I like how you’re calling out what social media has made of “slow living.” Same as you, I don’t believe it’s a lifestyle. Buying a flip phone or walking with flowers won’t actually slow down your life, it’s more like putting a bandage over the root of the problem. I also love how you reframe it as liberation. That’s very powerful.
Personally, though, I don’t feel it’s about having fewer desires. That idea comes from ancient spiritual teachings, but I find it outdated. (I was a Buddhist myself for 12 years, and I realized that wasn’t the point, it actually created a lot of conflict with my humanity. And I see that happening often these days.)
Either people become “too spiritual,” trying to detach from the world and ending up ungrounded, or they think that reading books, going to the park, and performing a “slow lifestyle” is the full answer.
I don’t think it’s either/or. I believe we need to learn to have desires without shame and honor them, without letting them control us. It’s not about less desire, but about being in control of your need to fulfill them in the way you want, when you want, constantly chasing it and losing yourself in it.
I really respect your perspective, and I think we share similar points. I love that you’ve brought this to the table, this is how meaningful conversations start. Just wanted to share my take on it. ✨
Jen, I really appreciate you sharing this. You’re so right about how easy it is to tip into extremes—either becoming “too spiritual” and detached, or getting caught up in the aesthetics of slow living without really addressing the root. I love the way you put it: honouring desires without shame, but not being ruled by them.
From my side, having studied and practised Vedanta for over half my life, I’ve found that the teachings around desires is actually really practical. It’s not about suppressing or denying them, but about understanding them. And when you really see them clearly, the compulsive chase starts to fade on its own. That’s where the stress lifts, and life feels lighter.
I think our perspectives meet in the middle—we both see freedom as the real goal, not performance or suppression. And I love that this kind of conversation can hold both views side by side.
Beautiful reflections … to be free is to know the one who is free from all desires…slowing down and reflecting prepares the mind to be open to knowledge.
So True, love the article, a reminder of how our wants keep us on a merry go round! love the paragraph "through reading, reflecting, & questioning" to reduce desires, i take from your article is the Key, thankyou Meredith:_)
Yes Amilia, our troubles always boils down to having too many desires. Slow living is useless and temporary without reducing desires. The whole second section is an important take away. Have a great weekend 🤍🙏
I like how you’re calling out what social media has made of “slow living.” Same as you, I don’t believe it’s a lifestyle. Buying a flip phone or walking with flowers won’t actually slow down your life, it’s more like putting a bandage over the root of the problem. I also love how you reframe it as liberation. That’s very powerful.
Personally, though, I don’t feel it’s about having fewer desires. That idea comes from ancient spiritual teachings, but I find it outdated. (I was a Buddhist myself for 12 years, and I realized that wasn’t the point, it actually created a lot of conflict with my humanity. And I see that happening often these days.)
Either people become “too spiritual,” trying to detach from the world and ending up ungrounded, or they think that reading books, going to the park, and performing a “slow lifestyle” is the full answer.
I don’t think it’s either/or. I believe we need to learn to have desires without shame and honor them, without letting them control us. It’s not about less desire, but about being in control of your need to fulfill them in the way you want, when you want, constantly chasing it and losing yourself in it.
I really respect your perspective, and I think we share similar points. I love that you’ve brought this to the table, this is how meaningful conversations start. Just wanted to share my take on it. ✨
Jen, I really appreciate you sharing this. You’re so right about how easy it is to tip into extremes—either becoming “too spiritual” and detached, or getting caught up in the aesthetics of slow living without really addressing the root. I love the way you put it: honouring desires without shame, but not being ruled by them.
From my side, having studied and practised Vedanta for over half my life, I’ve found that the teachings around desires is actually really practical. It’s not about suppressing or denying them, but about understanding them. And when you really see them clearly, the compulsive chase starts to fade on its own. That’s where the stress lifts, and life feels lighter.
I think our perspectives meet in the middle—we both see freedom as the real goal, not performance or suppression. And I love that this kind of conversation can hold both views side by side.
Beautiful reflections … to be free is to know the one who is free from all desires…slowing down and reflecting prepares the mind to be open to knowledge.
Thank you Rachel. Yes, true freedom lies in reducing and ultimately eliminating desires. How sad it seems that so few can relate to this.
So True, love the article, a reminder of how our wants keep us on a merry go round! love the paragraph "through reading, reflecting, & questioning" to reduce desires, i take from your article is the Key, thankyou Meredith:_)
Yes Amilia, our troubles always boils down to having too many desires. Slow living is useless and temporary without reducing desires. The whole second section is an important take away. Have a great weekend 🤍🙏
:_)grt weekend to youxx