Let’s Slow Down… Go!
SPA OVARIUM
Let’s Slow Down… Go!
International Day of Slowness
Let’s Slow Down… Go!
By Guylaine Fortin
Did you know that June 21st marks the International Day of Slowness? It’s no coincidence that it falls on the longest day of the year—it gives us more time to take our time.
The International Day of Slowness was born in Montreal in 2001, created by a cheerful group known as the “Lents d’Amérique” (the “Slow Ones of America”). Their goal was to promote the freedom to move slowly in a world that moves far too fast. On June 21st, we are invited to slow our pace, to savor every passing second, to cherish the present moment, and to notice the small joys of everyday life.
To stroll, to linger, to wander aimlessly, to take life as it comes, to daydream, to watch the grass grow, to have your head in the clouds… all of these expressions regain their meaning through this day. After all, what could be more enjoyable than fully appreciating what we are doing in a given moment? Feeling good here and now—sharing a delicious meal with a friend, diving into a novel in a hammock, taking a (slow) walk while enjoying the last rays of sunlight, or simply taking the time to chat with neighbors we see every day but barely know.
The pressure to always go faster has become the norm in our world, and we don’t fully grasp its negative effects. From childhood, we associate speed with success. Children are expected to become independent as early as possible. We worry at the slightest developmental delay. The pace imposed on them forces constant urgency—getting dressed in the morning, finishing homework, eating quickly before soccer practice, and so on until bedtime.
And as the years go by, it doesn’t get any better. The faster time seems to pass, the stronger the urge to move even faster. Deadlines accelerate, expectations grow, and we project ourselves further into the future—often at the expense of the present moment. This constant rush brings stress and anxiety. Worse still, it is often counterproductive. By prioritizing speed over quality, we forget to measure effectiveness and to enjoy what we are doing. A brain that is constantly stimulated cannot process an endless flow of information without overheating. How can we come up with new ideas or be creative if our minds are never at rest? If we never slow the tempo?
But slowing down doesn’t mean doing nothing. Going on an adventure, enjoying yourself, stepping back from your life, listening to yourself, questioning your path, recognizing your strengths and weaknesses, allowing yourself to be cared for, reflecting—these are all ways of taking your time. Slowness opens windows onto the horizon, inviting us to challenge imposed models and rediscover what we truly want in life. Through these windows, we can choose to let in only what truly matters—and shape a life that reflects the one we once dreamed of, when we still had the time.
P.S. At Ovarium, we celebrate slowness every day of the year. We invite you to take the time to feel, to be present, and to fully experience each moment—it’s part of our DNA. To explore the slow-living practices we offer, click here.
Musique par Mansari
(extrait de l’album à venir)
