Our human nature is geared towards evolution, the constant drive to invent, create, develop and grow.  So many of us strive to become a better version of ourselves, in a more advanced world trying franticly to keep up with technology. We find ourselves surrounded by more of everything and the expectation is that fast, is no longer fast enough.  At a certain point, we must acknowledge that some things were best left just as they were. Untouched, natural, instinctive, primitive.

While our bodies have evolved in so many ways over the centuries, and we try to cope with mental and environmental influences far beyond that which our ancestors did, truth is we are feeling the pressure.  The stress our bodies encounter as a result of being alive in this time is taking a toll.  Many suffering from illness that stem from mental, environmental and emotional stress.  The toxins we are exposed to daily, have our bodies working overtime as we work to maintain a balanced state of health and wellbeing. 

The Slow Living movement is indeed one that gives our bodies a better chance of balanced wellbeing. We begin noticing more, stressing less and finding we do indeed have time for the things we love the most.  Slowly, wellness embraces us and stress in replaced with joy.  Slow Living encourages us to live with awareness.

This encompasses our thought patterns, mindset, environment, conversations and the choices we make as consumers.  We become curious about the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the products we use on our skin.  The materials and ingredients, where they are sourced, how they were made, the working conditions of the people, the ethical and fair trade practices of the supply chain, the environmental impact and the overall sustainability. It challenges us to remove the veil of ignorance and become informed consumers, empowering all of humanity in the process.

We know that an uncluttered environment allows us to think clearly. That replacing processed foods with organic fresh produce is the best way to nourish our bodies.  As a result we return to quality over quantity.  Seeking the best, rather than the most. We simplify our environments and our desire to over consume, replacing throwaway with made to last, single use with reusable, synthetic with organic, plastics with glass. Indeed we are finding ourselves taking a leaf from the lifestyle of our ancestors, acknowledging they had it right, in more ways than one.

So where do you start?  The best place to start is precisely where you are!

Take a moment and reflect on your home or your office.  How many things do you have that are cluttering your environment unnecessarily?  Is your kitchen filled with fresh produce or processed foods?  Are you surrounded by artificial materials or naturally sourced, reclaimed and recycled materials?  Is your wardrobe full of synthetic fibres, or cottons and wools? And were those garments sewn together in mass production sweat shops or ethically made? Does your bathroom ingredient read like a chemical experiment or a biology excursion? How conscious are you when you do your shopping of what it is you are actually purchasing? How often do you read the labels and ingredient listings? 

What impact are you having on the world around you based on your buying behaviours?  Are you part of the fast and furious throwaway society or have you joined the slow living movement for positive change?

A lot to think about?  Well, pour yourself  a cup of single origin tea, and dive into a moment of mindfulness. Curate an uncluttered environment for yourself. Take a few deep breaths and give yourself permission to live a little slower.  One step at a time. Start today by becoming a little more conscious of your behaviours, knowing that your choices as a consumer creates a positive impact on the world around you.  In this instance, ignorance is not bliss.

Together we can create waves of positive change, one ripple at a time.