Member-only story
20 Steps I Took to Embrace Minimalism and Slow Down My Life
The power of slow living: Lessons from my journey to a minimalist life
I grew up in a culture where we leave a small pot of Turkish coffee on hot sand, allowing it to heat slowly for a long time.
As the coffee boils, the pot is removed, and the process is repeated several times to enhance the flavor and improve the coffee's texture before drinking. Once the coffee foam builds up, and before it spills into the sand, the host pours small amounts of coffee into tiny cups. The hot temperature of the coffee compels the guests to sip it methodically, slowly, and mindfully while enjoying each other's company.
My ancestors called this tradition "Coffee on Hot Sand." This long-standing custom is rooted in a culture encouraging people to slow down, enjoy each other's company, and foster connections. If you read the previous statement again, you'll realize that our culture today is fundamentally flawed, particularly in our inability to slow down, build connections, and simplify our lives.
My ancestors weren't wrong; recently, I've noticed many people leaving the busy, bustling city life to embrace a slower, more meaningful existence in rural areas or quieter states.