Slow Movement
From Freepedia
The Slow Movement is a cultural shift towards slowing down life's pace. It proposes consciously seizing control of time rather than being dictated by it and finding a balance between using time-saving technology and taking the time to enjoy a walk or a meal with others. Proponents realize that while technology can speed up working, eating, dating, etc. the most important things in life should not be rushed.
The slow movement has existed (in some form) since the Industrial Revolution (see: Transcendentalists, hippies), but has grown in popularity since the rise of Slow Food and Cittaslow in Europe.
In the past, many people had a day of relaxation because all stores were forced to close on Sunday and many people attended Church. Today, the world operates 24 hours a day, and because people can do everything all the time, they feel they have to do things all the time.
The slow movement advises some ways of slowing down:
- Get a slow hobby, a leisurely pursuit like knitting, yoga, painting or gardening
- Spread out your chores; do one load each day instead of all at once, or dust one day and vacuum the next..
- Stop watching the clock; on weekends try waking up to your body's natural rhythms rather than an alarm, and leave your watch at home
- Shop at a farmer's market
- Prepare a sit-down meal and savour it without watching TV, or reading. Enjoy the conversation if you're dining with others, or peaceful solitude if eating alone.
- On vacation slow down; don't try to cram every sight into your must-see list. Visit "slow cities" with local restaurants where you can eat slow
- Prune your to-do list; make time for the people and activities that you enjoy
