I recently came across this movement, started in Italy, which is spreading around the world. The Slow Movement is creating an identity and a standard for slowing our lives down. In this fast-paced, technological world, it is often thought that faster and more efficient is better. As a world people, we are starting to realize that slower has many, if not more benefits.  

Those who started this movement were looking at such growing world trends as organic food, home schooling, and meditation. There is a common thread through these trends, which is the idea of taking a step back from a "go, go, go" mentality and really connecting to ourselves and our lives. We can do simple things like shop at the local farmer's market and meet the farmer who grows our food, make sure our children know their great aunts and uncles, or have a conversation with a neighbor we haven't met. Even though technology connects us more as a global community, there is a sense of loss of our immediate community. Modern life has the potential to isolate us from our loved ones, our communities, and our environment. 

The earth functions as an ecosystem. Each animal, plant, and human plays an integral role in the balance of our planet. The Slow Movement is about simple things we can do in our lives to create a greater sense of community, sharing, honesty, and integrity. The way we can contribute most in our daily lives to our own happiness and that of the planet is by experiencing true, simple connection.  

The movement itself has been divided into categories that each have their own aspects: food, travel, living, money, school, books, cities. For more information about the Slow Movement, visit: www.slowmovement.com. 

When I first read about this, it felt pertinent to the work we do here at the Pittsburgh Center for Complementary Health and Healing. We strive to create a nurturing environment where people can come and slow down. We hope to truly connect with each person that walks through our door. But most importantly, to offer you an opportunity to truly connect with yourself...

If you feel your life is running away with you, come in for a therapeutic massage, reiki, or cellular session today and take the time to slow down with us.