We all know what fast food is, but what about Slow Food? Slow Food is an idea, a way of living and a way of eating. Having an awareness of food’s origin in general and using local or home grown organic foods is a start. Slow Food is enjoying the process of preparing meals with quality foods and taking pleasure in tasting and sharing these meals with family and friends. Slow Food emphasizes the importance of food biodiversity, sustainable agriculture and food traditions.
Founded in 1986 by Carlo Petrini of Italy, the Slow Food movement has since expanded globally to include 100,000 members in over 150 countries. In Carlo Petrini’s words, “Slow Food unites the pleasure of food with responsibility, sustainability and harmony with nature” – the antithesis of fast food. To learn more: http://www.slowfood.com/
Within the Slow Movement are many subcultures, including Slow Parenting, Slow Travel, Slow Fashion, Slow Goods, Slow Church and more. All of these groups maintain a connection with community and a focus on ethics, ecology and economy. I am personally inspired by the idea as a whole. Slow is a reminder of how life should be, honored with tradition, thoughtfulness and quality, not quantity. Slowing down and doing things more efficiently can save energy, time and money in the long run. Not to mention the stress relief that comes with simplifying one’s life.
So, what if we were to implement “Slow Bedrooms”? We would draw from the principles of Slow and really enjoy the calmness and restful energy of our bedrooms. Here are some ideas:
- Slow your bedroom: Have a dim light option or candles. Play calming or meditative music. Decorate with soothing aesthetics. Use healthy, organic bedding. Remove anything harsh or fast. Remove pending or deferred work (like unfinished projects, unfolded laundry or laptop).
- Bedtime routines to wind down with: Some tea and a book. A bath with calming fragrance. Pamper yourself with a hair oil treatment or a foot massage, for example. Meditation.
- Slow your wakeup: Use an alarm clock with a nice sound (let me know if you find one – I use a sound on my cell phone). Try a gentle stretch before your feet hit the floor. Open the window or door and take a breath of fresh air and listen for a moment.
