Lorri@Mabon_House 2/9/22 Lorri@Mabon_House 2/9/22

10 Ways to Add Slow Living to Your Life

What is Slow Living?

Slow Living is a philosophy that can be adopted to help you live more intentionally and in the present moment. There are different interpretations of slow loving; some people associate slow living with food systems, others use it as a guide for building a greater sense of community. Others use it as a general way of slowing down, doing less, using less in a world that is all about going fast and using more. I cotton to this third idea - embracing a slow day to day life (as much as is possible with a full-time job and family) and finding more purpose and fulfillment.

Slow Living feels like an old friend, ready to have a nice cup of tea and catch up on life.

On a more practical note, slow living is one way to lessen the effects of traditional capitalism and consumerism, as well as lower your environmental footprint. It balks at the idea that new is better and pushes back against aggressive marketing that encourages us to spend, spend, spend.

When you slow down and are mindful about what you bring into your life and how you spend your time, things are made easier. Slow living is also something that can be done in small measures, no matter where you are in life.

Here are 10 Ways to Incorporate Slow Living into Your Life:

Identify how you want to live, rather than what you want to have. I’ve always encouraged my kids to think about the kind of lifestyle they want to have, versus what they want to be when they grow up. What kind of community do you want to live in? How do you want to raise your children (if you decide to have children)? How much do you want to work? What kind of work do you think will make you feel fulfilled? How much money do you need to live the life you want?
Declutter Your Life - both physically and digitally. Decluttering can help you take stock of what you already have and create a calmer space. And since we spend so much of our time tethered to our computers and phones, it makes sense to periodically declutter your digital spaces as well.
Practice Slow Spending/ No spending. If you aren’t familiar with a No-Spend Challenge, it’s a way to save some money AND rethink your spending habits. It’s also a great way to rethink consumerism in general. There is nothing more sustainable than not buying something you don’t need.
Stop Multitasking. 10 years ago, multitasking was all the rage. Employers wanted employees who were nimble and flexible and could do all the things at once. We now know that multitasking actually slows us down and has negative effects on the brain. Instead of trying to do multiple things at once, focus on one activity at a time.
Embrace Delayed Gratification. With the swipe of a credit card you can have anything you want delivered to your house in a matter of minutes, hours or a few day. This has led to a rise in instant gratification. The next time you want to make impulse purchase, sit on it for at least 24 hours. If you still want it the next day, fine. But oftentimes, just waiting a bit allows the urge to pass.
Practice Saying No. The next time someone asks you to do something that you don’t really want to do, practice saying no. Saying no to things that don’t bring you joy or value in your life makes room for the things and experiences that do.
Notice What's Going on Inside. Sometimes we do things out of habit. Meaning, we don’t really think about why we are doing them. This can be true of spending money or watching tv or eating. If you find yourself gravitating toward actions that you know don’t serve you - such as spending money on things you don’t need or mindless eating a carton of ice cream (no judgment here) try taking a minute and think about what you are doing and why you are doing it. Will you feel better afterwards? Much like the idea of delayed gratification, being mindful of your feelings, especially when they are unpleasant, can help you get off autopilot and choose healthier coping skills.
Seek Intentional Joy. Slow living is an opportunity to add some joy into your life. Instead of filling the void with spending money or zoning out in front of a screen, do something that you enjoy or have always wanted to try. This might be starting a new hobby, or making a special dinner for your partner (if you enjoy cooking) or spending some time alone in the woods.
Make Time for Friends and Family. Social connections are hugely important for humans. And yet, we are more isolated than ever. Slow living is an invitation to build or rebuild your community. If it’s been a while since you’ve seen your friends, reach out to them. Make a date for a walk or other easy low cost activity.
Practice Gratitude. In a rushed world it is easy to take things for granted. Setting aside some time each day to take stock of what you are grateful for, can reinforce your happiness and act as a buffer on a bad day.

If you would like to incorporate some Slow Living into your life, here is a free printable to help you get started:

Lorri@Mabon_House 1/25/22 Lorri@Mabon_House 1/25/22

5 Easy Thrift Ideas for Celebrating Imbolc

Celebrating Imbolc doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming. There are many ways to celebrate Imbolc using what you have on hand. However, if you do decide to buy things for Imbolc or any other Wheel of the Year holiday, starting at your local thrift store can save you money and is often more sustainable than purchasing through big box stores. Here are five items to look for at the thrift store for your Imbolc celebration.

Art Supplies

Imbolc is associated with the Celtic Goddess Brigid, who was the goddess of craftsman. So making some arts and crafts is a great way to celebrate in her honor. Look for paper, garbic, yarn at your local thrift store. These items are usually pennies on the dollar over buying new. You can use your thrifted art supplies to make Imbolc crafts like a Brigid's Cross or a corn dollie. You could also create a junk journal or add materials to a grimoire. To help you get started I’ve curated some Imbolc craft ideas on Pinterest.

Baskets

Baskets are always a good thing to look for at thrift stores. You can use them all year long for decorations and storage. Baskets can be used to hold bread and rolls, which are popular foods to make during Imbolc. You can fill a wicker basket with freshly cut winter greens for an easy winter centerpiece. Or use thrifted baskets to hold all your Imbolc arts and crafts or altar items, until you are ready to use them.

Candles

Imbolc marks the midpoint between the winter solstice and spring equinox and the return of the light and it’s most well known symbol is a candle. Candles from the thrift store are usually inexpensive and often brand new, still in the wrapper. You can use thrifted candles for your altar, if you put one up, or as decor around your home.

You can also do a simple Imbolc ritual with a candle by selecting a word that has meaning to you or is something that you want to implement in the coming seasons (i.e. simplicity, abundance, love, etc…). Carve the word onto the side of your candle. Light the candle on the night of Imbolc and meditate on what you want to be, do or have as the candle burns down.

Linens

Table linens including tablecloths and napkins can add a sense of occasion to a simple Imbolc dinner. Look for linens that are white, pink, gold or red - the colors associated with Imbolc.

Dishes

As with table linens, china dishes are an easy way to dress up your Imbolc celebration. Vintage dishes are especially pretty when mixed and matched. Plus, they are one of the most inexpensive items to buy at a thrift store.

Imbolc is a time to celebrate the coming spring as well as the quiet stillness of winter. Creating some cozy spaces in your home, with simple activities is one of the best ways to celebrate this turn on the wheel.

Lorri@Mabon_House 1/17/22 Lorri@Mabon_House 1/17/22

The Season of Imbolc and the Goddess Brigid

Here in Maine we are expecting our first big snow storm in a few days and the winter air is full with anticipation. I’ll spend some time later today filling the woodbox on my back porch, emptying the ashes from the woodstove and checking my pantry to see if I should pick up any groceries before the snow descends.

Winter storms in Maine are not that big a deal. It’s just part of living here. But I do find comfort in preparing ahead of time. There is a wonderful sense of hominess and security when I top off the woodbox or have a bucket of ash ready to spread on slippery steps. Unlike summer, when the days are long and hot and the work in the garden seems to never end, the cadence of winter is more my natural pace. A burst of energy to get things done, with a promise of hot tea and rest by the fire when I am finished.

Snowstorms aside, I’ve been thinking about springtime and what I’d like to accomplish this year, both in my gardens and in other areas of my life. For this is the season of Imbolc, when we can plot and plan, as well as pause and rest. To celebrate, this week I’m sharing a post about the History of Imbolc and the Goddess Brigid.

Along with the free Mabon House Imbolc Celebration Guide in the Members Library, this week’s free printable is a new word art print that I created to remind myself that ebb and flow, change and constancy, are all part of life’s balance.