I like what you said about balance. When I started to get interested in the slow living movement, I got caught up in RU-vid channels and blogs that defined slow living as making all your food from scratch, baking all your bread, making homemade pet food, growing a bunch of your own vegetables and canning/freezing them for winter, hanging all your clothes to dry etc. etc. There was a lot of fear-mongering and guilt tripping on these blogs and youtube channels as well, that if you weren't doing all this stuff, your food was going to make you and your pets sick ec. etc. etc, you were wrecking the environment etc., you're a bad parent, you're out of touch with the food chain etc. Maybe this philosophy is attainable if you only have yourself and a dog to think of, but for me, having 2 teenage kids (who eat a lot!!), a husband with a very busy, demanding job, two cats, a dog, and I homeschool and work about 1 day a week at the hospital (very busy, high stress job) this almost made me fall flat on my face. I was up early in the morning kneading bun dough, bread, frying tortillas almost every morning! I was spending tons of time (and money) on weeding and caring for a vegetable garden in the summer, making homemade food for my pets all the time etc. etc. etc. I was absolutely exhausted!!! My kids didn't get the best of me either. I decided to take charge of my own slow living definition. Now I make *some* of our bread but also buy a lot of it too, I cook from scratch but sometimes buy my kids food prepackaged, hang some of the clothes outside etc. etc. I don't grow much for vegetables anymore either. And I'm no longer buy into the guilt triping that I'm a bad person for making these choices. Slow living is different for everyone, and it's is perfectly ok to take advantage of some conveniences in life. =)
I definitely agree with the fear-mongering part - there are so many videos on minimalism and slow living that advocate just one way of living life, which may not be practical for everyone. I love how different this take is, getting us to think deeper on what slow living means to each of us and adapting it to our own lifestyles in a way that most benefits us.
I live in a very small cottage, in the hills surrounded by nature and animals and a creek. I have lived a slow life for many years… I just never knew it was a thing. And it took a long time to let go of the little niggling voice of societies busy ideas. I actually once googled “ is it ok and meaningful to be an introvert and live a quiet life?” I still worried (a little) that others think I’m boring or lazy or lonely etc. none of those apply. I guess I needed a little validation. I just came across your channel and it is very valuable! Plus your style of it all is easy and calming.
Balance. I completely agree. Everything doesn't have to be fast or slow, just appropriate. I think you made a great point about how it might be easier to adopt a slow living lifestyle when you live on an island. But it just goes to show you that our surroundings can affect how you approach life, and that we should be mindful about what we do, and perhaps change our surroundings to help with approaching a balanced life. Also I think I saw you on the RU-vid #walkaway highlights. Congratulations! Also great video as always. Like-99.
You said this so elegantly Alex. For me, my surroundings definitely have a huge affect on how I approach life and feel the need to change my surroundings every couple of years. Do you ever feel this? I was so excited they decided to feature me in that campaign :) Thanks as always Alex!
Thank you for emphasizing balance. Whenever I see someone promoting a certain kind of lifestyle on social media, I'm usually critical of it or I laugh at it because 9 times out of 10 they take an extreme approach. Like those people that think spirituality = meditation, burning sage, and essential oils all day everyday lol. But I just really appreciate how you acknowledged that you can still live a life with meaning without having to completely abandon modern day things 💫🙏 Everything in moderation...
I was listening to audiobooks recently and how I wish that it was your voice reading the story, your voice really gives a therapeutic therapy in some way 🍃👒
@@AllThingsAlexa Oh man I know what you mean. I struggle with just balancing this and other things. I hope you don't stress too much and take some time this weekend to destress
I didn’t know about slow living or minimalism before but I used to practice both and my life was totally in Peace. Then since a few years ago, I chased the life and tried to fit in the society’s mold, standards and so on. I noticed myself being miserable and had been in depression for two years but couldn’t figure out what was wrong. Your videos help me to reflect myself, to see what kind of life I really want to live and give useful guides. Thank you, Sophie for this channel and beautiful videos!
I feel this to the depths of my soul. After 2 strokes in 5 months, I'm done with trying to keeps up with the Jones. I'm a American Army Veteran, 2 strokes Survivor 🤎🤎🌻🌻☀️☀️🧘🏾♀️🧘🏾♀️
Loved the video specially how you told about balance in slow living.This makes slow living more inclusive rather than just for few people.I feel everyone can adapt a thing or two about slow living in their lives.Loved the video and your pets.
My God, you really felt like a kindered spirit from the first video I watched. Somehow your beautiful soul just made me cry. Thank you for the wisdom you share with such a warm heart.
Today is our 18 year wedding aniversary. Wish i can be there with my husband, looking at that beautiful sunset. Thank you for this lovely video and your pets are adorable.
Very inspiringing. I struggle with my clutter and stuff so much. I am constantly distracted and stressed. I am a therapist myself and know how to reduce the stress geheh but then there are all these stories why I should keep it and why it is a waist of money etc. But in the end of the day I feel stressed and overwelmed and so I need to priorities my mental health. This week I have decided to change it. Go and keep the things I love, and create a house that makes me happy calm and productive at the same time. Because I run 2 businesses but the mess makes me that I often don't work because of all the house jobs or tidying that I have to do first. Really shitty. I have to take charge again. I am going to make my house the way I can invision in and practice slow living. It would be great to drink a tea in the morning in a tidy home and start the day without a busy overwelmed head. Thanks for your tips and your channel. Really lovely. Lots of love from Spain
Nice video Sophie, when you said balance i was thinking that through your video and its true when im at work or working out there both very physical but when there done i try to slow everything down and enjoy it deeply spending time with my family or cooking. I also appreciate how you said you didnt do this overnight it took time it reminded me of what my tai chi sifu (thats what my teacher is called) told me a long time ago dont rush to get from belt to belt slow down embrace and enjoy the journey i took it to heart because most students test 4 to 6 months for their first belt i waited 9 months because i enjoyed learning the movements studying the flow and the discipline it was life changing and im slowly adapting it to other aspects of my life. Then i found your channel and it encouraged me even more thank you for that.
I admire that you took the time to study the flow and the discipline even if it took you longer. I think that says a lot about who you are and how you approach life. I am constantly telling myself to slow down as well. I rush because I want to see progress, but I'm realizing that somethings just need to be seasoned with time. Thank you so much for sharing!
I did not realize how slow my life really is until we went to Myrtle Beach South Carolina. My body had to readjust when I got home I was very tired from the hustle and bustle. I appreciate a slow life I have had a slow life from birth and I am grateful for that.
This was such a sweet video! From your message to the sounds of the ocean. I definitely have tendencies in me to live a slow, simple life and for me i'm learning each day that its truly just living in the here and now, without all the noise and pressures of the world, i have peace.
Thank you so much Brandon! you said it so perfectly. It truly is about living in the moment. So hard, but so necessary! Thanks for always watching and supporting
Trying not to binge-watch your beautiful content because it's 2am and I'm supposed to be asleep, so I decided to subscribe instead. Thank you dear, love from Kenya! 🌻🌻 #DjShockAfrica
Awesome video(s) Sophie. Just watched a couple of your videos like the Haleakala one where I have been for sunset and riding downhill with a special bike a couple of years ago. Interesting that you reflect a slow and simple lifestyle at your age as usually people achieve this awareness later in life. Above the interesting topics which resonate to me I admire your story telling and editing skills, as well as the thoughtful music choice. Keep on the great work and mahalo for bringing some A-L-O-H-A spirit to the current uncomfortable weather in Germany.
Thank you so much for your kind comment. I really appreciate you watching the videos. I have always wanted to ride my bike down from Haleakala. I'm sure it was such a special experience. Such a coincidence that you mentioned seeking a simple life at my age because I will be covering this in my next video. Thank you and hope all is well in Germany. Aloha!
Beautiful video and comments Sophie! You’re exactly right about balance being key to slower living. First of all get a work/life balance. and secondly in the life part, make the time count, because it’s very precious! Slow down and make the moments worthwhile, whether you are by yourself, with your pets, or with your significant other! Is there something that we could do altogether, that might be more worthwhile than us just finding something to do separately on our own? Thanks so much for your videos!! I really appreciate them! They really get me thinking as to how I can have a more valuable, and enriched life!! Take care and have a great week!!
I love what you said about making the time count. Also, great point about doing things altogether! Although I love tech and gadgets just as much as the next person, I feel like it has separated us from spending quality time together with the people in our lives. I will always remember this. Thank you so much Mark!
@@MalamaLife You’re welcome Sophie!! Agree with everything said!! Great post! It really got me thinking!! I’ll try to keep making better use of the “life” time together with Gayle and Oscar 👌👌🙏🙏👏👏
Last shots with your husband was so beautiful, Sophie. Anyway, thank you for this another amazing video. I feel collected everytime I watch your videos. 😊
You help me to realize that spending time with love ones is best time doing, minimalism reduced the level of alert, concern. It frequently feels me relief
Hi Sophie thank you for this video 🤗 I am taking life more slowly. You've inspired me to have conversations with my husband during meal time too and its amazing👌👌 before we used to watch videos during dinner time. You are having a good impact on me girl❤
I am so happy to hear that Jade! I always look forward to the conversations with my husband during dinner time 🥰 I bet now you are too. thanks for watching
Yes I am Subscribed and have always wanted to slow down yet at the same time my life never got there but I am intentionally forcing my life to slow down. I like your ideas & how you have restructured your home🏡. I like your tips & ideas on how to slow down🌅.
Thanks for making such amazing videos! I am in love with you channel and whenever I want to relax down or remind myself of the true value of life, I watch your videos. The content are absolute perfect. I love your videos because as it is about slow living at the same time it doesn't stop you from living a normal life. finding that balance in cities and its hectic lifestyle is what most of us need and your suggestions are very useful in that terms! all the bests
Thank you so much Natasha 🥰 I really appreciate that! I think there is a way to slow down without being extreme or leaving our current lives. I just don't think that is sustainable. I know that it's more of a challenge to slow down in cities, but I am so glad I can share the island vibes with you. Much love from Maui. Thank you for all your kind words
You have the most beautiful voice, you should attempt a story just like you are doing now, for those of us who have Great difficulty falling asleep. Your voice would help us do just that!!! Your video (which is my first) is lovely!!! ~Kim 🇨🇦
At first I thought it might be a bit boring sitting on the beach, but after I saw the beautiful sunset near the end of the video, I realise the activity has a purpose and is worth it.
I came across ur RU-vid channel and i love everything that u do , i want to understand more the concept of minimalist and slow living , is there some books that you can refer me too , i really want to change my life , i have been struggling with comparing and challenging myself to the point i feel stressed in all situations ( good and bad ones ) , i might not have the privilege of living in a good environment but i wanna try at least to follow ur videos ( ur videos are my therapy !!) , and change ! Thanks Sofie 🙏
This looks like a fun outing to the beach and a beautiful sunset and it's good to see your husband in the video as well 😊. I found the trick to catching food with your mouth is to not to throw the food too high 😅
this is good to listen to. I’m thinking I want to go this way. though I’ve a lot to fix and repair first Do you think it still can be done ? I just wish I’d had this conversation so long ago I was conflicted it something. And just got it wrong.
Minimizing in life sounds nice and also stress free but the society at present does not accept it. Having big bungalows, penthouse etc having costly cars holding high position is the walk of the day. If u dont have these ur looked down by people. Yes if we dont care nor are we bothered about what are surrounding is about then only we can live life according to our wishes and terms. People noticing ur success and grandeur try an make friendship with u are fake. Listen to ur mind and act accordingly. Living simple life within nature getting rid of materialism is what an healthy life. Money is requirement, one has to have comforts but for that no need to be a part of rat race. Over all nice video.
You always give such great insights. Thank you for sharing! I agree that we must just listen to our minds and act on it. This is such an important message.