Guide to Slow Living in a City (5 Tips)

[@IAmPeterCook]

What is your best slow living tip for city dwellers?

[@judemathieu3717]

We live adjacent to a city park, we find ourselves walking through there every day. So wonderful!

[@jimitshah7636]

Walking at night, after shops have closed, under street lights.

[@heathercooksey9726]

Walk in Central Park, decorate my apartment like a cottage with lots of plants, bake and share homemade breads with my elderly neighbor and talk to her, visit tea and coffee shops, people watch, walks at twilight, aimlessly roam the city going into thrift shops and old book stores, organize get togethers, grow herbs and green onions on my windowsill, hang a bird feeder on my fire escape and watch the birds, along with wind chimes and wind down with instrumental music, tea, candles and a book.

[@ExLibris-Alys]

As I’m taking a walk around the city I combat the noise of traffic/people etc by wearing my air pods and playing bird song or even the sound of a rain storm as I walk. Just make sure the volume isn’t so high that you can’t hear anything else at all as that could be dangerous. I’m quite good at shutting out street sounds even without my air pods now.

[@rozaucja8612]

I feel like my life would be perfect if it wasn't for loud neighbor upstairs. I always get a neighbor like that :( the noise drains life out of me, night parties, loud heavy walking, chairs and dropping things. Flats are so expensive in Poland so it's extremely difficult to rent one that suits one's needs. Safe living spaces should be elementary goods. Everyone deserves a good night sleep. Thank you for the video.

[@os-qt1hc]

I feel the same way. My life would be great if it weren't for loud neighbours. Upstairs, downstairs, and many idiots coming home from parties at night shouting on the street, cars parked with engine on for an hour at night, some random people talking on the street at night for 45min, people talking at a balcony at night, all of them waking me up at night. But also during the day it is constant shouting from downstair neihhbours and loud conversations and visitors in the evening, all of them talking at the top of their voices, either I hear them from onside or from outside when they go to the balcony and in addition to the noise they also smoke so the smell comes into my flat through the open windows. Then there are constant renovations of other flats, drilling every day, one guy using a circular saw at the balcony making a lot of noise on sunday morning, monday evening, whenever he feels like it... I am sick of all those people. I never make any noise that might bother my neighbours, during the day or night, especially not on Sundays. I don't vacuum every single day like the idiots above me, because I know how annoying the sound is. I walk quietly because I know how annoying it is when people walk like elephants. My ceiling lamp shakes every day from my upstairs neighbours walking. I don't shower after 10pm and I don't turn the washing machine after that time either, neither do I turn it on on Sundays or do any kind of loud cleaning on Sundays. Other neighbours don't give a damn about others and they do whatever. Inconsiderate people make me so angry. When I was a kid, people were much more considerate and respected others much more. Not like today. People are more selfish now and don't care about anyone else but themselves. When I was in my 20s, we went to clubs to party. Now people party at their flats and they don't care that they are keeping neighbours awake at night. But what surprises me the most is that when I was young and somebody was doing what somebody else didn't like, they wefe always told off. Now everyone does what they please, they keep pissing everyone off and nobody tells them off. Nobody says anything. These days people just quietly tolerate every single idiot. I am the only person who tells people off from time to time. Nobody else does that these days. A kid deliberatelly keeps kicking another person in public transport, his mother sees it, she does not say anything to the kid and the person being kicked does not say anything either. Somebody plays their speaker loud in public transport, nobody tells them anything. I am always the only one who tells them to turn it off, because it is extremely inconsiderwte of all the other passengers. Two people have a loud conversation ouside of our house at night, I am the only one who sometimes goes out and tells them to shut up. I feel like I am living in some strange dream where nobody cares about anything anymore. Everyone quietly allows others to act like jerks. Last night I was tired and really didn't feel like going outside telling people off, but I was woken up at least 6 times. Drunk people were coming home from parties talking loudly, one taxi driver was parked on the street with his engine on for an hour and he was on a video call with somebody walking around all that time, so I heard both parties talking, later on when I thought I would finally be able to fall back to sleep, another guy was walking around talking on the phone for 40min or so. By the time they all finally shut up, I was so angry I could not fall back to sleep even though it was already quiet. I hate it so much when people do whatever they want and have zero respect and consideration for other people. When it is quiet I feel like the happiest person on earth. Quiet feels like heaven. But when I have these constant disturbances, I feel angry and desperate like I want to punch all of these idiots in their faces and I totally lose my calm.

[@boompace]

Wow youre good! I heard if youtubers do 50 videos the go viral. Keep posting. Your voice is so soothing.

[@IAmPeterCook]

Thank you! 😊

[@janeorson5452]

Thank you for this excellent video! I am very keen on slow-living, but I do get fed up with watching videos of women in long floaty dresses going out to collect the eggs and making bread! I've lived in the countryside for many years, and had horses at the time, but found it very isolating and just plain boring! I absolutely love art, and can sit gazing at certain paintings for ages and becoming very absorbed. If other people want to rush past and cram in as much as possible in the hour they have, that's up to them! I also love to buy a coffee and go and sit in the park, and this became an absolute life-saver during covid. I love libraries, too, and spend ages browsing the shelves of all the books that are available to me for free!

[@paulinebono4012]

I love to just walk inside a museum without having a plan or schedule. Simply looking feeling and enjoying.

[@Vestu]

This channel is a great support to my treatment of depression and anxiety. Thank you. I'm a happy subscriber.

[@IAmPeterCook]

Happy to hear it, Vestu! 😀

[@grizzlythicc1286]

Amazing take. This makes my choice in choosing to move to an urban area more solid!

[@cathyl1954]

I have done that several times over the years I have lived in Santa Fe New Mexico. It is full of History

[@lindaauld9752]

Loved your tips on slow living ! Just when I thought I knew everything about minimalism I realise how slow living can enhance it even further !! For me having my home a sanctuary is very important as we have had a terrible week in Durban with massive looting and violence. Linda

[@IAmPeterCook]

Thanks, Linda! I'm sorry to hear about the situation in Durban, I hope things will improve soon 🤞. You're right, slow living and minimalism go really well together. Minimalism is a way to get rid of clutter and focus on what's essential, and a slow living lifestyle helps us to appreciate everything more!

[@jenniferma1982]

I really enjoy your videos Peter! They are practical and realistic. I also believe you don't need to move to a different city or travel to slow down...but appreciating what we already have and enjoying the present moment. 😊

[@IAmPeterCook]

Thanks. Jennifer! Yes, having the right mindset can make all the difference 😀.

[@ruthweah7615]

Get out of the city by bike and explore the country side next to the city, maybe there is a farm where you can buy fresh veggie's or eggs. In my town, just outside it, in the country side, there is an outdoor plant-shop, i buy plants for my balcony and it feels like a day vacation

[@IAmPeterCook]

Great suggestions, Ruth! 🚲

[@Californiansurfer]

Downey ca. I went to local library. We had carpanters and bob big boy and mcdonalds and the first Taco Bell. Wow , I have leaned something of home. Wow, thanks.. Downey ca.

[@worldview730]

Great lifestyle you present PETER👍👍

[@IAmPeterCook]

Glad to hear you liked the video! ✨

[@enaanand]

love your tips! i love strolling, no matter where i am... my tip is to get into the present moment and pay attention to whatever is showing up and unfolding around you. it's a sort of walking meditation... pay attention to the beauty around: the trees, the flowers, the doors... then the smells, the sounds, the music ... (especially if you are lucky enough to find yourself in a magical place like Spain for example) ;)

[@IAmPeterCook]

That's a great tip, Leela, and ties in with the 'tourist in your own city' tip. Often there's so much to see and experience all around us (even in familiar places) if we're just bringing our attention to it 🙂.

[@ABrigitteM]

Thank you 🙏

[@patriciamiller1790]

What a lovely guy (sooo peaceful) thank you ♥️

[@IAmPeterCook]

Thank you, Patricia! Glad you found to peaceful 😊.

[@shannonkringen]

I do in Seattle. Lots of nature here ....my focus is on my art taking photos and nature and animals and I tune most noise out

[@IAmPeterCook]

Sounds great, Shannon! ✨

[@carolinefasth4030]

I love your videos. Much inspiration. Im introvert too. Thank you for saying that.

[@IAmPeterCook]

You are very welcome, Caroline! Glad you love the videos.

[@sincerelyhm4662]

New subscriber! 🙋‍♀️ thanks so much for your amazing videos 💕

[@IAmPeterCook]

You're welcome, glad you like them. 😀

[@nilox2823]

Thank you, this is a fantastic video with great tips!

[@IAmPeterCook]

Glad you found it helpful, Nilo!

[@ShroomFactory]

An interesting experiment is to say a color in your head, keep saying it, repeatedly, and notice how that color pops out in your environment. Then switch colors and watch how it changes in your vision + mind.

[@LifeOfBelleAmit]

Thanks for this video 🥰🙏

[@IAmPeterCook]

My pleasure 😊

[@monicawalls8184]

9:05 I cant tell whether the last one was "reading" or "eating" but you know both calm me down 😆 yes great points, going to be a tourist in my own city (Columbus Ohio) tomorrow with my mom. So excited.

[@IAmPeterCook]

Both work, Monica! 🤣 Have fun exploring Columbus, Ohio, with your mom. I hope the 'tourist in your own city' tip will help the both of you to see the familiar with a fresh pair of eyes.

[@marcijlo]

Hi Peter, I have just moved into an apartment in a very busy part of Johannesburg so I am still trying to find my slow living tip! The stillness of solitude is the best! Thank you for your video, I am new to your channel.

[@IAmPeterCook]

I hope you can find the time and headspace to live more slowly in Johannesburg, Marci! Since you say it's in a busy part of town, a great way to get started is to make your apartment a little urban sanctuary. Good luck 🙂!

[@marcijlo]

@@IAmPeterCook thank you Peter!

[@ralph9768]

Good tips and video. Great book - new slow city. I highly recommend 12x12 by William Powers.

[@IAmPeterCook]

Thanks for the tip Ralph! 🙌🏻

I very enjoy your videos and your energy. 😊

[@IAmPeterCook]

Thanks Edite, I appreciate that!

[@jasonmims5057]

Minneapolis is a great city for people that want to live a slow life in a city. Dispite it being a city it has a relaxed pace. Theres lots of art and cultural options. I've read that it's the second biggest theatre city in the US and there's an excellent art museum, the Minneapolis institute of art which has hundreds of art works to look at with no admission fee. There's also has many great parks that have been rated the best in the country. But city life and nature are very well balanced here which create the perfect environment for slow living. Also are winters are very cold and long so that further contributes to slow living.

[@IAmPeterCook]

I didn't know that, Jason. From what you describe, Minneapolis sounds like a wonderful slow-paced city with lots of nature, art & cultural events. Hope to visit it one day!

[@fredericmayer899]

exxellent, thank you for you vidéos

[@IAmPeterCook]

You are welcome!

[@dArtagnan712]

...maybe live in a small town, in close proximity to a city, especially if it provides immediate access to hiking, scenic walking and other outdoor recreational activities.

[@IAmPeterCook]

That's sounds like a good middle ground, to have access to the best of both worlds!

[@EdithaSeva]

Thank new. new subscriber here

[@IAmPeterCook]

Welcome to the team! 🙌🏻

[@jaysterling26]

The cost of the pavilion ( years ago) was extortionate for what you see. I get the fame , etc. ,but I think looking at your video would be better IMHO (& buy you a coffe instead). Also , when others are there it's a RPIA. Yes, I'm Mr avuncular. Pete- you're a natural in front of the camera. If any company wants thier employees awake after a PowerPoint presentation they should call you. Cheers.

[@IAmPeterCook]

Thanks for the kind words, Jay! Anyone is welcome to watch my videos after a boring PowerPoint presentation 😅

[@carolinefasth4030]

Could you make a video talking more about introverts.

[@IAmPeterCook]

Thanks for the suggestion! Will add it to the list 😉

[@carolinefasth4030]

@@IAmPeterCook Wow. Thank you 🙏🌺

[@perlefisker]

4:09 Nature? Everything you say about the constant noise and visual pollution of the city is true, but the measures you mention to stay with it, is just survival, an escape when you have to look up at the third storey. You are still a rat. I don't know if you are actually aware that your suggestions to cope are involving a massive consuming of culture - or recreational spaces of artificial nature. And being able to choose a peaceful or green area in the city is not for all - and in fact for fewer and fewer. No, in order to leave the rat race, there's only one way out - and that's out of the city. Thank you, however, to help people getting aware of both slow living, mindfulness and minimalism - and all the best to you.

[@shenlaw]

Clicked through link to Amazon and ordered “12 x 12” by same author. I’ll read that one first, looks interesting too.

[@IAmPeterCook]

I've not read 12x12 yet, but I know William Powers wrote that first. Hope you'll enjoy it!

[@meashep]

Great Video. I have enjoyed it very much. Thumbs up. Lets connect. Please continue to produce more. "Like" #

[@IAmPeterCook]

Thank you!