What is the Slow Movement?

Have you heard about the slow movement?

The internet has been buzzing lately about a slow movement. More and more people are longing for a simpler time. A time when our entire life was not behind a screen and we actually knew our neighbors. A time before one-click shopping, Netflix binges, and all the modern “conveniences”.

This desire to not lose the things we value is what actually spurred the movement in Italy back in 1986. In response to the McDonalds fast food chain being opened up amongst the ancient architecture of Rome, Carlo Petrini protested the intrusion. He wanted to protect the values of tradition, especially when it came to the cultural significance of Italy’s cuisine. Thus the slow food movement began and spread.

As this concept grew, people began adopting it in different areas of life. There is now a push to allow this concept of slow into all areas of life.

S.L.O.W – Breaking down the slow movement

Sustainable, Local, Organic, Whole – this is where the acronym slow comes from and this is where you can see how you too can adopt a “slow” lifestyle.

Sustainable – The S of Slow

The main focus of sustainability is the protection of the environment in order to ensure that life as we know it can carry on for future generations. In adopting a more sustainable mindset, we need to shift from the over-consuming norm of today to the simpler values of the past. When making decisions on what to buy and where to buy it, ask yourself how your grandmother (or great-grandmother) would have obtained it and I will almost guarantee you will have the more sustainable answer. I doubt she was heading to the drive-thru on Sunday evening or opening a box of chicken nuggets to feed the kids when they got home from school.

For me, I take this concept one step further. Our inner personal energy is a resource that needs to be protected as well. The fast-paced “you can have it all” ideal of today is not sustainable, at least not for me. So when I make choices I also consider how things will make my life more sustainable. Self care, routines, and being choosy about what I expend my energy on is just as important as choosing paper or plastic (or reusable). Read about the wake up call that showed me the pace I was moving was not sustainable anymore.

Local – The L of Slow

This is the area I personally need the most improvement but is also the area I am most excited about. The small town I live in has a lively main street that I love to stroll and browse. Even better, the number of shops that have been popping up in town that are focused on helping us be more sustainable have increased as well. If you look I am sure you can find everything from shops that sell handmade soaps, cleansers, and the like in bulk where you can just bring in your bottles to refill to businesses that source only from ethical brands (in my town we even have a store that sells home canned goods!)

Again, I take this idea one step further. When I think local, how much more local can you get than at home. I often ask myself, can I make do with something I already own? Is there something at home I can repurpose? Is it worth heading to the store now to get the ingredient I need for the recipe or can I substitute something else?

Organic – The O of Slow

There is more to buying organic than buying pesticide-free, free-run etc. It also means choosing to buy less mass produced goods that you often find in the freezer section that come in plastic packaging from across the continent. Returning to the real food of generations past is incredibly important for the environment and our personal health.

And, if you can even grow just a little food at home, it will stir something inside you to actually want to get in the kitchen and whip something up from scratch.

Whole – The W of Slow

Most of the food of the past has one thing in common. It came from a farm, or a garden, and not from a factory. This is what it means when someone says whole food. Have you tasted a tomato that was picked ripe rather than shipped across the continent before it made it to your grocery store? The difference is unbelievable and will make you question what the conventional grocer is selling.

And, because by now you know how I like to put my own little spin on things, I like to think of whole as in the whole person as well. What do you need to nourish your whole self- mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually? What practices will help you do these things? How can you contribute to the health and wholeness of your little part of the world?

How I am adopting the slow movement

This is all somewhat new to me. I used to live by some of these values when my daughters were young but as life got busier and bad habits took hold I let that part of me fall away. I am excited to return to SLOW with my new little take on it. And I am going to make my transition slowly because, if there is anything this year has taught me, it is the best way to cultivate new habits is to take it slow.

Here are the steps I am going to take and maybe it will give you some inspiration for your own SLOW shift.

Sustainable

At home, we already try to make the more environmental choices when we can. We buy primarily second-hand clothing and DIY a lot of our home decor. What I need at the moment is a system to make sustainable routines and habits as I make the switch to slow living. That is where I will start. I will keep you posted on how I do it.

Local

The farmers market is starting up for the season! I am so excited to visit the farmers market and meet the local producers. If you want to start shopping more local, start by seeing if there is a weekend market near you.

Organic

Pre-packaged food is the enemy of the slow movement. Unfortunately, that seems to be all my kids want to eat. (If you have any tips on how to get them to not want chicken nuggets for dinner please, I’m all ears). But, that is where I am going to start. I am going to audit what my kids like to snack on and find better alternatives. It might not all mean homemade but every step in the right direction is something. When I find what works I will share it with you.

Whole

Because our house build fell behind schedule, my outdoor garden was not ready in time for planting. I am not going to let that stop me entirely. I am eager to grow a window sill garden of herbs and lettuce and maybe a container vegetable garden. Follow me on Instagram to stay posted on how it’s going and stay tuned for next year when I start my garden.

That is what this blog is all about. I take you with me as I make the move from living conventionally where convenience is king to living intentionally. I am going to share all the details and give you the answers to your questions. Is it even possible? Will it be simpler? Where to start?