Slowly but Truly

“The central tenet of the slow philosophy is taking the time to do things properly, and thereby enjoy them more.” — Carl Honoré

Today my post is not about writing, or about something technical, it’s about life, slow life. The slow life is the cultivation of “slow-motion,” defined as movement or action at a relaxed or leisurely pace to improve the quality of life. It all started with “slow food” in Italy at the end of the 80s when the citizens of Rome protested against the construction of Macdonalds and fast-food in general on the piazza. These people managed to keep local cafes and family restaurants. They took a stand in favor of conscious consumption, making local organic foodstuff dishes and taking delight in meals. The slow lifestyle is reflected in art as a synonym for a conscious attitude to art objects.

Many people would be glad not to work at all if the sword of Damocles in the form of constant rent, gasoline, food payments, etc. wouldn’t hanging over them. However, it’s not a perfect world, so we have to work to make buckle and tongue meet. But if you’re a workaholic, you need some rules to slow down a little bit and enjoy life.

The modern world lives in a constant race for success. Until recently, this rhythm was quite normal for your humble friend as well. I could work until past midnight, on weekends, and grab every opportunity to make money. I liked how I lived until I realized that my life passes by me, and I have no time to enjoy the fruits of my labor.

So I decided to change the attitude to how I live fundamentally. It coincided with the COVID-19 epidemic and remote work. I thought it was a sign for me to slow down. And half a year later, I managed to find my way to slow life: more thoughtful, deliberate, and, funnily enough, more productive.

I choose the principles of slow life that fit me best, and, in a way, synchronize with the principles of technical writing. I’d like to share them with you:

1. Prioritize. Now I don’t rush to my cell phone when I hear the sound of a new message or e-mail. I dedicate the time after work to my family. The correct distribution of tasks allowed me to find a balance between my job and my family.
2. Let off steam. It is equally important to finding your relaxation techniques: yoga classes, reading books, active sport, long walks in the open air, spa.
3. Detox. In an era of too much information flowing from every corner, you must be able to find time without your devices and social networks. It gives you additional time for yourself.
4. Say “NO.” It can save you time. Take on only the quantity of tasks that you are sure to complete. I leave only urgent and essential stuff not to crowd my calendar only because I couldn’t say no.
5. Find a hobby, or maybe you already had one, but you just forgot about it. It’s time to dust off your paints with brushes, or skies, or whatever you did that made you happy and complete. Shift to a new pace of living allowed me to organize my schedule so that now I have time for everything, including my hobbies.

I heard once that slow living is fighting back against the “time poverty”. That’s some accurate wording: we are trying so hard to fight our way to wealth that we forget to live in a moment and lose time forgetting why we do it. Instead, we must try to be happy in life, enjoy our job, find peace in social life. There is no just one unified recipe for happiness but shifting to a slow life is a step towards it. These principles are not unique but every person can find something for himself. Start with one rule at least and maybe the results will inspire you to do more.

Stay well!

Amrit.

“Follow the river and you will get to the sea.”