With the constant push for faster, bigger, and more, the idea of slowing down has gained much attention.

People are rethinking the need to be constantly "on," chasing after the next big thing and feeling drained by the rush of everyday life. Slow living is a lifestyle movement inspired by the Japanese concept of ikigai—living with purpose.

Now, don't get this mixed up with the idea of just being lazy or doing nothing all day. Slow living is about being intentional with how we spend our time. It's more about slowing down to focus on the things that matter, instead of sprinting through life and missing the good bits. And more and more people are realising that a hectic pace isn't the only way to live.

So, what's it all about? Slow living is about pumping the brakes on the fast lane of life. It's choosing to be present, focusing on what we're doing rather than multitasking to the point of exhaustion. It's about enjoying our morning coffee without checking emails or rushing out the door. It's about appreciating the moment instead of just surviving it. Sounds simple, right? But in a culture where "busy" is often equated with "important," it's a shift that takes some getting used to.

The slow living movement is that sweet spot where what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for all overlap. It doesn't push you to quit your day job and wander off into the wilderness (unless that's your thing). Instead, it's about finding fulfilment in the every day, from taking care of your garden to spending time with family or even just taking a proper lunch break without your phone buzzing non-stop.

The growing popularity of the slow-living movement can't be separated from the pandemic. When the world came to a standstill, many of us got a taste of what life could be like without constant pressure to go, go, go. Suddenly, there was time to bake bread, read a book, or just sit and do nothing without feeling guilty. That slower pace was a wake-up call. We realised that maybe we've been chasing the wrong things. Maybe what we were missing wasn't more stuff, but more moments.

Post-pandemic, there's been a growing desire to hang onto that slower rhythm. People want to work smarter, not harder. They want to be more mindful about how they spend their time and who they spend it with. There's been a shift from valuing things like career success and material possessions to focusing more on personal happiness, mental health, and human connections. Slow living taps into this change, encouraging us to be present and intentional.
At the heart of slow living is the ikigai philosophy. It's not just about slowing down for the sake of it; it's about making sure the things we slow down for have real meaning. We're talking about savouring the process, from preparing a meal to taking a walk in nature or having a good conversation. Ikigai teaches that happiness isn't something we chase after; it's something we cultivate through small, daily joys.

Instead of thinking that life's purpose is found in one grand achievement, ikigai encourages us to see that our purpose can be woven into every day. The key is recognising the moments that bring meaning and giving them space.

Slow living isn't about rejecting modern life or pretending that deadlines don't exist. It's more about recognising that constant busyness doesn't equal happiness. We're so used to measuring our success by how much we get done that we forget to ask if the things we're doing actually make us feel fulfilled.

At the end of the day, it's about making room for what matters and letting go of what doesn't. It's a lifestyle that invites us to live with more purpose, enjoy the simple pleasures, and find balance in the everyday chaos. 

Slow living reminds us that life isn't a race—it's meant to be savoured. And maybe that's exactly what we all need.