Lesson #8: Life Changes & Slow Living (Day 17)

Follow along with Day 17 in your workbook. 

Hello Explorer!

Slow Living

The philosophy of “slow living” has been the most incredible lifestyle change we have ever experienced. Life taken slowly is something we can talk about for hours because we love it so much. In its essence, slow living is about being present. The philosophy behind this lifestyle is inspired by the Scandinavian way of life called “Hygge,” meaning: a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that encompasses a feeling of contentment or well-being. “Hygge” pronounced hooga can simply be defined as homely or cozy. The lifestyle comes from the happiest place on Earth – Denmark, so who better to learn about happiness than the people who live the happiest. The concept is quite simple and really simply-described given the context that the Danish withstand many dark, cold, dreary, and otherwise very lonely winters. Due to the harsh weather conditions, the Danish opt to seek the hyggeligt (hoogly) lifestyle, one filled with lots of candles, lots of cozy sweaters, good people, and did I mention cake?! 

This lifestyle is simple. Through research and understanding, this way of life can be defined as the following:

Slow Living is…

– A well-paced and meaningful way of life.

– Taking the time to do things properly, and therefore, taking to time to enjoy the process.

– Focusing on the quality of life.

– Living organically and genuinely.

– Fulfilling and finding value to the activities you choose to do.

– Avoiding unproductive multitasking.

– A life full of curiosity and quiet observation.

– Leading a more balanced life.

The Paradoxes of Slow Living

– Less is more, and more is more. Fewer material belongings bring more quality items into your home because home goods that are chosen intentionally are … good!

– Saying “Yes,” and saying, “No.”  Yes – Making memories free of technology and having the best people around you. No – invitations that diminish your level of joy and interfere with your personal boundaries.

– Work hard to prepare, and be prepared to let go. Develop a good pace for your life that maintains a balance of being with people and social events, focus in your career, health and wellness, and living life. Also, let go of material objects, negative emotions, and actions that may no longer serve you in a positive way.

– Stay grounded, and live free. Live humbly and genuinely, and your spirit will feel lighter.

– Keep organized, and maintain flexibility. Maintain standards for everything important, but remain light-hearted and high-spirited.

Top 10 Methods for a Hyggeligt Atmosphere

 1. Atmosphere – Candles, candles, candles

2. Presence – No technology. Just you and the environment around you

3. Pleasure – Eat cake, chocolate, cookies, and anything you wish

4. Equality – Choose to have a mindset of “We” over “Me.” Life is a team game

5. Gratitude – Give thanks and show gratefulness

6. Harmony – Perfect balance of self and sans ego

7. Comfort – Warm sweaters and heavy blankets

8. Truce – Easy conversations

9. Togetherness – Build relationships and find similarities

10. Shelter – Home that is complete with peace and serenity

Who is “slow living” for? It is for everyone. When I say this, I truly mean it. Everyone can benefit greatly from choosing a life of abundance and intention.

My husband and I are very similar in our beliefs and core values, but we differ greatly when it comes to our personalities. Kyle is detail-oriented, and he takes his time to accomplish his tasks until completion. He is all about the big picture, a visionary, and he stays very well-organized. I, on the other hand, have great intuition, and I do everything quickly (read, listen, act) since I am very in tune with my thoughts. He is very social, and, although people do not think so, he does consider himself an introvert. He draws his energy from being in solitude while he is left to his own thoughts. I am an extrovert, and I draw my energy from being around others. I am an emotional person and think about how others would feel quite often. Kyle is a practical thinker, and I am a daydreamer. Still, we both benefit from being able to reflect and contemplate our values in life, and we both are able to refocus when we live life more slowly.

We hope this has given you lifestyle inspiration for a change in pace. Trust us, it has done wonders for the relationships that we are surrounded by – our inner peace and overall happiness. 

Goodbye, Explorer!