Mindfulness

  • 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.
    Thank you for subscribing!
  • Mindfulness & Meditation, Podcast

    Mindful Consumption: How to Rebalance Your Online and Offline Life

    A blog post about mindful consumption and how you can start to rebalance your online and offline life. Don’t forget to listen to the accompanying podcast.

    Apple Podcasts | Spotify Podcast

    Are you constantly scrolling through social media feeds, devouring digital content like there is no tomorrow? In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get lost in the digital noise. But, what if I told you that there is a way to live a more balanced and fulfilling life? By mindfully consuming both online and offline content, you can experience a sense of clarity and peace. In this article, we’ll explore practical steps to rebalance your online and offline life. You’ll learn how to set boundaries for your digital life, take time to disconnect, practice mindful consumption, and reconnect with the world around you. Let’s dive in and discover how to live a more enriched life!

    Set Boundaries for Your Digital Life

    To truly rebalance your online and offline life, it’s important to set boundaries for your digital consumption. This means establishing limits on the amount of time you spend on your phone or computer, as well as being intentional about the content you consume. After all, constantly scrolling through social media feeds can leave us feeling drained and unfulfilled.

    One way to set boundaries is to schedule specific times for digital consumption throughout the day. This can help you avoid mindlessly scrolling during work or leisure time. Additionally, consider setting limits on the amount of time you spend on social media or watching online videos. You may find that limiting your digital consumption allows you to be more present in your daily life, and to fully engage with the world around you.

    By incorporating mindful consumption practices and setting boundaries for your digital life, you can achieve a healthier balance between online and offline experiences. In the next section, we’ll explore the importance of taking time to disconnect and recharge.

    Take Time to Disconnect

    In our constantly connected world, it can be difficult to take a break from the digital noise. However, it’s important to prioritize time away from screens to recharge and refocus. Taking a break can be as simple as going for a walk in nature, practicing yoga or meditation, or reading a book. Engaging in offline activities not only provides a mental break from screen time, but it also allows us to connect with our physical surroundings and with others in a more meaningful way.

    By committing to regularly disconnecting from technology, we can cultivate a healthier relationship with our devices and with ourselves. This intentional disconnection can also help us to be more present and engaged in our daily lives. So, as we continue to explore mindful consumption practices, let’s remember that taking time to disconnect is just as important as setting boundaries for our screen time.

    Practice Mindful Consumption

    In order to truly rebalance our online and offline lives, it’s essential to practice mindful consumption. Mindful consumption is about being intentional with our time and energy, and choosing to engage in activities that align with our values and goals. This can mean setting aside specific times of the day or week to disconnect from technology, or simply being more mindful of how much time we spend scrolling through social media or browsing the internet.

    By practicing mindful consumption, we can start to reclaim our time and attention, and prioritize the activities that bring us joy and fulfillment. This might involve exploring new hobbies or interests, or simply taking the time to appreciate and connect with the world around us. Being more present and engaged in our daily lives can help us to feel more connected to ourselves, to others, and to the world at large.

    As we continue to explore mindful consumption practices, it’s important to remember that the goal is not to completely eliminate technology from our lives, but rather to find a healthy balance that allows us to engage with technology in a way that aligns with our goals and values. By setting boundaries, disconnecting when necessary, and being intentional with our time and attention, we can cultivate a more balanced and fulfilling relationship with technology, and with ourselves. So, let’s take some time to practice mindful consumption, and see how it can help us to reconnect with the world around us.,

    Reconnect with the World Around You

    By disconnecting from technology and engaging with the world around us, we can experience a greater sense of fulfillment and inner peace. There are many ways to reconnect with the world, from spending time in nature to connecting with loved ones. Here are a few suggestions:

    First, take a break from screens and get outside. Go for a walk, hike a trail, or simply sit outside and observe the natural world around you. Pay attention to the sights, sounds, and smells of your environment. Focus on your breath and allow yourself to be fully present in the moment.

    Second, connect with loved ones in meaningful ways. This might involve scheduling a regular date night with your significant other, or regularly meeting up with friends for coffee or a meal. Make an effort to be fully present and engaged during these interactions, put away your phone and other distractions, and focus on the people in front of you.

    Third, explore new hobbies or interests that allow you to connect with the world in a meaningful way. This might involve taking up a craft such as knitting or woodworking, or learning a new skill such as cooking or gardening. By engaging in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment, you can increase your sense of connection to the world around you.

    Ultimately, by practicing mindful consumption and prioritizing the activities that bring us joy and fulfillment, we can create a more balanced and fulfilling relationship with technology, and with ourselves. Let’s take some time to practice mindful consumption, and see how it can help us to reconnect with the world around us.,

    In a world where technology dominates every aspect of our lives, it is easy to get lost in the digital noise. However, by practicing mindful consumption and setting boundaries, we can live a more fulfilling and balanced life. Taking time to disconnect from the digital world and reconnecting with the world around us can bring us a sense of peace and tranquility that we may have forgotten existed. Remember, technology should enhance our lives, not consume them. So take a step back, live in the present moment, and enjoy the world around you.

  • Mindfulness & Meditation

    Wintering, Breath work and beyond with Billie

    A post about Wintering, Breath work and beyond with Billie. Billie joined me on the podcast to share her love of wintering and discuss the importance of breath work.

    Spotify Podcasts | Apple podcasts

    Date: 30th January 2023

    Podcast: The Slow Living Collective Podcast

    Episode: 025: Wintering, Breath work and beyond with Billie

    Summary: Wintering, Breath work and beyond with Billie

    In this episode we’re joined by Billie from Each Mindful day. Billie is a teacher and breath work coach. Today we’re talking about wintering, from embracing the seasonality of winter, slowing down with the natural ebbs and flows of our own life and Billie shares why breath work is a key part of her practice. 

    woman meditating in bedroom
    Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

    Key Topics & Chapter Markers

    Wintering & living seasonally [2:00]

    Welcome to Billie and welcome to the slow living collective podcast. Billie and I are so similar in our outlook on life, along with many of the things we are passionate about but also so different too. It’s great to come together and celebrate those unique parts of us. 

    In this episode we’re talking about how we embrace the seasonal flow of winter, but also how we implement these things in those natural ebbs and flows of our lives. 

    Billie explains what winter means to her, that the idea of wintering is something she has been practicing more over the last 4-5 years. That it means leaning into knowing when rest and retreat is most needed, and that these things that we can apply in winter can be applied to our life whatever the season, whenever we need to embrace slowing down. Billie talks about how we generally follow a linear track through life which isn’t really how we were made to be.

    Amy discusses the wonder that is living more seasonally and how when you start to embrace living with the seasons you suddenly get it, and it all of a sudden seems quite obvious.

    Deep in January we talk about the emergence of the new year and how we are expected to be switched on and ready to set your goals, and it doesn’t feel the most natural. 

    We talk about how lockdowns during the pandemic taught us so much, encouraged us to slow down and how the doom and gloom and doom scrolling was difficult to absorb. Amy shares how coming out the pandemic she realised that she didn’t want to get back to normal, a phrase that the media was quick to dish out. 

    Billie talks about how our bodies aren’t designed to live the life society tells us to live and instead, by embracing seasonal living we are able to create a life that feels right. She talks about having a life throughout winter that reflects the bare bones of the season. It is about spending more time at home, creating a home space that feels good for the family to relax in and embracing the ways we traditionally used to live.

    Amy talks about how we’re so disconnected from this natural way of living in the modern world, and we know these things [about living seasonally] but we don’t know that we know because we’re so disconnected. We’ve largely grown up with the ‘new year, new me’ mentality and it’s hard to shift ourselves away from that.

    Billie talks about using the winter season to quietly plan things but not act on them yet, and instead put plans into action in the emergence of spring.

    How to protect your mental health through winter [14:20]

    Winter isn’t an easy season for many and Billie explains that she embraces the season with reading, writing, journal and breathing. She also ensures she has time with her family, are mindful of what they are eating and nourishing themselves with. Understanding the connection between gut health and mental health is also key.

    Breath work & being a breath work coach [16:30]

    Billie talks about her experience with breath work and her decision to become a breath work coach. Her intention is to get the awareness of breath work out there and help to empower people with the techniques to help them with every area of their lives

    Billie also talks us through breath awareness and conscious breathing; Being breath aware where the breath breathes you and conscious breathing where you breathe the breath. Billie also shared her win of the week in uploading her first track on insight timer, you can find the links to everywhere Billie is online at the bottom of these show notes. She also explained her seasonal sessions which she holds.

    Amy asked Billie what inspired her to start practicing breath work and then becoming a breath work coach? Billie said lock down and being paralysed by everything that was going on and noticing that nothing was switching off her mind. She found breath work and started to feel a little lighter, and from there she felt compelled to join training to become a breath work coach. Starting training as a breath work coach pushed her outside her comfort zone but her instructor gave her the confidence to push ahead. Billie explained that she had long felt inspired and pulled by people in the wellness space but never believed she had the right to be there. Taking the plunge completely changed her life. It’s not just the breathing and techniques using on herself, but this backed by science practice is wonderful to teach, and seeing others finding that wow moment too. 

    How do you balance it all [25:11]

    Living in the modern world, being women, mothers etc can sometimes be difficult to manage it all. Amy askes Billie how does she balance all the things? Billie has worked part time for 8 years and so has had time to embed those routines and rituals. She explains including her children in everything she does, inviting them to slow down, being at the allotment, getting them involved, showing them the importance of self care and living within that life together.

    Amy talks about how she wants her children to know how to slow down and nourish themselves from birth, for all of this to just be a natural way of life.

    Where to connect

    If you want to follow Billie and her breath work, you can find her on Instagram @each.mindful.day and on Insight Timer too. 

    If you are looking for more ways to learn about living seasonally come and follow along with my seasonal living life on Instagram. You can find me @lifeonplot44. You can also follow this podcast @theslowlivingcollective.

  • 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