These days there are many of us yearning for a slower, simpler lifestyle. Can those of us who live in big cities do this? Yes we can!
Following are ways in which we can do this:
Find local public spaces. There are many spaces in the city where you can find silence and stillness. Parks are a great way to connect and ground ourselves in nature. Maybe there’s a quiet street near you that is still and silent. Take a walk around your neighborhood and find those quiet little streets that provide you peace.
Look for museums, public libraries, chapels or churches — these are public buildings where you can find peace and quiet.
Another spot you can go to are cafes. There are some cafes that don’t have music playing so actively search them out.
Most major cities have botanical gardens and they are often free. They offer a silence and nature combo so you’re getting a two for one.
There are many very silent places in major cities. You just have to explore and find them.
When you get to the office and you get yourself a cup of coffee, breath the aroma in — really soak in the smell of the coffee. Pause and enjoy it for a few seconds instead of rushing to your desk.
Get into the habit of taking your full lunch break. Take advantage of the time to get out of the office, breath some fresh air and have your lunch outdoors. Opt for a picnic instead of going to a restaurant. Bring your packed lunch, find a quiet outdoor spot and indulge in every bite, read a book or listen to a podcast. Take a pause and enjoy the time that you have.
Changing our habits is a sure fire way to start living more slowly and with intention in our busy city lives.
I know it sounds crazy and you may hate me for this but — ditch the music, ditch the podcast and listen to the silence on your commute to and from work. Go inward. I’m not saying you should do this every day but, focus on the here and now instead of all the external noise we are constantly bombarded with. Think about yourself, what you feel, what you want, what you’re looking forward to.
Give yourself an extra ten minutes to get to work. Go slow and enjoy the scenery. Don’t rush, slow down and admire the simple joys around you.
Change your daily habits. Practice monotasking instead of multitasking. Is it necessary to have ten tabs open on your laptop at all times? I admit I find myself doing it all the time. Practicing awareness in what we are doing in the moment is a great way to live slowly, especially when we’re living in a major city and we’re really busy with work.
Get really clear on what is most important to you. Don’t cram your schedule and fill every minute of your day. Start saying “no” to people and even to your friends. If you’ve been invited to happy hour or dinner and you’ve had a really long day and just want to go home and rest, go inward and say “no”.
You are so much more important than your schedule or any social plans you have with your friends. Start creating boundaries to live the life that you really want.
Living in rushed city can be harsh but these tips are hopefully ways that you can start to live slowly in a city. I hope they help.
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