In a society that often equates busyness with success, slowing down can feel almost rebellious or even inadequate. We’ve grown so accustomed to measuring our days by what we’ve accomplished that we forget to measure them by how they’ve felt. Resting often feels like sitting in a courtroom of invisible judges, whispering among themselves, deciding the sentence for our so-called non-productivity.
But there’s a quiet wisdom in slow living- a reminder that life isn’t found in the next task or achievement, but in the moments we choose to fully experience. And sometimes, all it takes to rediscover that truth is a change in pace.
I recently moved to a small town, where time seems to stretch a little longer, and the air carries a kind of stillness I hadn’t realized I was missing. Life here moves slower, not out of laziness, but with intention. People linger over conversations; mornings are met with calm instead of chaos; and there’s unspoken permission to simply be.
After years of living in the hustle of the city, this shift feels like a deep, grounding breath- A subtle warmth, as if I’ve finally found my home.
The move to this small town was supposed to be a simple change in scenery- A fresh start after years of navigating crowded streets and chasing approval. But I never expected how deeply the slower rhythm of life would affect me.
Here, mornings start with the soft hum of birds instead of blaring alarms. The local coffee shop isn’t a grab-and-go kind of place; it’s where people gather, chat and savor each sip like it’s part of the experience, not just fuel for the day. The days are filled with the songs of the wind sifting through the leaves of the tall surrounding trees, rather than an endless cascade of cars and sirens. And the evenings? They’re painted with infinite stars and galaxies I never knew were visible to the naked eye.
For the first time in a long time, I feel like I’m no longer racing through life – I’m living it.
I’m not saying to pack up your life and move to a small town. Instead, consider how you can cultivate a slower, more intentional pace within your daily routine. Allow yourself to pause, breathe and notice the world around you.
I challenge you to give yourself a little more time in the morning. Sip your coffee without distraction- Smell the notes and taste the flavors. Choose your outfit with intention, selecting something that makes you feel good that day. On your way to work, slow down a little. Notice the cars speeding past as if the world might end if they don’t reach their destination in record time. If you stop for gas, observe the hurried movements of people running in and out of the store. You might feel the familiar tug to rush, too- Maybe even a sense of annoyance. It’s natural. We have all been conditioned to keep moving, to keep achieving, to keep running.
On average, it takes almost two months to build a new habit. Slower living is not going to happen overnight; It will unfold gradually, moment by moment, as you give yourself the gift of presence. And when you do, you might just discover the simple magic of living life, instead of racing through it.
There will always be something to chase- Another goal, another task, another thing we want or need. But peace isn’t found in the pursuit; it’s found in the pause- Being grateful in the now.
In my next post, we’ll explore how to release the restless grasp- the “I’ll be happy when…”
Until then, I’d love to hear from you! What are some ways you slow down and savor the moment in your daily life?
Thank you for being here and sharing this journey with me.
Blessings!
Divine Events 
Leave a comment