so grateful for your company, and I will always devote so much to my free content. It is so lovely to have you here with us.
Hello Emily, I really like the "nothing" days which are very rare 😅 currently this is my Tuesday afternoon after I end my job and my son stays one hour more at school for some gymnastics.
At first I take my dog out for a walk and try to thing about nothing and enjoy the trees and the birds and everything that caught my eyes. When I go home I have a cup of tea and relax. Enjoy the silence and if needed, I do some stretching (I have a bit of a back ache lately)
That's it. I love it 💖 a little time for myself, well deserved 😄
Lara - that sounds lovely, and epitomises quality over quantity. I love the sound of your walk - do you ever journal afterwards? I am still so intent on nature journaling this spring/summer. I tried last year but stumbled, I think I overthought it (as always!). I am sorry you have a bad back ache, I am sure the stretching will help loads. Thank you always for your kind, and encouraging support, it is always lovely to chat.
I thought about keeping a nature journal last year but in the end I didn't I also thought to keep a diary with some drawings of the plants in my garden but didn't that too. Many ideas, little time! But I committed to look around more. Last year I realized there was an oak tree just outside my house and I've walked there so many times and never realised until I went with my mum to collect some acorns for an autumnal centerpiece!
I'm trying to observe more the little nature I have around.
Thank you Emily, I'm seeing some improvement with Mt back ache! 💖
I love read your posts and taking time to exchange some thoughts!
Have a lovely Sunday evening 💫
I have recently started reading a book all about reconnecting with nature - it is called The Blackbird's Song & Other Wonders of Nature - Miles Richardson - it is really beautiful so far - I think you may enjoy it too.
I am glad to hear your back is on the mend. 💖
Thank you Emily 😊
Ah just lovely! You describe slow living so perfectly, and you're right, it's about doing it in a way that fits in with your life, not what you see online.
Thank you Hayley 💞 it takes time, but I actually love the process of figuring out how it feels and fits into your world and life 🙏
Yeah same. And figuring out what actually adds joyful value to your life too. 🥰
Loved reading this Emily. Your morning sounded idyllic. I restarted morning pages this weekend just gone. I've just started reading The Artist Way again.
Same here, my journey into slow living began around the time of lockdown. It was during those lockdown months that I began to destress and appreciate slower times. Hobbies definitely play a crucial part to calmer times. Your words reminded me of their importance. Thank you as always for sharing your words of wisdom 😊
I can totally see why people will revisit The Artist Way - I am sure I will at some point. how do you find the morning pages?
Thank you Debbie - I am so pleased to provide any inspiration to you - as you do for me with your words.
I'm quite enjoying the morning pages, although during the week they become afternoon pages. Getting up earlier than I already do at 4.30 isn't quite achievable at the moment 😄. But the pages are being done daily which is the important thing isn't it.
Gosh 4.30!!! Yes, I often do end up writing them in the afternoon - perhaps we should rebrand them daily pages!
Yes!! That is definitely a good idea. Daily pages it is then 😊
This was such a beautifully written and grounding read. Your words are a gentle reminder that slowing down isn’t just about doing less—it’s about making space for the moments that truly matter. I love how you frame slow living as something accessible to everyone, not an unattainable ideal but a practice we can embrace little by little. Thank you for creating such a warm and inviting space for reflection and intentional living.
Thank you so much 🙏 this is honestly everything I am hoping to put out into the world, so I'm so happy you felt that and grateful you shared with me. 💞
What a lovely reminder to slow down. I also find myself needing, and enjoying, a slower pace. Especially in the mornings before the busyness of the day takes over. We often need gentle practices to soften our edges and emotions. Your tips are exactly the practices I need 😀
Thank you so much Katrina. I am so glad it has helped even in a small way. Sometimes, our instincts to slow down are there but it is hard up against the pressures and demands of life. Just seeking out the opportunities to slow down are so powerful.
There is so much value in your writing Emily. I resonate deeply as I need my days to be slower and intentional. As always it is a working process of ebbs and flows. Thank you for this lovely post 🌻
Thank you so much Clare, this is what I really hope when I put these letters out into the world, so it has honestly made me so happy that you felt it! Thank you for taking the time to comment.
I find doing nothing SO hard but I’m determined to make that my starting point. Just a morning a week at first. Thanks for another lovely listen Em x
Sounds perfect Julia, in true slow living style - we move slowly, learning and growing as we go. I think you are doing wonderfully. Thank you so much for your support.