Slow Living...A New Way Of Life

 

When the confinement began a year ago, I felt like a caged bird. I missed bookshops and library shelves. I missed stores and the sounds of people murmuring. I missed travel, new places, new faces and a myriad of options.

I mourned the loss of my freedom. It made me wonder — if we are not comfortable at home, where are we ever comfortable? We can’t escape ourselves any longer. This is the new normal.

I believe this confinement has shown us a glimmer of our future — and it’s slow. It’s one where we can’t run away from ourselves. We live like mice in a maze, constantly wanting more. Never fully satisfied.

But this history we’re stepping through is showing us that we can live a different way. A joyous, harmonious way. It’s one where your identity isn’t glued to what you own, or what you do, or how many friends you have, or what your weekend plans are. We are forced to be still and to be ok with less.

We can no longer numb ourselves with distractions and media. Slowing down and listening to ourselves — this is the new wave of the future. It’s time to come home to ourselves. It’s time to be ok with simplicity and with less.

Being confined and staying at home reminds me of our unnecessary consumption that we seem to celebrate. The pandemic has shown us that there is a different and more fulfilling way to live.

We don’t need another promotion, another property, or another success story. We need more storytellers, more peacemakers, more healers and lovers of all kinds. Temporary happiness expires as soon as we’ve had it for a while.

People are asking the harder questions; is this the life I really want? At the end of the day, does this really make me happy?

This is a different time — one that demands of us that we examine our hopes and expectations. Because what we really need is to slow down.

This starts with you. You start the new wave. Just slow down and savor. Savor the treasures and small delights of your days. Get off the treadmill and get out of the race. Be radical and choose joy every day because time really does fly and each and every moment is fleeting. Only one thing remains the same — the world will keep on turning and your days really do matter.