Study of Clouds with a Sunset near Rome (1786-1801) painting in high resolution by Simon Alexandre Clément Denis. Original from Getty Museum. Digitally enhanced by rawpixel.
“Your Words
Assume residence
Void of rent
Depreciating
Our investments spent
They’re squatting
And ever taxing to evict”
-Christine Murrain
Words possess the ability to inspire, uplift, motivate, and educate. They have the power to provoke deep emotions, spark revolutions, and transform lives. Whether spoken or written, words possess an extraordinary capacity to connect individuals, bridge cultures, and transmit knowledge across generations.
Words have the power to ignite change. Through powerful speeches, leaders have moved masses and galvanized nations. Iconic speeches like Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” or Winston Churchill’s “We Shall Fight on the Beaches” resonated with people, stirred their spirits, and brought about monumental shifts in society. The carefully chosen words of these influential figures conveyed messages of hope, resilience, and unity, instilling a sense of purpose and inspiring action.
However, it is essential to recognize that with great power comes great responsibility. Words can also be used to deceive, manipulate, and incite hatred. The misuse of words can lead to misinformation, propaganda, and the perpetuation of harmful ideologies. It is crucial for individuals to exercise discernment when using words.
Thank you for joining me on this journey, where we explore the depths of emotion and imagination. Together, we weave words into tapestries of meaning, sharing our lives through ink and rhyme. Remember, your voice is a beacon in the world, and your words have the power to touch hearts and souls. So, keep your pen poised, let your creativity flow, and never stop expressing the beauty within you.
Free park bench image, public domain outdoors CC0 photo.
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Introduction
In a world that often glorifies busyness and constant productivity, slow living serves as a gentle reminder to pause, reflect, and embrace the present moment. It is an invitation to prioritize self-care, mindfulness, and meaningful connections. By adopting the principles of slow living, we can create a more intentional and fulfilling life that resonates with our values and allows us to appreciate the simple joys that often go unnoticed in our fast-paced world.
Bread
When does one break bread
When ALL hours are spent feasting on worries?
In lieu of camaraderie,
Scenic landscapes
And cozy restpoints
Which inspire thoughtful cadence
I’ve been coerced to hasten haphazard slums-
Dim and narrow alleys
With empty promises of sunshine,`
(Given I complete the journey)
And in my yearning for nourishment
I’ve instead filled up on crumbs
While foraging along a road paved by others
A path surely not carved for me
-Christine Murrain
Why I Embrace Slow Living
There was a time in my life when I believed that working non-stop was the best course of action for my family and myself. I mistakenly equated productivity with purpose. However, life taught me a valuable lesson, revealing that my true purpose is not to be a machine, tirelessly enriching someone else while sacrificing precious time with my loved ones. This may sound exaggerated, but many of us can relate to the long hours spent at work, the burden of bringing work home, and the toll it takes on our well-being, all in pursuit of a dream that was sold to us.
One day, I took a moment to sit down and ask myself, “Christine, what do you truly want?” From that point forward, I began operating in alignment with the answer to that question. Sometimes, I find myself deviating from what I believe is my purpose and straying from the kind of human experience I desire. During those times, I notice a decline in my overall happiness, and other areas of my life start to crumble as my priorities become muddled.
For example, I recognize that I should be devoting time to my children, yet I find myself caught up in activities that do not align with my lifestyle or goals. This disrupts my children’s routines and leads to behavioral issues. We eat fewer meals at home, derailing my health goals. The maintenance of our home suffers, leading to chaos and disarray.
Over time, I have come to fully embrace the philosophy of slow living. This mindset encourages me to savor each moment, prioritize meaningful experiences, and cultivate a deeper connection with myself and those around me. Slow living has allowed me to break free from the relentless pursuit of productivity and busyness that once consumed my life. Instead, I now value simplicity, balance, and mindful living. By slowing down and being present, I have discovered a newfound sense of peace, joy, and fulfillment in the everyday moments that make up my life. It has been a transformative journey that continues to shape my perspective and choices, reminding me to focus on what truly matters and to appreciate the beauty of a slower, more intentional way of living.
Why Slow Living is Becoming More Prevalent
The following is a list of reasons why others are choosing to embrace this concept in hopes of achieving a more fulfilling life:
Free vacation at beach image, public domain summer CC0 photo.
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Escaping the Culture of Busyness: Slow living is gaining popularity as a response to the fast-paced, constantly connected lifestyle that has become the norm in modern society. Many individuals are realizing the negative impact of a hectic lifestyle on their well-being and are seeking a slower, more balanced approach.
Prioritizing Well-being: Slow living emphasizes self-care, mindfulness, and mental well-being. It encourages individuals to prioritize rest, relaxation, and activities that promote physical and emotional health. People are recognizing the importance of taking time for themselves to recharge and nurture their overall well-being.
Seeking Authenticity and Meaning: Slow living advocates for a more intentional and purpose-driven life. Many individuals are yearning for deeper connections, meaningful experiences, and a sense of authenticity in their daily lives. Slow living allows them to align their actions with their values, cultivating a greater sense of fulfillment and contentment.
Embracing Mindfulness and Presence: Slow living promotes mindfulness, which involves being fully present and engaged in the present moment. In a world filled with distractions, people are realizing the value of slowing down, paying attention to the details, and fully experiencing each moment.
Sustainable and Ethical Living: Slow living encourages a more sustainable and conscious approach to consumption. It emphasizes quality over quantity, supporting local businesses, reducing waste, and making mindful choices that have a positive impact on the environment. More people are embracing slow living as a way to live in harmony with the planet and promote ethical practices.
Cultivating Stronger Relationships: Slow living emphasizes the importance of nurturing relationships and fostering meaningful connections with others. By slowing down, individuals have more time and energy to invest in building and maintaining strong, authentic relationships with family, friends, and community members.
Appreciating the Simple Pleasures: Slow living encourages individuals to appreciate and savor the simple joys of life. It is about finding beauty and fulfillment in everyday experiences, such as spending time in nature, enjoying a home-cooked meal, or engaging in creative pursuits. Slow living reminds us to slow down, be present, and find happiness in the small moments.
Reducing Stress and Overwhelm: The fast-paced nature of modern life often leads to stress, burnout, and overwhelm. Slow living offers a counterbalance by advocating for a more relaxed, unhurried pace. By simplifying and streamlining their lives, individuals can reduce stress levels, improve overall well-being, and find greater peace of mind.
Valuing Work-Life Balance: Slow living challenges the notion that success is solely defined by professional achievements. It promotes work-life balance, encouraging individuals to prioritize their personal lives, hobbies, and leisure activities alongside their work commitments. This shift in mindset allows for a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle.
Embracing a Minimalist Approach: Slow living often goes hand in hand with minimalist principles, focusing on decluttering, simplifying possessions, and reducing excess. Many people are adopting a minimalist mindset to free themselves from the burden of materialism and create space for what truly matters in their lives.
Conclusion
Overall, slow living is becoming more prevalent as individuals recognize the need to step back, reassess their priorities, and embrace a more intentional, meaningful, and balanced way of living.
Two Human Beings. The Lonely Ones (1894) by Edvard Munch. Original from The Art Institute of Chicago. Digitally enhanced by rawpixel.
A Rare Encounter
Have you ever experienced a wonderful conversation with a complete stranger? I certainly have. One day, while my husband and I were loading our children and groceries into our car in a grocery store parking lot, a woman approached. Her car was parked next ours and she had a child of the same age as my twins, which sparked a conversation between us. As we spoke, we discovered numerous shared interests and experiences. It turned out that she, like me, was a former educator who had chosen to homeschool her children. We delved into discussions about the rewards and challenges of our past careers, the joys of motherhood, and found ourselves laughing together.
A Missed Opportunity
Once our groceries were safely stowed away, there was a fleeting moment when it seemed that one of us might exchange contact information, but neither of us made the move. I bid her farewell, expressing my pleasure in our conversation, and she reciprocated the sentiment. We both expressed a hope to encounter each other again, though we both understood the unlikelihood of it.
Later, as we sat in the car, my husband inquired if we had exchanged numbers. Regrettably, I replied with a negative. When he asked why, I found myself unable to provide a valid reason. We had acknowledged the challenges of connecting with other moms, and yet we had missed an opportunity to stay in touch. She even mentioned that she had recently moved to the United States from Canada and was still building her social circle. I confessed to my husband that I had hesitated, fearing that it might seem peculiar. We shared a laugh, and I vowed not to let such an opportunity slip by again. However, despite my genuine efforts to seek out friendships with other moms, I have yet to encounter a connection quite like the one I had with her.
Regretful Feelings
While I cherish my family dearly, there are still moments of loneliness that arise. Spending the entire day with children can be challenging, and at times, I find myself devoid of adult interaction. If you are reading this and can relate to the loneliness I sometimes feel, perhaps we can be friends. Also, if you ever find yourself in this situation I hope my story inspires you to be courageous.
Reflection in Verse
I’ve included a poem below. Although not directly inspired by this specific encounter, I find it to be a poignant reflection. Entitled “Farewell,” my poem explores the emotions that arise when two individuals choose to part ways despite apparent chemistry. Both individuals grapple with a sense of loneliness, yet hesitate to extend their bond. The complex nature of human emotions sometimes lead us to act in opposition to our true desires. Fear of vulnerability potentially creates hurdles in circumstances akin to the one described. The Poem reads as follows:
Why is there a push to get back to ‘normal’ as if normal is always being jolly? What’s wrong with sitting with our feelings for a while? Should we aspire to be fictional characters who never experience sadness?
No one can exist without feeling sadness sometimes, and if such a person exists, I feel even more sadness for them. It’s essential to allow ourselves to feel the unavoidable stages of grief when we experience the loss of a loved one. This is the balance due.
When we share our life with someone and lose them, part of our life also diminishes. We’ve given pieces of ourselves, and now we no longer feel whole because the person carrying those pieces is no longer with us. It’s terrible, but this is how we know we’ve loved someone completely.
Perhaps in our sadness, there is a sentiment that can bring us comfort – the knowledge that we had the opportunity to love someone so deeply, and even when they pass away, they remain on earth because we carry them with us in some form or another. They’ve imprinted on our hearts, and we are forever changed by both having them with us and by being apart from them.
We must feel, whatever it is that we feel, whether it’s joy, sadness, anger or any emotion that makes us human. We should all find others who give us grace during this process and allow us to grieve at our own pace. Nobody should rush us out of the process or expect us to hide our pain for their convenience or comfort.
After experiencing a stillbirth, I found it difficult to return to teaching at the high school. Being in the same environment where I had experienced so much distress during my challenging pregnancy was too overwhelming for me. I didn’t want to answer questions or be reminded of the loss of our first child.
The Murrain Children, Photo Taken May 30th, 2023
Initially, my husband and I had planned to spend the summer traveling with our new baby. However, instead, we spent the summer grieving in the new home we had purchased in preparation for our arrival. I avoided calls and emails from the school for as long as I could, but eventually, I had to admit that I wouldn’t be returning.
One day, I summoned the courage to collect my things from my old classroom. It was a difficult and emotional task, but it gave me a sense of closure. A year later, I sat down on the anniversary of my daughter’s stillbirth and wrote the following poem:
April carries with it’s heavy rain
Memories of you, My most piercing pain
In May the many flowers bloom
That’s when you know I’ll visit soon
Though crushed, I know I must be brave
While planting daisies at you grave
With tears, I’ll wash your sunken stone
And sit alone
Alone, I moan
I decided to take up a teaching position in a new city and district, and also enrolled in a Master’s degree program. However, my plans changed when I found out that I was pregnant again, and it was likely to be more complicated than my first pregnancy.
While I respect that not everyone desires to be a mother, it was a dream of mine to have a family. Thus, I left my teaching job and unenrolled from my courses to focus on being healthy, spending quality time with my spouse, and preparing my heart and home for the arrival of our twins.
Despite facing rumors from a few of my former high school students that I had lost my mind after having children, I found motherhood to be a fulfilling and beautiful experience. It was a stark contrast to the difficult time I had teaching in a Detroit charter school where a student once threatened to murder me, my spouse, and my unborn child.
The reality is that after having children, I discovered a renewed sense of purpose and joy. Everything I thought I had lost was, in fact, reclaimed. I am not a mother who resents family life, so if that is what you are looking for, you won’t find it here. There are plenty of platforms expressing disdain for children, but I am here to share my perspective on finding delight and purpose in everyday child-rearing. If you are looking to hear from a mother who has found fulfillment in motherhood, then you have found me, just as I have found myself.
Song + Prose 