A common misconception of slow living is that it is devoid of ambition, productivity and drive. I have found the opposite to be true .... I've never felt more focused or more been more productive in my life, and I achieve this with a sense of peace and calm that I didn't think was possible. Of course, we have our off days - but slowing down is an invitation to allow yourself to be swept up, guided by nature, your inner voice, instincts and deep grounding and gratitude. I think learning to harness slow living is a super power. Thank you Hunter, I love the concept of slowing down to go fast!
YES! Exactly. I feel the same way. So much deep grounding and gratitude, and really listening to the call of your heart to understand what direction you actually want to go in. It's been a beautiful journey for me, and sounds like it has been for you too!
Mmmmm yes! Slowing down feels like such a rebellious act to me and that makes me want to do it more! I love that you speak to the fact that there is so much to gain through slowing and that it is far from a passive act, but just laced with such deep intention. The embodiment piece has been so key for me because when I’m rushing my soul feels disconnected from my body and I feel discombobulated! Love your reflections xxxx
Love that this resonated with you, Lauren! Yes!! I definitely feel like it's about being intentional with our time and using it as an embodiment practice to move in the direction we desire to go. It's such a rebellious act, as you said!
Going slow to go fast is such a great concept! In church this past Sunday my pastor talked a lot about refocusing, and I feel there are a lot of similarities here. I want to learn to trust myself, and I want to rely on God to help those leaves fall as well. Almost pausing, in a sense, to get that clarity before walking in trust that what the next step is, is the right one.
I love your insight, Lindsay. Absolutely, trusting in God, or your higher power, and allowing the clarity to move through you in that way. So beautiful!
The concept of slowing down is such a richly textured one...I used to play the flute and the piano, and I noticed that the passages that I was most scared of were the ones that I'd rush through at the greatest speed, forgetting my fingers and (most importantly) my breath in the process. Slowing down and really sitting with every note, every position of my finger on the instrument, every up and down of the passage, its flavour and texture, the unique and necessary way in which it acted as a link between the notes before and after it were a metaphor for life. Paying conscious attention, leaning into them rather than resisting them, plunging into their meaning, stepping back, slowing down, and really being present with myself (my body, my feelings towards and beyond that piece of music) as I played them: this was the only way to unravel them and flow consciously through them. Slowing down was, indeed, the only way to move forward.
This is so beautiful, Julia. I really felt like I could be right there in that moment with you in the way you described it. I played piano growing up as well and completely understand what you mean. It's the flow of life.
I really enjoyed reading this. Control restricts flow. But only through flow can we relax, receive and make things happen. Nature is our wisest teacher! 🍁
My gosh, when I read the word 'embody' I had to physically take a pause. SO much wisdom in that. I use the word "enough" to talk about embracing a slow life, but I think I'm going to try on "embody" for size.
LOVE that this resonated with you, Sarah! Embodied has really become a word I've spent a lot of time digesting and sitting with lately, and it feels like that's where I'm heading, if that makes sense. I want to integrate and embody so I can be fully connected to slow living and what it means to me. Excited to see how that feels for you!
It’s like a dream! Once upon a time I would have recognised it straight off! I spent 3 years working at Theatre Royal and I think it’s a street down and across from there but couldn’t be sure!!
This really speaks to me, Hunter. I talked about gentle ambition in a recent podcast, and about being more intentional in order to create in a way that feels more meaningful and sustainable. I used to sit in the ‘busy is a badge of honour’ camp but much prefer to live and work with a sense of ease these days, though I think this will always be a work in progress!
I'll have to listen to your podcast! I love that term, gentle ambition. It truly has given me so much freedom. I feel you on the 'busy as a badge of honor' saying too, and there are definitely times I still get caught in that mindset. Or there are times where I'm just genuinely busy. But I've realized that so much of it is about embracing the different seasons, and finding joy in the quiet moments.
Nice article Hunter. I enjoyed reading it. I especially resonated with how you talked about being in a state of control or a state of trust. I tend to find, as I got the feeling you have, that when we get clear on what direction we want to go, we need to let it go and trust that what we do next is moving us towards that vision. And in my experience, the more I detach from how or when my vision will come, the faster it moves towards me. Have a lovely January!
Found this very helpful relationally. When a potential conflict is coming down the pike, slowing breathing, concentrating on your inner world is settling. Am with you Hunter!
A common misconception of slow living is that it is devoid of ambition, productivity and drive. I have found the opposite to be true .... I've never felt more focused or more been more productive in my life, and I achieve this with a sense of peace and calm that I didn't think was possible. Of course, we have our off days - but slowing down is an invitation to allow yourself to be swept up, guided by nature, your inner voice, instincts and deep grounding and gratitude. I think learning to harness slow living is a super power. Thank you Hunter, I love the concept of slowing down to go fast!
YES! Exactly. I feel the same way. So much deep grounding and gratitude, and really listening to the call of your heart to understand what direction you actually want to go in. It's been a beautiful journey for me, and sounds like it has been for you too!
Mmmmm yes! Slowing down feels like such a rebellious act to me and that makes me want to do it more! I love that you speak to the fact that there is so much to gain through slowing and that it is far from a passive act, but just laced with such deep intention. The embodiment piece has been so key for me because when I’m rushing my soul feels disconnected from my body and I feel discombobulated! Love your reflections xxxx
Love that this resonated with you, Lauren! Yes!! I definitely feel like it's about being intentional with our time and using it as an embodiment practice to move in the direction we desire to go. It's such a rebellious act, as you said!
Going slow to go fast is such a great concept! In church this past Sunday my pastor talked a lot about refocusing, and I feel there are a lot of similarities here. I want to learn to trust myself, and I want to rely on God to help those leaves fall as well. Almost pausing, in a sense, to get that clarity before walking in trust that what the next step is, is the right one.
I love your insight, Lindsay. Absolutely, trusting in God, or your higher power, and allowing the clarity to move through you in that way. So beautiful!
The concept of slowing down is such a richly textured one...I used to play the flute and the piano, and I noticed that the passages that I was most scared of were the ones that I'd rush through at the greatest speed, forgetting my fingers and (most importantly) my breath in the process. Slowing down and really sitting with every note, every position of my finger on the instrument, every up and down of the passage, its flavour and texture, the unique and necessary way in which it acted as a link between the notes before and after it were a metaphor for life. Paying conscious attention, leaning into them rather than resisting them, plunging into their meaning, stepping back, slowing down, and really being present with myself (my body, my feelings towards and beyond that piece of music) as I played them: this was the only way to unravel them and flow consciously through them. Slowing down was, indeed, the only way to move forward.
This is so beautiful, Julia. I really felt like I could be right there in that moment with you in the way you described it. I played piano growing up as well and completely understand what you mean. It's the flow of life.
I really enjoyed reading this. Control restricts flow. But only through flow can we relax, receive and make things happen. Nature is our wisest teacher! 🍁
Beautiful, Joanna! Yes!! I love that-- control restricts flow. So very true. It's a lifelong lesson for me, that's for sure.
Just so beautifully articulated Hunter. Thank you 🥰
Thank you so much, Lyndsay. I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
My gosh, when I read the word 'embody' I had to physically take a pause. SO much wisdom in that. I use the word "enough" to talk about embracing a slow life, but I think I'm going to try on "embody" for size.
LOVE that this resonated with you, Sarah! Embodied has really become a word I've spent a lot of time digesting and sitting with lately, and it feels like that's where I'm heading, if that makes sense. I want to integrate and embody so I can be fully connected to slow living and what it means to me. Excited to see how that feels for you!
The photo!! 🥰🥰🥰. Saving to read properly later. ✨
Do you know where this was taken? 😂
Ooo no should I?
Haha yes! It’s one of the alleys in Newcastle’s city center!
It’s like a dream! Once upon a time I would have recognised it straight off! I spent 3 years working at Theatre Royal and I think it’s a street down and across from there but couldn’t be sure!!
Ooh yes! I think you’re right, though I don’t remember exactly where it was! I took this back in 2018, but I love those little alleyways 🤣
Also so cool you worked at the theatre!!
This really speaks to me, Hunter. I talked about gentle ambition in a recent podcast, and about being more intentional in order to create in a way that feels more meaningful and sustainable. I used to sit in the ‘busy is a badge of honour’ camp but much prefer to live and work with a sense of ease these days, though I think this will always be a work in progress!
I'll have to listen to your podcast! I love that term, gentle ambition. It truly has given me so much freedom. I feel you on the 'busy as a badge of honor' saying too, and there are definitely times I still get caught in that mindset. Or there are times where I'm just genuinely busy. But I've realized that so much of it is about embracing the different seasons, and finding joy in the quiet moments.
It was the Moments of Moxie podcast here on Substack. It’s a lovely series, all about what guests have learnt from women!
Oh that's amazing, Sarah! I'll have to look it up!
Nice article Hunter. I enjoyed reading it. I especially resonated with how you talked about being in a state of control or a state of trust. I tend to find, as I got the feeling you have, that when we get clear on what direction we want to go, we need to let it go and trust that what we do next is moving us towards that vision. And in my experience, the more I detach from how or when my vision will come, the faster it moves towards me. Have a lovely January!
Found this very helpful relationally. When a potential conflict is coming down the pike, slowing breathing, concentrating on your inner world is settling. Am with you Hunter!