Slow Down and Observe

Youth exchange on slow living and nature

Our world runs faster and faster. Young people from five countries explored how slowing down can benefit us personally, socially and environmentally.

Perché

Slow Down and Observe invited young people to reflect on the growing need to slow down. Inspired by slow movements, permaculture and the cycles of nature, it explored how slowness can be a form of resistance to hustle culture and consumerism.

Quello che è successo

• Slow movements across Europe: each national group shared the slow initiatives of its own country.
• Sensing and observing: silent and blindfolded exercises, sensory walks, outdoor meditation and observing nature on the farm.
• Slow food day and a workshop on permaculture.
• Looking inward: reflection notebooks, “the island of life”, creative work and group discussions on values, society and wellbeing.
• Living together: a common agreement written by the group, intercultural evenings and daily reflection groups. The programme was co-created with the group leaders.

Risultati

• A deeper understanding of slow movements, and of how to live more intentionally.
• Average overall satisfaction: 8.4 out of 10 (19 responses).

“The nature walk, connecting with nature and the person I was paired with, was the best moment of the project. It made me appreciate my surroundings and people a bit more.” (a Slow Down and Observe participant)

“It gave me a new understanding of what this movement is all about: that it is indeed possible to have a less hectic and more peaceful life. It also motivated me to move from ideas to action.” (a Slow Down and Observe participant)