Mindful Living

  • Simple Living

    I want to invite you into my simple living community.

    I am beyond thrilled to finally spill the beans on something I’ve been passionately working on for the past 18 months – introducing The Slow Living Collective Membership Community! If you caught a sneak peek in last week’s email, you already know the excitement I’m talking about.

    And guess what? The doors are officially open, welcoming new members to join the movement. The cherry on top? It’s all happening on Substack, meaning you’ll find the good stuff directly in your inbox, hassle-free.

    This project has been a labour of love, and I can’t express how eager I am to share it with you. So, sit back, relax, and let me take you on a journey into the heart of slow living. Welcome to The Slow Living Collective!

    Why a paid community, and why now?

    For quite some time, I’ve yearned for something more — more community, deeper connections, and a space to engage with kindred spirits. This longing gave birth to The Slow Living Collective, and now, I’m eager to delve into the ‘collective’ aspect of this mission. It’s a space where I can explore more profoundly, connecting with individuals who share my thoughts and feelings. It’s a chance to offer support and inspiration to those just beginning their journeys into simple living. After all, we were all beginners once.

    My inclination to resist societal norms has only grown stronger over time. The more I learn and evolve, the more I find solace in stepping away from the rat race and the monotony of modern societal living. I’ve come to realise the power in simplicity, in true alignment with oneself. What’s most uplifting is discovering a community of like-minded individuals who share similar sentiments.

    Some are taking their first steps on this path, while others have been here for a while. Yet, we all share common intentions, feelings, and ideas. We aspire to a life that is slower, simpler, intentional, and purposeful. A life that feels right, uniquely tailored to each individual. It’s not about dedicating ourselves to the hustle or grind but filling our lives with pockets of simplicity, each defined in our own way.

    So, why a membership?

    This decision has been a careful and contemplative journey for me, as I questioned whether it was the right path. I experimented with various approaches, learning more about what didn’t align with my vision. Returning to my essence, I found comfort in a place where accessibility is effortless — a place where everything I offer is within reach, whether on your phone, through an app, or in your inbox. It’s a realm of simplicity, of words, of community.

    On Substack. And this feels like the right choice.

    Social media, while an ok platform for sharing, doesn’t offer the depth I aspire to share. It’s a shared space, subject to the ebb and flow of followers, algorithms and owned by someone else. It’s a starting point, but not a space for delving into the meaningful topics that resonate.

    Confronting the initial discomfort of charging for my content, I took a moment to sit with myself. I realised that asking for payment is not just acceptable; it’s necessary. Over nearly two decades, I’ve contributed free content on the internet — guides, resources, ebooks, podcasts, and articles. I’ve shared abundantly without asking for payment, providing everything needed for embracing a slower, simpler life. Now, I yearn to go deeper, and there’s nothing wrong with valuing my work. It’s time to advocate for myself and the hard work invested in The Slow Living Collective, both online and offline.

    This membership option allows me to delve profoundly into my work — from yoga, mindfulness, and meditation to embracing slow, simple, and seasonal living. It’s a step that empowers both you and me to walk the path of simplicity, authenticity, and intention more intentionally. Together.

    So, what’s included in The Slow Living Collective Membership?

    First and foremost, it’s crucial to emphasise that there will be no changes to my free content. I’ll continue to write weekly on topics related to slow, simple, and intentional living. Free resources, guides, and content will still be produced to assist you on your journey to simplicity. Recognising that additional paid content may not fit into everyone’s budget, this commitment to free content will continue.

    The membership is an opportunity to delve deeper, forge stronger connections, and find support on your journey—both from me and fellow members. In a world that rushes by, leaving many feeling overwhelmed and disconnected, this community stands as a sanctuary where you can:

    • Dive deeper into the path of slowing down and embracing simplicity.
    • Explore profound topics related to slow living, simplicity, and intentionality.
    • Connect with like-minded individuals who share your values and provide support.
    • Learn from experts in the fields of slow living, mindfulness, and intentional living.
    • Access exclusive additional resources, workshops, and content to bolster your journey to simplicity.
    • Cultivate a profound appreciation for slow, simple, and seasonal living, harmonising with nature.
    • Access more content on yogic and mindful living to aid your journey to simplicity.
    • Enjoy premium monthly podcast episodes.
    • Participate in the monthly Simplicity Circle for paid members (live, with recordings available shortly after).
    • And much more.

    A Community That Supports You

    The Slow Living Collective isn’t just a community; it’s a lifeline for those seeking a calmer, more meaningful existence. Here, you’ll find the encouragement and knowledge you need to make lasting changes in your life.

    What you can expect from our community:

    • Members-only insiders podcast and Substack posts monthly.
    • Exclusive Instagram stories.
    • Access to exclusive workshops, webinars, and courses.
    • A dedicated chat for paid members.
    • Discounts on courses and workshops.
    • And much, much more.
    Join The Slow Living Collective Membership

    The Slow Living Collective Membership Community stands as a sanctuary for those desiring a more serene and purposeful lifestyle. Within our welcoming and supportive environment, members can uncover the art of slowing down, simplifying their lives, and discovering meaning in every moment.

    With exclusive entry to resources, workshops, and a community of kindred spirits, our collective empowers members to lead purposeful lives, cultivate mindfulness, and attune themselves to the rhythms of the seasons. Together, we cultivate a space where the elegance of simplicity and mindful living can be fully embraced, enriching our lives with balance, gratitude, and harmony.

    My ultimate goal is to create a nurturing space where we all feel held and supported on our journey towards simplicity. Whether you opt for the paid membership or remain a free subscriber, rest assured that my commitment to providing free content remains unchanged. Expect continued guidance in crafting the slow and simple life you aspire to.

    Join as a Free or Paid Member

    I express deep gratitude to each of you, and I eagerly anticipate exploring the realms of simplicity with all of you in 2024.

  • Simple Living

    Jumpstart Your Simple Living Journey with These Easy Tips

    Have you heard about living more simply and been intrigued? Has slowing down your life been on your radar but you just don’t know where to begin? Don’t worry – I’ve got you because I have been there too. Life in this modern world is busy, it’s bright, it’s always on, and sometimes we don’t necessarily know how to begin to slow our lives down. 

    A common question, or statement, I hear when I talk about slow and simple living is that people feel they can’t do it because they have a 9-5 job or they live what they consider to be a busy life. They have this idea of what it is ‘supposed’ to look like and feel like it’s completely unattainable for them.  Slow and simple living isn’t about never being busy, or not having those demands that sometimes seem like a lot. Instead, it is about finding ways in our already established lives to create slow and simple rhythms that help us create a more intentional life for ourselves. 

    What if I told you that whatever your life looks like there are things you can do to start to put slow and simple living in motion? These go-to slow and simple living tips will help you re-evaluate what busy means to you and help you implement areas of slowing down and simplicity in your life. Whatever that looks like in your life, these tips will help you live more intentionally, starting today.

    Leave hustle culture behind

    Leaving a multi-level marketing company and the onset of the global pandemic provided the perfect opportunity for me to reassess my life and fully embrace the art of slowing down. While the pandemic brought about immense challenges, it also granted our family the chance to reconsider our priorities and the way we choose to live. It was during those initial lockdown days that I first delved into the world of slow living. As we adapted to a life where work took place within the comforting confines of our home, I often found myself standing on my balcony, gazing out at a world in turmoil, and pondering the mysteries of the outside world. This practice still resonates with me today.

    Many aspects of slow living had already found their way into our lives, but this period marked the beginning of a profound transformation. As the world gradually reopened, I realised that I was in no rush to return to the fast-paced routines of the past. The significance of many things had shifted in my perspective, and I found solace in embracing a simpler, more intentional way of life.

    When you finally feel ready to leave hustle culture behind and embrace a slower, more intentional way of living, you can start by identifying your why. Ask yourself why you want to make this change and what truly matters to you. Is it more time with your family? Do you want to pursue a passion? Or do you just want to create a better balance in your life? When you start to pinpoint your motivations you will have a better idea of how to make decisions that align with your values. Your why will then become your anchor in this busy world, constantly reminding you of the path you want to take toward a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

    Declutter your space and mind

    When we think about decluttering we often think about tidying up and minimising our physical surroundings, but it is also a powerful practice that can extend to your mental landscape too. When you clear out the excess of the physical possessions that no longer serve you, you create room for mental clarity and peace. The act of decluttering becomes a metaphor for letting go of mental burdens, unnecessary worries, and distractions. As you simplify your physical space, you’ll often find that your mind follows suit, becoming less cluttered and more focused. It’s a beautiful synergy between our external environment and internal wellbeing, where the art of decluttering paves the way for a simpler, more intentional way of living.

    Decluttering your physical space and sometimes seem overwhelming, so start with a small, manageable area like a single drawer, shelf, or even your workspace. When you tackle a small space you start to accumulate small wins which will help your sense of accomplishment and motivate you to keep going. As you begin to declutter your physical space, pay attention to the sense of lightness and clarity it brings. This physical transformation so often leads to a mental one, which inspires you to re-evaluate clutter across your entire life. You can download my decluttering checklists from my shop here.

    Nourish your wellbeing through mindful living

    When you nourish your own wellbeing you start a holistic journey that starts with the practice of mindful living. It’s about being fully present in many of life’s moments, savouring the simplicity of lifes simple pleasure, and finding a balance in a world that can feel overwhelming as it encourages constant busyness. Mindful living isn’t a trend, it is a way to connect deeply with your inner self and the world around you. By practicing mindfulness you are better able to cultivate an awareness whereby you are better able to make conscious choices that along with your true values and desires. 

    When people hear the word Mindfulness they often think it requires sitting for hours, with a blank mind, in a meditative state, and therefore immediately dismiss it out of hand as something they don’t have time for. Incorporating mindfulness into your life doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing endeavor. Instead, you can choose just one small mindful activity that resonates with you. It could be mindful breathing, a short meditation, or enjoying a tea or coffee without interruptions: anything that feels manageable for you. When you start with one practice you can slowly ease yourself into the concept of mindfulness and how you can weave them into your daily routine. Every small step that you take will help contribute to your wellbeing and help you integrate slow and simple living into your everyday life. 

    How you can start to embrace Slow & Simple Living in your own life

    Are you yearning to hit the brakes and embrace a slower, more intentional way of living, but you’re unsure of where to begin? I’ve crafted this delightful freebie just for you, designed to kickstart your journey into the world of slow & simple living. It’s packed with practical tips to help you infuse slowness into every facet of your daily life.

    Begin your journey towards a slower, more simpler life.
    In a life that constantly feels fast-paced and on-the-go, are you longing to find the beauty in slowing down but aren’t sure how to begin?
     
    Look no further! I’ve crafted this delightful freebie to guide you in your quest to infuse slow living into every facet of your life, making the journey enjoyable and accessible.
    Thank you for subscribing!

    So there you have it! My go-to ways to help you start to embrace that slow and simple lifestyle you’ve been thinking of but haven’t had a clue where to start. Are you ready to embark on a journey of understanding what slow and simple living truly means and how to infuse it into your own life? Don’t forget to download the Slow & Simple Living Guide above. Also be sure to check out The Slow Living Collective Podcast where we unravel the essence of slow and simple living in our weekly episodes, providing practical steps and holding space for you to begin your transformative journey towards a more intentional and fulfilling life. 

    Feeling Overwhelmed?
    Get My Free Guide to Slow Down & Simplify Your Life
    Your no-fuss guide with simple, actionable steps to help you create a slower, calmer and more intentional life.
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  • Simple Living

    Embracing the slow down

    Today’s blog post is going to be about how you can embrace the slow down in your life. Since I started talking about living slowly on my Instagram page I have definitely started noticing more of an uptick in questions about just what living slowly entails. I find it a really difficult question to answer because living slowly can mean something different to everyone. However, I do go over some of the things that I consider living more slowly in my own life.

    I think it’s important to understand where the idea of living slowly came from in my own life. Again, if you follow me on Instagram you know that I sometimes talk in-depth about my experiences within a multi-level marketing company and you may, as a blog reader, have seen that here too. Multi-level marketing has a culture of hustle, of being always switched on, and having to constantly work because if you’re not constantly working or constantly hustling then there is absolutely no way that you will be able to make money. I speak in greater depth about the pitfalls of multi-level marketing in some of the posts I posted here so be sure to check those out.

    notepad with cookies and flowers slow
    Photo by Ena Marinkovic on Pexels.com

    Leaving hustle culture behind and embracing the slow down

    Leaving a multi-level marketing company and the onset of the global pandemic provided the perfect opportunity for me to look at my life and embrace slowing down. While the pandemic has of course been dreadful, it did provide us, as a family, with ample opportunity to rethink our priorities and the way we live our life. When I think about slow living I often think back to that first period of lockdown, where the world completely changed on its axis in the blink of an eye. For us as a family, we were able to embrace being home with nobody having to work outside of the home which did provide us with some comfort. I often remember standing outside on my balcony just looking out into the world and wondering the sorts of things that were occurring out there. It’s something that I still do to this day. 

    There were so many aspects of slow living that we had already embraced in our lives but it was definitely the beginning of a whole lot more. When the world started to open up again all of the things that I did before, to some extent, I was in no hurry to rush back to. Everything just seems so insignificant now I have embraced something else.

    The pandemic opened my eyes to slow living

    Throughout the pandemic we embraced so many different things, always trying to become less dependent on the outside world. In a way, we have always embraced so many things that lend us to this way of living, but the pandemic turned us inward and enabled us to look at some of the other things that we could be doing to create a life that felt good. I have long hated overconsumption, hustle culture, always being switched on, and everything that exists in this capitalist culture that we find ourselves so ingrained in. 

    Slow living is about what that means to you. It is about detaching from a world that would rather you stay always connected, always switched on, always consuming, and always spending. It is about leaving behind some of the more problematic aspects of life that society pushes on us. It is about slowing down and embracing a slower more intentional way of living. What that looks like might look different for everyone, but I have put together this fun, free checklist for you to download as you get started in your slow living journey.

     
    Embrace the slow down
    Life is busy, it’s always on and always feeling so fast paced.
     
    Do you want to embrace slowing down but don’t know where to start?
     
    I have created this fun freebie to help you start to embrace slow living in every part of your life.
    Thanks! Keep an eye on your inbox for updates.

    How we maintain a slow life

    Living slowly seems to buck the norm but that being said it’s a theory that once adopted you will find very easy to continue. Today our days are filled with slowness, no hurry (unless really necessary – sometimes it’s just not always possible to embrace in a world that is set on going fast), and taking our time. In our home, we particularly embrace things like growing our own, slow food at our allotment (you can follow our allotment journey here), embracing an abundance of time in nature, embracing slow food practices at home, and disconnecting, where possible, from the outside world. Living slowly is a process that can mean different things to different people. For us it embraces a lot of our home life, how we live, work, and function and that is a huge privilege.

    I would love to hear what slow living means to you, so be sure to leave me a comment or message me on Instagram. You can, as always, email me too: hello@amypigott.co.uk