{Guest post from Becky Flansburg of Franticmommy}
Life moves at a frenetic pace and it even seems more hectic around the holiday season. As we all scramble to buy gifts, decorate the Christmas tree, volunteer and bake yummy cookies, many people lose track of the fact that a brand new year is right around the corner.
And with it comes the chance to make mindful changes in our lives.
For every entrepreneur \”working the hustle\” and racing to their next networking function, there\’s an older, wiser soul who is willing to sit back and the let path of life unfold. The term \”slow living\” or \”intentional living\” has been increasingly popular over the years…and for good reason. Being a human being is a terminal condition and we all need to make the most of every day.
Bring those things important to you into you. Bring everything close.~Valarie Budayr
So what is \”slow living?\” I think The Sustainable Edit describes it perfectly.
Slow living isn’t about quitting your job and moving to the middle of nowhere nor is it about long lines and the pretty coffees you see on Instagram. It’s about deciding what’s important to you can focus on that. When you have a clear focus you can start eliminating the noise and reducing the busyness. This can be as simple as sitting in and giving yourself time to enjoy your coffee rather than grabbing a cup on the go. Slow down to enjoy the moment and stop rushing from one thing to another embrace the here and now.
In other words; slow down, savor and enjoy this life.
Sacred Travel or \”slow travel\” is the same mindset except instead of applying to everyday living, it pertains to travel that is slow, purposeful and meaningful.
A friend of mine is someone that I consider the master of sacred travel. Evans Bowen lives in Maryville, TN and has been a traveler and scholar for as long as she can remember! Evans has been to all 50 states, Peru, Egypt, Jordan, Europe, Thailand, Taiwan, and Cambodia. Her popular blog, The Perpetual Pilgrim, reflects her life of sacred travel.
In 2014 she walked the 500 miles of the Camino to Santiago, Spain with her 20-year-old daughter, Alexandra. After walking this epic pilgrimage, she was inspired to write her book Pilgrimage: A Modern Seeker’s Guide as a way to encourage others to visit a sacred place close to home or around the globe, to open their hearts and minds to the Divine, and welcome healing and new meaning into their lives.
\”Over the last 5 years, I’ve written about my adventures traveling in the world and at home in my everyday life,\” Evans shared. \”My book, Pilgrimage: A Modern Seeker’s Guide, is part guidebook for the physical journey, either around the world or close to home. and part roadmap of 40 days of reflections to help find meaning in your journey and discovering your authentic self. Each day is written to take you into your heart and then unfold your new experiences and knowledge to bring you to a new understanding of yourself and the world.\”
Now the rest is up to YOU. How will your 2019 play out? Frazzled, rushed and stressful? Or mindful, spiritual and fulfilling? You choose…but I know which one I\’m picking 🙂
Becky Flansburg is an ambitious mompreneur with 11+ years’ experience as a freelance writer and blogger. She also acts as project manager for the non-profit online children’s literacy initiative Multicultural Children’s Book Day and is part of the influential and Minnesota parent-focused UpNorthParent.com.
