Slow Summary

Slow

Simple Living for a Frantic World
by Brooke McAlary • 2018 • 288 pages
3.88
5.1K ratings
Self Help Personal Development Health
Send EPUB to your Kindle
Chapters summary Summary FAQ Reviews

Key Takeaways

1. Embrace Your Why: Define Your Personal Philosophy

"Do the work of uncovering your Why. Do the work of establishing your own personal philosophy and set of values. Do the work of naming the highest, eulogy-worthy priorities in your life. Then do the work of putting them at the center of your life, every day."

Discover your purpose. Start by imagining your eulogy and identifying what truly matters to you. This exercise helps clarify your values and priorities, serving as a compass for decision-making and lifestyle choices. Consider:

  • What do you want to be remembered for?
  • What regrets do you want to avoid?
  • What legacy do you want to leave behind?

Live intentionally. Once you've defined your Why, align your daily actions with these core values. This may require reevaluating current habits and making conscious changes to prioritize what's truly important. Remember, your Why is personal and unique to you – it's not about meeting others' expectations, but living authentically according to your own principles.

2. Declutter Mindfully: Create Space for What Matters

"I never realized how heavy my stuff was until I didn't have to carry it around anymore."

Start small. Begin decluttering with manageable tasks, like cleaning out a single drawer or your handbag. This approach builds momentum and confidence without overwhelming you. Key strategies include:

  • One in, one out rule
  • Designating specific spaces for collections
  • Regular decluttering sessions

Address emotional attachments. Recognize that decluttering isn't just about physical items – it's about letting go of emotional baggage and outdated identities. Ask yourself:

  • Does this item actually mean something to me?
  • What emotion does this item represent?
  • Would I display this item in my home?

Remember, the goal isn't minimalism for its own sake, but creating space for what truly enriches your life.

3. De-own: Rethink Consumption and Ownership

"We need to let go of the idea of ownership as success and start to tap the resources that already exist."

Embrace alternative models. Instead of defaulting to buying, consider options like borrowing, renting, or sharing. This approach not only reduces clutter but fosters community connections. Examples include:

  • Tool libraries
  • Clothing rental services
  • Neighborhood sharing groups

Buy mindfully. When purchasing is necessary, prioritize quality over quantity. Consider:

  • Longevity and durability
  • Multi-functional items
  • Ethical and sustainable production

Care for what you have. Extend the life of your possessions through proper maintenance and repair. This mindset shift from constant consumption to stewardship can lead to greater appreciation and less waste.

4. Practice Mindfulness: Notice the Present Moment

"Living mindfully is paying attention. It's noticing things. Tiny things. Enormous things. Miraculous things and things that make you smile."

Integrate mindfulness into daily life. Rather than viewing mindfulness as another task, incorporate it into existing routines. Simple practices include:

  • Mindful eating: Savoring each bite without distractions
  • Sensory awareness: Regularly checking in with your five senses
  • Mindful movement: Paying attention to your body during exercise or chores

Embrace imperfection. Mindfulness isn't about achieving a particular state, but about cultivating awareness. Common obstacles and solutions:

  • "I can't stop my thoughts": Acknowledge thoughts without judgment
  • "I don't have time": Start with micro-moments of mindfulness throughout the day
  • "I'm not good at it": Approach mindfulness with curiosity rather than perfectionism

Remember, mindfulness is a skill that develops with practice. Be patient and consistent in your efforts.

5. Disconnect to Reconnect: Balance Technology Use

"We choose to place value on hyperconnection. We choose to value likes and hearts and follows. And sometimes we choose to value those things over depth or truth or authenticity."

Set boundaries. Establish clear rules for technology use to create space for real-world connections and experiences. Examples include:

  • No screens at mealtimes
  • Tech-free bedrooms
  • Designated offline hours or days

Practice intentional use. Be mindful of why and how you're using technology. Ask yourself:

  • Is this making my life better in a meaningful way?
  • Am I learning something worthwhile?
  • Am I avoiding something important?

Reconnect offline. Prioritize face-to-face interactions and activities that don't involve screens. This could mean:

  • Having conversations without phone interruptions
  • Engaging in nature-based activities
  • Pursuing creative hobbies without digital input

By consciously managing technology use, you create space for deeper connections and more fulfilling experiences.

6. Cultivate Self-Care: Nurture Your Well-Being

"In order to leave the world a better place than I found it—to be compassionate and caring—I need to be strong, I need to be vulnerable, I need to be healthy and vital and full of good stuff like kindness and generosity and laughter."

Prioritize essential needs. Focus on foundational aspects of well-being:

  • Quality sleep: Establish consistent sleep routines and create a restful environment
  • Nourishing food: Emphasize whole, nutrient-dense foods and mindful eating
  • Regular movement: Find enjoyable forms of physical activity

Nurture mental and emotional health. Incorporate practices that support psychological well-being:

  • Positive self-talk: Challenge negative inner dialogue
  • Gratitude: Regularly acknowledge things you're thankful for
  • Creative expression: Engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment

Connect with others. Cultivate meaningful relationships and community involvement. This might involve:

  • Regular check-ins with loved ones
  • Volunteering or community service
  • Joining groups aligned with your interests or values

Remember, self-care isn't selfish – it's essential for showing up fully in all areas of life.

7. Embrace Wobbly Balance: Let Go of Perfection

"Balance is finding the correct weight for every area of life and understanding that the correctness of that weight will change over time. Balance is fluid and flexible. Balance is alive and aware. Balance is intention."

Reject the myth of perfect balance. Understand that true balance isn't about giving equal attention to everything all the time. Instead:

  • Prioritize what's most important in each season of life
  • Accept that some areas may need more focus at different times
  • Let go of guilt when you can't do it all

Practice intentional tilting. Consciously choose where to direct your energy:

  • Identify your current priorities
  • Allocate time and resources accordingly
  • Be willing to adjust as circumstances change

Embrace imperfection. Recognize that striving for perfection often leads to stress and dissatisfaction. Instead:

  • Focus on progress, not perfection
  • Celebrate small wins and improvements
  • Learn from setbacks without harsh self-judgment

By adopting a more flexible approach to balance, you can create a life that feels more authentic and sustainable in the long run.

Last updated:

Report Issue