Adopting a Slow Lifestyle as a Catholic

Silvia Patalano shares the main reasons behind her adoption of a slow living lifestyle and how it beautifully connects to her faith.

Adopting a slow living lifestyle as a Catholic was an easy choice. The reasons can be summed up in four words: connection, simplicity, community, and mindfulness. Each of these aspects are what makes living a slow life beautiful, as well as what defines a fulfilling, faith-filled life. 

Connection  

I’ve always loved being outside. It’s my happy place. I grew up watching my grandfather tend his garden, one that provided food every year to many family members and neighbors. Hard work and toil were the norm, but so was the complete satisfaction of eating meals made from fruits and vegetables grown only a few steps away from the back door. When one thinks of living a slower life, gardening is at the top of the list. It is easy to understand why.  

There is no rushing Mother Nature. We can try and overcome most obstacles in order to generate efficient systems of production (which we have!), but in the end, nature dictates what succeeds. Engaging in domestic production is not only a traditional practice, but a sacred one as well. As we tend the land in the hopes of a bountiful harvest, we learn what it means to trust the process and let go. We learn to observe the subtle changes of the garden throughout the seasons, and give what is needed.  

During that time outside in the family garden, we not only formed a strong bond with nature, but a deep respect for all living things. It was also one of the ways we forged strong relationships. We worked and helped each other on what became a year-long project, spanning each season. We served each other the fruits of our labor – literally – and through these actions, formed deep connections about what it meant to be stewards of God’s creation. 

Simplicity  

Small, simple things are what makes up our everyday routines. There is beauty in the mundane. If life is meant to be lived, then why not let it be through simple actions of love and kindness? When I think about what we do every day, regardless of whether we have big plans, I think of two things: cooking and eating.  

Simple meals made of simple ingredients can mean more than just putting food on the table. They are the vehicles for memories, marking important occasions or just everyday gatherings. These simple moments are what defines a slow living lifestyle as well as a Catholic home. No extravagance is needed to honor our faith in God. 

Community  

Home is where the heart is, and so is God’s church. If we take away all the things that has made our lives easier, all the fluff, all the items we tuck away in each corner of our home, we would still be left with each other. That thought always stays with me, and what motivates me to not only keep things simple, but rooted in togetherness. With food. Always food. 

The Catholic faith is full of imagery. One of the most celebrated images is that of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Through all their trials, adventures, and experiences, they relied on each other for support. These relationships weren’t diminished when they were driven far apart, but only strengthened. Even death could not tear the bonds that existed between them. 

And so, when I think of how those bonds were formed, I think of all the moments we take for granted: eating a meal, running errands, fixing a toy, reading books. We do so many things individually these days, even if we are in the same room with each other. Engaging in “togetherness” is an intentional act, now more than ever. So, when it’s time to eat, have a snack, run to the store, tend to the yard, or just enjoy some quiet time, I make it a point more often than not for us to be together. 

Mindfulness  

The fourth and biggest reason why slow living works so well with a Catholic life is the focus on mindfulness. I know that I am not alone in constantly battling the never-ending noise of the busy world (and all the temptations that go with it!) Finding 20 or 30 minutes during the day for mindfulness seems like a large feat. Ask any Catholic, and they will tell you that finding time for daily prayer can seem like a cross in and of itself.  

And yet, it is so important to engage in this practice. Whether it is meditation, quiet contemplation, or prayer, the act of mindfulness is at the center of living a slow life. I admit that I struggled to find time for prayer until I became more intentional about living at a much slower pace. Now, I find pockets of time that I overlooked before, or use opportunities to pray while doing routine things like cooking, cleaning up, or even picking weeds. I’ve learned that mindfulness is more than just an action, but a habit of mind, much like prayer in and of itself. 

Share your thoughts below!  

Have you always wanted to live a slower life? Are you currently on your slow living journey? Has a slow living lifestyle helped you grow in your faith, as well? 

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Copyright 2024 Silvia-Maria Patalano-Ross
Images: Canva