Summer slow down guide | Experience a summer full of mindfulness
Step away from the crowd and embrace a summer of slow living and mindfulness, inspired by the ideals of the 70s. Discover the value of tranquillity, reflection, and inner growth. Slow your pace and enjoy the small pleasures life has to offer. This blog takes you on a journey to a summer where you find your own balance and tranquillity. It will allow you to not only get to know yourself better, but also to discover the world around you on a deeper level.
Back to the basics
Let’s go back to the 70s, a time where balance was explored in many dimensions. A decade that revolved around finding harmony on several levels: social, political, ecological, and personal. People were inspired by alternative lifestyles and embraced the "slow living movement", which focused on mindfulness and minimalism.
In our current modern world, full of technology and constant attachment, the search for balance appears more relevant than ever. On a daily basis, it seems that we are overloaded with information, impulses, and obligations.
As a consequence, it can be challenging to create time and space for self-reflection and inner peace. Yet particularly now, guided by the lessons from the past, we are equipped with the ability to find balance in an era of such demands.
The journey towards self-discovery
Travelling to new destinations provides a unique opportunity to discover yourself on a deeper level. In fact, exploring new environments and cultures opens doors to a world full of new perspectives and insights.
Once you step out of your familiar surroundings and expose yourself to new experiences, long-held beliefs and patterns are often challenged. Although this can be uncomfortable at times, it also provides an opportunity for growth.
By taking a step towards the unfamiliar, you will be confronted with your own responses to the unknown and learn to deal with situations outside your comfort zone. Additionally, interacting with people from diverse cultures and mindsets can really encourage your personal development. By keeping an open mind to new ideas and habits, you increase your horizons and expand your consciousness.
During your journey towards self-discovery, you will find yourself stepping back from daily routines and stressful events, giving you more time for inner reflection. Experiencing tranquillity in new places enables you to decompress and listen more carefully to your thoughts and feelings. Allow your journey to be a source of inner growth where you will find the peace and freedom to be in tune with your true self.
Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living
– Miriam Beard
Creating your own moments of joy
In a world that is constantly changing, it is easy to get caught up in the daily buzz. The 70s, an era of balance and slow living, sometimes seems far removed from our modern reality. Even in the middle of all the distractions, there are ways to reintroduce certain aspects of a slower way of living into our daily lives.
In fact, why not deliberately break from the norm and welcome new experiences? You might have never attempted to bake a cake, make your own homemade pasta from scratch, or cultivate a small vegetable garden. Give it a try! Allow yourself to try new things and let go of any inhibitions.
Convert your efforts into daily habits, a valuable ritual that you cherish and protect. Our busy lives become more manageable when we take the time to enjoy the little things. In the same way that plants require water to thrive, we require loving care to preserve our own well-being.
“The best kind of happiness is a habit you're passionate about.”
- Shannon L. Alder
Kick off the day with a slow morning routine
Developing a "slow morning routine" or morning habit has a profoundly positive impact on your body and soul. In fact, by doing this, you will feel less stress and be more productive all day long. On a hot summer day, it is the ideal defence against contracting the classic "afternoon dip." As a result, it is particularly important to establish some order in the morning. Get up a little earlier than usual and give yourself enough time to complete tasks at your own pace – "Carpe Diem"!
“Every day is a new beginning. Treat it that way. Stay away from what might have been, and look at what can be.”
- Marsha Petrie Sue
What actions can you take to change your morning habits?
It can be difficult to modify your routines once you've gotten used to waking up and starting your day in a specific manner. Sure, you may be thinking, "What exactly should I change about these habits?" Or perhaps you have an idea of what you want to change but are having difficulty figuring it out.
To help you along the way, we've put together a timeline that contains practical steps for creating the optimal slow morning routine:
07:00 - Wake up and hydrate
Drink a glass of water that you set aside the previous evening to start your day. On an empty stomach, drinking water stimulates bowel movements and helps you remain focused.
07:15 - Take a moment to absorb your surroundings
Allow yourself to totally immerse in the tranquillity of the stillness by doing nothing but enjoying it.
07:45 - Time for self-care
"Exfoliate, hydrate & moisturise" so you can start your day feeling well-cared for. Remember to apply your SPF! Whether the sun is shining or not, your skin will thank you for it in a few years.
08:10 - Tidy your bed
Peace of mind is a result of organisation. Can you picture how wonderful it would be to return to a tidy and organised space?
08:20 - Light your favourite scented candle
Perfect for a cosy atmosphere in your radiant, uncluttered room.
08:25 - Prepare a cup of coffee or tea
Time for a moment of relaxation!
08:30 - Put your thoughts on paper
While having your coffee or tea, take time to reflect or read a few pages from your favourite book. Starting your day with wise thinking will reduce distracting thoughts throughout the day.
09:00 - Nourish your body and mind
Prepare a healthy and filling breakfast as part of your slow morning routine. Such as "overnight oats" or toasted bread with avocado and a poached, fried, or boiled egg.
09:45 - Enjoy the outdoors
Step outside, feel the sun on your face, and take a deep breath of fresh air. Go for a walk in nature, or practise some yoga or pilates to stretch and relax your muscles. Finally, meditate and work on breathing exercises to start the day feeling focused.
Following this specific timeline can help you better manage your daily schedule during the summer. If the programme becomes too much for your daily life, you may always limit it to weekends only.
Embrace your true self, even in challenging situations
Even under difficult circumstances, stay true to who you are. Listen to your body and respect its limits. Take small but deliberate steps and ask yourself how your "ideal" or "higher" self would act in every given situation.
By all means, set goals for the day, but be sensible and avoid applying unnecessary stress to the pursuits you'd like to give yourself time for. Even when you can't keep your promises, be kind and sympathetic to yourself.
Living freely, in tranquillity, and in harmony are key to slow living. By embracing your true self, you will be at peace with your strengths as well as any imperfections you may encounter this summer. The power to integrate this approach to life lies within yourself. Face your challenges head-on and find your own unique route in life.