Why I Choose a Slower Life
In this post I’m sharing why I choose a slower life. The real reason, unexpected though it may be.
Let’s begin at the kitchen window.
When you look out, you will see a tree, adorned with magnificent pink blossom in the Spring, and draping orange robes in Autumn. There is an overgrown garden with old brick walls, piled high with fairy-tale ivy - a kind of carpet for scampering squirrels and sauntering cats. If you looked further, you would discover a grassy knoll, bordered with woodland. It is, in a word, idyllic. Slow.
But that isn’t the whole picture.
The front of the house is another matter. There, you would see a busy street. Cars running by, buses jogging into town, and people ambling to and fro. This is like my life.
The Need to Slow a Busy Life
At the front is the busyness. I have things to do and people to see, the boiler breaks and then I come down with a horrible cold. The to-do list seems never-ending and I’ll be honest, I’m not a naturally organised person. I put a lot of pressure on myself to do everything perfectly, and that has often made me feel too overwhelmed to even start. I don’t know why but for some reason the smallest things - from laundry piles to trying to pack a suitcase - leave me overstimulated and tearful. Then ashamed for struggling to regulate my emotions. I often wonder what is wrong with me, that basic life tasks come so hard.
But at the back, is the peace. The quiet place of contemplation. The inner chamber of slowness and simplicity.
The Truth About Simple Living
The truth is, I do not choose a slower and simpler life because it comes easily to me. On the contrary, I choose it because it doesn’t. It is a life ring, cast into my stormy waters. I do not grab it because I am taken with the aesthetic of orange and white stripes. I grab it because I’m desperate to live.
I don’t carve out time for prayer, meditation, walks in nature, and creative activities just because it looks nice. I do it so that, when the time comes, I can face the inevitable battles of life. When I neglect these practices, I am cast into waves of chaos.
Cultivating Intentionality
I declutter my home, so that when I run out the door, there’s nothing to trip over. I switch out scrolling for strolling, so that I sleep soundly, with a mind at peace. I say no to constant external stimulation and yes to moments of silence. It doesn’t mean that life doesn’t sometimes get busy. It does mean that when life commitments pile up as high as the laundry, I have the stability to stay on board the ship.
Thank you for reading for reading this wee article, I hope it brought you peace. If so, you will love my article “The Secrets to Leading a Calm and Peaceful Life”. Be sure to check it out for your next read!
Until next time, it was lovely to have you here.
