The meaning of Slow living

Slow living is a movement that is gaining popularity, encouraging people to slow down the pace of life, simplify daily routines, and prioritise mindfulness and connection with nature. It inspires us to be present in our daily lives, cultivate meaningful relationships, and focus on what truly brings us joy and fulfilment.

At its core, slow living is about leading a life filled with purpose, peace, and being in tune with the rhythms of nature.

Who is slow living for?

Our everyday lives are filled with to-do lists, places to be, and never-ending things to remember. We always seem to be racing against time, trying to keep up with trends, work meetings, and invitations. Many of us develop FOMO – fear of missing out – without even realising it. We can get so caught up in always chasing the next big thing that we don't pause long enough to consider if this actually makes us feel happy and fulfilled. If you think this is you and/or people you know – you're not alone. I've been there myself, lost in the hustle, feeling like every day was just another step in a race with no finish line. Despite all this struggle, I still felt like I was missing out on great things other people were achieving with ease... (which wasn't true!)

In my mid-20s, I used to work in care. The work was challenging (if you've ever done it or know someone working in care, you know!), add to it long hours and night shifts... I was exhausted and yearning for change. This is the point where I started asking myself – is this it? Is this how the rest of my life is going to look? Working 50-60 hours a week, just to pay bills and go on holiday once a year? I struggled both physically, having pains and aches all around my body, and mentally, feeling like I wasn't enough... Deep in my core, this didn't feel right, and I started questioning the life I lived. There surely must be more to life than this...

That feeling of yearning led me on a journey of self-discovery. I first began yoga practice, which led me to mindfulness, and eventually, to the concept of slow living. It offered a refreshing perspective, giving myself permission to rest and stepping away from the never-ending chase. It was like finding an oasis in the desert, a sanctuary where I could finally take a breath and realise that life wasn't about the hustle; it was about the happy, little moments that are so easy to overlook.

10 Slow Living Quotes to Live By

Today, I'm sharing a collection of timeless quotes that I have gathered over the last seven years of my slow living practice, which resonated with me on a personal level. They inspired me to make changes and keep going on my path to a calmer and happier mind, and I hope they will inspire you too.

1. "Slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going too fast - you also miss the sense of where you are going and why." - Eddie Cantor

These words remind us to enjoy the journey rather than just aiming for the destination. Even if we have big plans and work towards our dreams every day, it shouldn't take away the joy found in everyday life. It's a call to see the beauty around us, to savour the morning coffee, the afternoon tea, to notice the way sunlight filters through the leaves, and to appreciate the good times with friends and family. It's in these moments that life truly happens.

2. "Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished." - Lao Tzu

This must be one of my favourite quotes of all time and something I keep reminding myself whenever I feel like I'm not doing enough. Nature follows its own rhythm from the dawn of the world, and yet... it's never late, and nothing is missing. Nature sets the best example, and following it is a bulletproof method for a balanced life. This quote teaches us the value of patience and trust in the natural flow of life. It encourages us to let go of our need for instant success, immediate results, and to understand that growth and progress require time.

3. "The little things? The little moments? They aren't little." - Jon Kabat-Zinn

This quote reminds us of the importance of small, seemingly insignificant moments that aren't that small after all. Our life is a sum of everyday, ordinary moments. Paying attention and enjoying these simple, little moments will create a wholesome life full of happy memories and things we're grateful for. It's a powerful reminder that joy doesn't always come from big achievements or milestones but often from the quiet, unremarkable moments that fill our days.

4. "The slower you go, the faster you get there."

This paradoxical statement is what we often miss in our quest for success in life. Taking shortcuts, trying to do things fast, rushing often leads to inefficiency and burnout. By adopting a slower pace, we can achieve our goals with greater clarity and purpose. It's about understanding that real progress, whether in our personal or work lives comes from consistent, mindful effort rather than mindless hustling.

5. "There is more to life than increasing its speed." - Mahatma Gandhi

This timeless wisdom challenges society's obsession with speed and productivity. How much of our days, months, even years pass us by unnoticed because we're rushing through life to the next big thing? Slow living reminds us to prioritise quality over quantity in all aspects of life. Gandhi's words invite us to question our pursuit of faster, more efficient ways of living and to consider what we might be sacrificing in the process.

6. "The best way to capture moments is to pay attention. This is how we cultivate mindfulness." - Jon Kabat-Zinn

This quote summarises what slow living is about. Paying attention, being in the moment, engaging with events, and making the most of the now, cultivating mindfulness in our everyday life. It encourages us to be fully present, whether we're spending time with loved ones, engaging in our hobbies, or simply sitting quietly by ourselves. Mindfulness is the foundation upon which slow living is built, allowing us to truly experience and appreciate life as it unfolds.

7. "You can't always control what goes on outside. But you can always control what goes on inside." - Wayne Dyer

Reminding myself of Wayne Dyer's quote helped me during challenging situations that arise in everyday life - both work and personal. We may not control the situation we're in (e.g., you don't choose your family or work colleagues), but we can control how we respond to it. Cultivating inner peace and not letting external factors influence our mood and thoughts is how we achieve inner harmony. This quote speaks to the power of a calm mind and the importance of nurturing our inner world, ensuring that regardless of external circumstances, we can maintain our sense of peace and well-being.

8. "The trouble is, you think you have time." - Buddha

OK, this might sound a bit pessimistic, but the point is to encourage us to make the most of every day, instead of putting our dreams and passions aside, assuming we have infinite time. Life is short, and it's best to make the most of every hour we're given in this world, living with intention and appreciating simple joys. Buddha's words serve as a reminder that time is our most precious resource, that can't be bought, sold, or given away. How we choose to spend it is perhaps the most important decision we can make in life.

9. "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." - Leonardo da Vinci

Another one of my top quotes that goes for both mindset and style. Overcomplicating things - whether it's overthinking or spending thousands on trends (that go out of fashion the very next season) - won't make us feel at peace, and it's definitely not in the spirit of slow living. Embracing simplicity is an art, stripping away the unnecessary, showcasing that beauty lies in the simple and essential. Da Vinci's words remind us that true elegance and sophistication lie not in accumulation and excess but in the clarity and simplicity.

10. "I will get there, but now I'm here, and here is wonderful." - Unknown

If I were to tattoo a quote somewhere on my body, it would be this. It beautifully shows that it's perfectly OK to make plans and hit goals while mindfully enjoying every step on this journey, without losing any of the magic of everyday life as we work towards our dreams. This quote embodies the essence of slow living - recognising and celebrating the present moment, even as we look forward to the future.

Slow living is not just a lifestyle; it's a mindful choice we make every day, embracing the present moment, simplifying our lives, and appreciating the beauty of everyday moments. It's a commitment to living intentionally, making space for what truly matters, and letting go of the rest. In a world that constantly demands more - more productivity, more engagement, more consumption - choosing slow living is an act of quiet rebellion. We decide that we don't want to be defined by the speed of our achievements and how productive we are.

The journey to a slower life is unique for each of us. It might mean decluttering our homes to create spaces that reflect our true selves. It could involve setting boundaries around work and technology, giving ourselves time to rest and recharge. Perhaps it's about cultivating hobbies, embracing creativity and joy, or spending more time in nature to remind ourselves of the world's natural rhythm.

Learn more about embracing slow, cosy living in your everyday life and living in tune with the seasons on my blog

Slow living examples

Slow living is an approach to life that encourages a slower pace, focusing on quality over quantity and living in a more intentional, mindful way. This lifestyle inspires us to make more conscious choices, reduce stress, and cultivate a deeper connection to ourselves, our environment, and, most importantly, ourselves. Here are some real-life examples of slow living that I have been incorporating into my own everyday life in the past seven years that will showcase to you that slowing down doesn't have to be complicated or expensive.

1. Mindful Eating: This was a big one for me and truly helped me on my weight loss journey. Instead of rushing through meals or eating while distracted by my phone or TV, slow living taught me to take the time to enjoy each bite. This means preparing meals from scratch using (when possible) seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients, sitting down to eat without distractions, and paying attention and appreciating the flavours, textures, and nourishment my food provides.

2. Decluttering and Simplifying Your Home: By minimising clutter and keeping only items that you truly need and/or love, you create a more peaceful and manageable living environment. I'm not a minimalist, and this aspect of slow living is not about living with the bare minimum but rather choosing to surround yourself with things that have meaning, making your home feel cosy and safe, while enhancing your well-being, and supporting your lifestyle.

3. Connecting with Nature and Seasons: Spending time in nature, whether it's gardening, hiking, or simply taking a leisurely stroll in a country park, can significantly improve your health and slow down the pace of life. Nature has a scientifically proven calming effect, helping to reduce stress and increase mindfulness. It encourages us to move at a natural pace, flowing with the seasons and appreciating the beauty and rhythms of the natural world.

4. Practising Mindfulness and Meditation: Incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily routine can help you become more present and aware. I'm especially keen on breathwork, because it's incredible what a soothing, calming effect a few deep breaths can have on our nervous system and entire body. Try meditation, yoga, or simply taking a few deep breaths during a busy day to bring back calmness, improve focus, and be in tune with your feelings and emotions.

5. Reducing Screen Time: Slow living advocates for mindful technology use, recognising that overusing it can lead to stress and distraction. Naturally, we all need technology in our lives, and I, as an online content creator, am incredibly grateful for the opportunities it has given me in life. But, like with everything in life, balance is key. Setting boundaries around technology use will help you maintain a healthy relationship with your work and social media platforms.

6. Fostering Community and Relationships: Building and nurturing relationships is an important part of slow living. This might mean organising family dinners, attending local community events, or simply spending quality time with friends without distractions. It’s about valuing deep, meaningful connections with people that matter in our lives.

7. Passions and Hobbies: Slow living encourages us to spend our free time enjoying activities that make us happy and fulfilled, rather than mindlessly scrolling through our phones for hours. Some ideas include painting, knitting, playing an instrument, or writing - these hobbies offer a way to express our creativity, while reducing stress and enriching our lives (P.S. many of these projects will also make amazing Christmas gifts for friends and family).

8. Conscious Spending: This involves being thoughtful about what we buy and choosing products that are ethically produced, sustainable, and truly spark joy in us. Slow living encourages supporting local businesses like ours, here at YR Studio, where each candle is handmade in our family-run studio in Somerset, England, from British-only ingredients, supporting the local economy and bringing the charm of the English countryside to homes all around the world.

Shop our natural wax candles, handmade in our family-run studio in Somerset England - UK & US delivery

By integrating these examples into our daily lives, we can embrace slow living and its benefits. It’s a gentle reminder that life doesn’t have to be lived at a breakneck pace to be meaningful and fulfilling. Instead, by slowing down, we can enhance our well-being, deepen our connections and live more harmoniously with the world around us.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope it inspires you to slow down, breathe deeply, and find joy in the simple pleasures of everyday life. Remember, we're all in this together, each of us finding our way to a more mindful, meaningful, and joyous life.

Adriana x