Slow living trinket box #3

Another installment of slow and simple delights

Photo by Kai Rohweder on Unsplash

Once again, it’s time to open up our slow living trinket box and take out what we need. This is part of an ongoing series where we curate a wonderful collection of simple activities, media, and everyday pursuits that truly help us slow down and be mindful. Think of it like a treasure chest or beloved memory box where you keep your most sacred and precious things. All of our slow living trinket boxes are going to look different because we are all unique and have varying needs. Here’s what will be going into mine this time.

1. Do a jigsaw puzzle

This is an activity that seems to span generations. I mean, who doesn’t love a jigsaw? My favourite way to complete one is to lay it out on a large surface and keep coming back to it as and when I feel like it. I have such fond memories of going to my grandparent’s house for a family gathering, where many of us stood around the dining room table trying to complete an 1000-piece puzzle! As they say, team work makes the dream work.

2. Have a go at writing some poetry or prose

I am not a skilled poet, far from it. I am fully aware that there are legitimate ‘rules’ to writing poetry, but I personally find that if you want to get into poetry you have to throw out the rulebook for a while. Whether it’s on your Notes app, in your favourite journal, or on a scrap of paper, try writing a poem. Don’t think about it too much or try to make it ‘good’, just let your authentic poetic voice shine through. I’ve filled countless notebooks full of poems because I just let my pen write freely!

3. Visit your local farm shop

Check to see what local farm shops are near your home, because chances are they sell some very exciting produce from your area! Whether it’s homegrown fruit and vegetables, locally sourced jams and preserves, or locally brewed alcohol, it’s a treat to have a look around. Supporting your local farmshop is also a great way to lower your carbon footprint. It’s fun for both us and the planet!

4. Start learning a language

Since the age of 8, I have been a student of French. I was fortunate enough that we started learning it during primary school. This continued into secondary school where we were not only taught French, but Spanish as well! Learning a language can be such a mindful activity, and if you use an app like Duolingo, it’s a great way to reduce social media usage. I sometimes find the Duolingo app to be slightly chaotic, so learning the old school way is also perfectly valid.

5. Look through old photos

Being nostalgic is one of my favourite activities. Even as a child, I always loved looking at the past. We have albums upon albums of photographs from the many disposable cameras we’ve had over the years. Although it’s fun to look at digital memories on your laptop, there’s nothing quite like flipping open an old photo album and admiring the glossy images. I think it’s good to remind ourselves of where we have come from, what’s happened, who we knew, and who we were.

Despite how small and insignificant these activities may be, these are the things that truly make life richer. We often find ourselves clinging onto the big, bombastic events that happen in our lives, and the smaller moments go unnoticed. Finding joy and appreciation in the smallest of actions can make a huge difference. Going about your day slowly and simply can be as equally fulfilling. I’m learning to take a step back and take it all in.