An Introduction to Slow-living

What springs to mind when you hear the term ‘slow-living’? Do you envision an individual strolling care-free around a large garden, feeding chickens with a steaming cup of green tea in hand? Do you picture someone a little out of touch, maybe with no children, too much time on their hands and possibly in need of a reality check?

These are common misconceptions which prevent people from understanding the truth and real beauty of slow-living! I really believe it’s a lifestyle accessible to everyone and can impact people in such a positive way. Let me explain..

A single universal definition for slow-living doesn’t exist, but ultimately it boils down to living with intention and being mindful of what you’re doing and why. It prioritises staying connected to the things we value most and being conscious of how we spend our precious time.

Do you ever find yourself doing something, be it a task or a routine, and realise you're completely on autopilot? Maybe you're doing something because it's normal, everyone else does it, its a personal habit, but when you take the time to ask yourself .. 'Does this align with my values?' .. the answer is no.

For example, you might wake up and have cereal while scrolling social media, get dressed in jeans and a t-shirt and drive to work. But when you reflect on each of these choices, despite how ordinary and insignificant they seem, you acknowledge a disconnect between your actions and your wants and needs. Your health is a priority yet you habitually grab sugary cereal. Your physical comfort is important yet you tolerate wearing stiff trendy jeans. Your mental health is essential but you continually scroll through your socials instead of reading or using that slot of time to muster up a satisfying breakfast. Maybe there’s a nature walk you can talk to work but you always choose convenience, despite wanting to improve your fitness.

It’s often all too easy to live our lives without intention and the result is feeling down and depressed without really knowing why. Of course some people may like jeans, and there are no universal ‘good’ and ‘bad’ categories for everything, it’s simply about living mindfully for ourselves.

---

So slow living isn’t merely about being slow, but pausing to think more and about prioritising what is really most important. The goal is cultivating a life with more simplicity, calm and happiness because we are more aligned with our personal values. Words such as peace, warm, natural, seasonal, balance, and connected are all linked with this way of life, maybe because they all describe optimum states of being. And, pursuits like walking, crafting, sewing, gardening, cooking, tea drinking and family time all conjure up those types of feelings.

Most people who venture down the slow-living path are interested in a slower pace of life as it offers the gift of being present for moments of beauty during a busy fast-paced world. Slowing down allows you to cultivate meaningful relationships with both people and the things around us, whether that's meeting for coffee with a loved one or restoring a cherished broken vase. Viewing the world through a slow living lens lets us appreciate the small things we may have otherwise overlooked, and in turn we feel more gratitude.

Another example, you may choose to go on a short walk during which you notice the stunning display of flowers the neighbours have in rich lilacs and purples. It inspires you to reflect on why colours give people a feeling of such excitement and awe and then you feel thankful for your blessing of sight. You might cook a pot of soup from scratch and you stand preparing the array of ingredients, the carrots, potatoes, broccoli and the chicken. This task makes you conscious of how fortunate you are to have such plentiful nutritious foods available to you, an experience a quick microwave meal doesn't offer. Maybe you take the time to sing nursery rhymes to your baby and as they radiate sweet smiles and giggle you can't help but feel entirely fulfilled and in wonder of how God created something so perfect.

This is how in a world filled with hurry and noise, slow-living offers a peaceful, meaningful haven.

---

The fundamentals of slow living can be taken and actualised within your life on a large or small scale. Whether it’s the place you’re choosing to live, your job, your morning routine with the kids, or just the centrepiece on your dining room table. There’s so many facets in life where we can choose to be mindful, make thoughtful choices and thereby invite more warmth and peace into our lives. The only obstacle is your awareness, and if it’s high enough on your priority list.

Slow living isn’t purely an aesthetic and it isn’t unattainable for those with busy family life or hectic city jobs. Small steady changes can be made if drastic life changing decisions are simply infeasible. Don’t compare yourself to the slow-living, organic farmer living in the country with an ethical clothing brand. It doesn’t matter where you live, your assets, your job, forget what you think slow living should be. Understand that slow-living is a mindset and a lifestyle that can fit into any context, a muscle that just requires a little strengthening.

---

Slow-living as a Muslim

If you are wanting to live a more spiritual life then in my experience as a Muslim, slow-living is the ultimate tool. The essence of slow-living is to connect to our surrounding world in order to live a life that is purposeful and fulfilling, and the same case can be made for 'Barakah culture'. This topic deserves a whole separate blog post so I'll just provide a brief insight. In Barakah culture (Barakah meaning blessing) success is not equivalent to material gain, or leaving a personal legacy as the best athlete, writer or businessman. Slow-living and Barakah culture act as an antithesis to today’s hustle culture in that their approach teaches a deeper understanding of the purpose of life. Barakah culture revolves around seeking divine pleasure and blessings from Allah in every aspect of living, be it work, relationships, our home, along with the recognition of our actions in the afterlife. This perspective in turn gives us a sense of responsibility to invest our time well. Especially into areas that have long term impacts that surpass our time on Earth. This could include developing strong loving bonds with our children, teaching timeless knowledge of the word of God or charitable contributions.

It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah said:

"When a man dies all his good deeds come to an end except three: Ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge and a righteous son who prays for him" (Sunan an-Nasa'i 3651)

This hadith highlights the importance of ‘ongoing charity’ which could include things such as planting a tree or helping build a school or mosque.

With gardening being such a favourable activity within slow living, I often think of this Islamic hadith narrated by Anas bin Malik:

"If any Muslim plants any plant and a human being or animal eats of it, he will be rewarded as if he had given that much in charity."(Sahih al-Bukhari 6012)

Slow-living always encourages us to consider the consequences of our actions, are we undertaking something with purely personal gain or are we taking the time to benefit those around us. I love how Islam and slow-living go hand in hand and I take comfort knowing that seeking Gods pleasure goes parallel with living a slower life.

Peace be upon you,

An English Muslim Homemaker