the Toxic Side of slow living

Slow living changed my life, but there's a dark side to slow living as well. How can you recognize toxic slow living? Find out as we talk about the problem with slow living and what slow living and mistakes to avoid on your path to simple living!
--Hit REFRESH with a deep dive, slow living life transformation.
My Wholehearted Course 🎉 | madisungray.teachable.com/p/w...
Course Trailer: • how I created the LIFE...
Wholehearted Q&A: • Everything you need to...
--Related Videos
• What is Slow Living? |...
• 6 Tips for Slow Living...
-- Get to Know Me
About Me: msha.ke/madisungray
Instagram: / madisungray
FREE decluttering eBook here: madisungray.myflodesk.com/fre...
Amazon Storefront: amazon.com/shop/Madisun_Gray
My Website: madisungray.com/
Pinterest: / madisungray
Music: www.musicbed.com/invite/zRsgH
Inquiries: [e-mail] (my husband)
-Mentioned/Shown:
Glass Tea Pot: amzn.to/3Y7VPoI
Raspberry Leaf Tea: amzn.to/43D6KI6
Tiny Disco Ball: amzn.to/3Kcelqd
--My Favorite Natural Non-Toxic Cleaning Products
BRANCH BASICS - Get 15% off starter kits (Code: MADISUNGRAY) 🧹✨ links.branchbasics.com/madisu...
--My Favorite Bedding & Mattress Company
AVOCADO - avocadomattress.n5ka.net/oqzyzb
If you're new here, welcome! I'm Madi, creating videos about minimalism and slow living every Tuesday or Wednesday. In my videos you will see my minimalist home, my capsule wardrobe, decluttering, inspiration for slow living with kids, intentional living, minimalist finances, things I no longer buy, things I no longer own, things I buy more of as a minimalist, and just overall my passion and inspiration for simple living!
#slowliving #darksideofslowliving #slowivingmyths
The Toxic Side of Slow Living
Chapters:
00:00 what is the toxic side of slow living?
01:20 work is bad for you
02:20 live off-grid
03:30 change your aesthetic
04:24 don't have kids
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description may be affiliate links. If you purchase a product with the links that I provide, I may receive a small commission. However, there is no additional charge to you. I appreciate your support!

[@MadisunGray]

What are some misconceptions or myths about slow living that you've had or that I should address in the future? 👇 I hope that this video is encouraging and gives you permission to break the "rules"

[@annedaniel9605]

I wish I had known these things when my children were little- but now in my forties and my children are grown up- I have put these things in place and chat with my kids about them. If the Lord blesses us with grandkids I want to help them understand what slow living is and is not. 🤍

[@EllaCharlotteJones]

I totally agree about slow living not needing to be living in the middle of nowhere - how could the idea be accessible if its only for people living rurally?

[@user-qz2uq8wx8w]

I'm having trouble recharging my camcorder's batteries because I have no electricity or internet access. Maybe I need a faster life to share my slow life.

[@bluebellbeatnik4945]

that you will need money to live and it's fine if you have a nice, supportive, wealthy husband but most people don't and while they can maybe find a way to survive like this when they are younger, it might be tougher when they are older with no savings, no pension, no support, no emergency fund. Not to scare people. Again, if you married well it's fine but even still, you need to prepare for retirement. I think 'winding down' culture is a good idea until retirement. This could work in a person's younger years if they have their own business or freelance but chances are, to earn enough money, there will be no slow living. It will be a tad rapid. Not as a rapid as in the 9-5 workplace but I think the reality is a mix of fast and slow living.

[@amybowman9906]

As someone who lives off grid in a 300SF cabin with three kids I tell ppl all the time that living simply can be done anywhere, even in a busy city. I myself fell into the trap of believing that if I just lived in a kind of place or house I would become that person but that is the biggest deception. If you cant embrace those ideals where you are now you won't likely do it with a picturesque cottage in the woods either. I hope that encourages others to stop pining away for a fantasy and start doing it right now, where you are.😊

[@MadisunGray]

Definitely 🙌🏾 living in the present

[@EliseWood]

I live off grid in a tiny house (600sqft:) with two kiddos. This is our forever home ❤

[@marianelizabethrose]

Beautiful word Amy ❤

[@SevenFields108]

Admit it, you just want the woods all for yourself... 😄

[@amybowman9906]

@@SevenFields108 well, I live in the high desert so more sagebrush than forest, ha!

[@ATravelerOfWorlds]

''slow living is NOT an aesthetic'' - thank you! I needed this.

[@marijasvetozarevic6911]

I’ve always perceived slow living as being present within every activity that you do no matter where you are or what you do. I never saw it as having to be in a certain location and no work. You don’t need to be doing anything physically and you’re mind can still be rushing.

[@gemcockrell]

Agreed. It’s about savouring everything you do and being present in the moment, while not taking on too much for yourself and listening to your body - not overdoing it and resting when you need to, not ALL the time!

[@LadySublimity]

I live in an off grid cottage in the countryside that we built ourselves and it is NOT slow…it’s a ton of hard work! Hard work is extremely important AND creating pockets of slower restful moments is beautifully necessary.

[@jc3teacher265]

It is definitely hard work. Maybe call it independent living, but not slow.

[@Tim_G_Bennett]

Believe me living off the gird in the countryside does get really lonely at times.

[@hellokitty10ver]

Slow living is to be mindful of the moment. You can work a corporate job and still practice slow living.

[@Claudia_K.]

I do think that a misconception of slow living is “working hard at home”, doing the mundane stuff but loads of it - baking bread, making every meal from scratch, sewing clothes, harvesting home-grown produce, making music, reading and writing, homeschooling… I work 40+ hours, so does my spouse and even though we consider ourselves minimalists and simple lifers, we actually don’t have time to do all this. It makes me feel “bad” and I think this slow living perception can be very toxic. I’m happy if I can mend my child’s ripped trousers or bake a cake or enjoy a few tomatoes from the balcony. The slow-living-KZbin-bubble can be very harmful and not every well-meant suggestion what slow living should be like is actually good for us. I think your video is a first step into the right direction and I’m glad you spoke openly about it. x

[@emerybayblues]

M problem is 1) people who do "slow living" don't acknowledge their privilege. Most people working 12 hr/day or 2 minimum wage jobs aren't doing it to live some lux life or hustle culture. They're are doing it bc they won't eat or have a place to live period.

[@ruthiespotion]

My boys were born for slow living. They’re a huge reason I’ve kept our yard space a little explorative and not manicured…just planting anything that sounds fun to pick or grow.💗

[@MadisunGray]

I love this intention, I'm going to think about this more in my own life! so good

[@ruthiespotion]

@@MadisunGray How wonderful! 💗

[@julianapaiottischychof]

thats so cuuute ❤

[@Sunflowers9191]

This is such a good and important topic. While I do love slow living and enjoy the little things, I also love having a busy social life (some days) and working. Now I only work 28 hours a week but I genuinely love going to the office. Equally I also love sleeping in, staying home for the day, do some gardening, baking etc.. it’s all about balance for me 🤍

[@MadisunGray]

YES 🙌🏾 all about balance

[@gretelkettle3838]

I wish I could describe how much your videos have changed my life. I had reached Total Overwhelm, Total Burnout. Your channel was exactly what I needed. I was a mom that tried to do it all- raise and preserve all our foods (meat, milk, produce), make our cheese, bake/cook from scratch, use cloth diapers, no microwave, make my own cleaning products, have a 30 acre farm and allll the animals, feel stress from buying processed foods, be a prepper with years worth of supplies, etc etc. I have 10 kids and I homeschool! Our youngest is 2. I’m 49 years old. I had anxiety and panic attacks. Instead of having a breakdown I harnessed that energy into doing a massive decluttering of my entire life. I’ve been at it for a year. I work in spurts. It’s been absolutely amazing in SO many ways. ❤️❤️🌼

[@amanda4901]

I could have typed this myself as my life is nearly identical! Except I have 2 kids instead of 10 but do all the same things on the precise acreage as well! It’s a lot and extremely exhausting I can concur. Take care and I hope you find the peace you are seeking ❤️

[@gretelkettle3838]

@@amanda4901 Thank you. ❤️

[@MadisunGray]

This is incredible, I have tears in my eyes! I agree with you that "simple living" can go too far and become such a burden, I am so SO proud of you for intentionally letting go. wow.

[@MadisunGray]

@@amanda4901 WOW I am honored to be a small part of your releasing! thank you for sharing this with me, it means so much!

[@Jo-hello]

Wow that is so much! It sounds like enough to keep a whole village busy! I’m so glad decluttering is helping you! It has helped me immensely too. And Madi is my favourite slow living advocate☺️

[@jessicabowden3711]

I kind of feel like it’s impossible to live slow when you have to work full time and you’re kids are not little and all have places they need to go. I’d like to be able to bake breads and grow things but I feel like I can barely get the bare minimum done.

[@annaraz5016]

Yep yep. I homeschool and have teens and I used to have the same lifestyle as Madisun and it has changed in a massive way as my kids have aged. Each of us has our own interpretation of what slow means to us and this is just one persons viewpoint at one stage in her journey.

[@jessicarupert8815]

Yesss the idea of waiting for the right time is so crucial. At least it hits home for me in this season of life. There really is something to be said about wanting something and waiting to get whatever that may be. Contentment and slow living really do go hand in hand

[@nicholen4300]

I share your values and appreciate your perspectives deeply. Taking things slowly, intentionally, minimally is how we live our lives in my family. However, I found myself questioning if we are doing it wrong during our church Vacation Bible School week this month. VBS is a very good thing! It is something my family and I want to put our energy into, but we really did not have enough energy for it. The five days of getting up early, rushing to get ready and arrive on time, lesson-prep and teaching for me, high-energy and people-packed hours for the kids . . . We were tapped out by day three, and I got sick on day four and couldn't finish. I wondered if we should try pushing ourselves more in our day-to-day so that we can build up strength enough to use when we are called upon to use it. I still don't know the answer for us, but I believe I will be pondering your point about putting the hard work into the right parts of life for a while. Thank you for that!

[@gabrielleengelbrecht]

THANK YOU for sharing this beautiful video. It has really blessed me 🤍

[@laraanderson5445]

I LOVE that you show a more slow gentle living WITH young kids!!!! All the content I have encountered seems to be single people, which is great too, but nice to see all perspectives (being a solo Mum of a young boy.... so much energy) I find all the slow living content soooooo therapeutic and relaxes my frayed nerves, I soooo want to have this in my life, I am currently decluttering and looking for a smaller space. I have never thought of slow living as not including hard work. The thing I find the most overwhelming (barring constant energy and noise) is the amount of 'stuff' we have (hence the decluttering) :) I share the misconception that slow living is for people without kids, I was thinking, 'maybe I can do this when my kid is a lot older' but you give me hope and inspiration, thank you xo 💖💖 Love your content!!

[@mckenziebyrd7056]

I’m gonna have to ask for longer videos. I don’t get enough of you. ❤ love love learning more on your view of slow living.

[@MadisunGray]

☺️

[@mommysobusy]

Thank you so much friend. I have been contemplating on starting my journey to slow living, but with three small children, it has been very hard to come up on how to start. Your video helps shed a light to some of my questions.

[@yanella78]

Thank you! Very calming advice! Gave me a chance to think twice and take a deep breath🥰

[@lydiejeanie]

What a beautiful video ✨ I love the clips of your little family; these will for sure be something you’ll cherish and love to rewatch in the future 💕🥰😍

[@Eyb0ssfu]

This really connected with me. It all has to do with the inner life. In my early twenties I was a truck driver thinking traveling would change me, it expanded my mind, but anxiety/depression follows one everywhere. Cliche, but life is a journey with no true finish line.

[@amanipierez6326]

Dear Madi, I just want you to know that you inspire me to intentionally live a slow living lifestyle with my two kids and husband . We live in a society where materialistic things equals success. Having lived in dubai for over 12 years and moving to a slower country in australia has definitely opened my heart n eyes . People often ask me do I miss living in luxury and my answer is always yes but I do enjoy the slow pace of living in Melbourne. Iike you say you don’t need to live off the grid to experience such a beautiful pace in life ! Thank you for inspiring us mums ! I hope you decide to write a book one day ❤

[@wendyduncan9084]

Thank you so much for short videos that actually get to the point quickly. I agree that anything of value will have cheap imitations. Living slow requires serious discipline and priorities. I can see where it would be desirable to try and buy the life. Doesn’t give the same result at all. We just want life to be gentle so we choose to make it that way as much as possible. The strike looming at work had made it higher stress to be there so I doubled down with choices at home to help boost my peace.

[@MadisunGray]

Thanks for watching ❤️

[@pamelafrancis1390]

Love it so much ❤ I wish your videos were longer, I never tire of seeing them! ❤

[@MadisunGray]

aw this! so sweet!

[@JessicaTreadaway]

Your videos have helped me recover from burn out this past year. I realized it’s good to slow down and live simply.

[@MadisunGray]

YES 🙌🏾

[@51Springfield]

I really like what I'm learning from you. Thank you for reminding this 72 year old woman that slow is healing. God bless!

[@MadisunGray]

This is SO sweet. Thank you 😘

[@ashleytezon]

Your videos are always ON POINT! I absolutely love your cinematography and your message!! ❤

[@MadisunGray]

Thank you so much!! ❤️

[@TheSeedsower107]

Our Creator has created a calendar for mankind to live by. I myself follow His calendar throughout the weeks resting every 7th day and His other Feast days throughout the year . I feel deep rest and peace in my life now where as before I began living this way I did not. I was unbalanced and felt tierd and weary most of the time. All I can say is our Creater knows what we need and His wisdom for life far exceeds ours.

[@MissJessicaisms]

Sunset on the roof! I love that so much!

[@like_Motherlike_Daughter]

Thank You so much for sharing! You are always so inspiring!

[@athlene110]

Thank you so much for sharing! 🤗

[@jessicavanier5545]

Madi, this video was lovely and SO true. When I start sharing the concept of slow living with others, I get odd looks. But, I'm slowly adapting to the slow living lifestyle. Keep the positivity flowing.

[@MadisunGray]

Thank you Jessica 😘

[@amandamorris4033]

Very well said! Thank you, Madi!

[@MadisunGray]

Thank you Amanda! 😘

[@barborag4359]

Ah, love it! Beautiful message and beautiful footage 💛

[@MadisunGray]

Thank you so much!

[@emilymcclain591]

Loved this so much Madi! The downside I'm finding is that because anything good becomes a trend it also has a high likely hood of becoming completely irrelevant because of the rigidness of it. Love all the points you brought up!

[@MadisunGray]

❤️

[@CHengen25]

I always love your videos, Madisun! Your thoughtfulness and intentionality are inspiring to me. ❤️

[@MadisunGray]

Aw thank you that means so much to me 😘

[@Marian.Mateo8]

Beatiful! The slow life, is what we really are, is here to stay. The slow life is being aware of who we are, what we do and how we do it. The slow life is for everyone. I see the slow life as a spiritual path, I am the monk and the slow life is our teacher, since the slow life gives us the same lessons that are given to the monks in the monasteries.

[@aliwaugh5033]

Love the way your present your videos. They’re beautiful. On the last point, I have 5 kids 3-16 and trying to maintain a slower paced life. It is hard. It is hard to say no to your kids when they want to do something but you prioritise simplicity. They do one sport each, my teens work, there are kids parties, school commitments etc etc. I say yes to some and no to others.

[@MadisunGray]

Balance 🙌🏾

[@KimberlieOtt]

Well said!!! :) Loved this!!!

[@myhopefilleddays2923]

Sunset on the roof 😍😍😍 Loved this Madisun! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@MadisunGray]

It was SO fun! Thank you for watching!

[@myhopefilleddays2923]

@@MadisunGray Thank you for creating!!! You truly are such an inspiration 🌻

[@lifewithlarsandsusie8315]

Kids taught me to slow down! They love to look at all the little things!

[@livelikeliz]

I make slow living content as well and was super intrigued to see which aspects you would mention. I particularly agree with the point "buy a whole new aesthetic" - that's precisely what someone pursuing this lifestyle should not be doing and yet for so many it's super tempting to make this their first step in their journey because it's so easy and gives you instant results. It's quite contradicting really. Thank you so much for this video!

[@myklia1]

I love this! I watch a lot of slow living videos as asmr, but I am a city. I can take inspiration from aspects of the lives I watch, but know I won’t be living in a cottage with earth tone dresses with bows in my hair. Not criticizing, every should do what makes them happy and at peace. Two things I have in common with most is cooking and knitting and I adore seeing when others are doing those things.

[@ericawhitfield9289]

Madisun, Madisun…. thanks for being a friend. Even when we don’t know each other. Feeling a kindred spirit, in a world where it seems there are few, is comforting.

[@MadisunGray]

Thank you friend 😘

[@kimpreslar303]

Love the family rooftop adventure to watch the sunset!!

[@MadisunGray]

Yes 🙌🏾

[@missinjairu1448]

Spot on. Very authentic and realistic. ❤️💯

[@Dana-mb1hd]

Love this Madisun ❤

[@Brubarov]

As a single man who wants kids and started this lifestyle a few years back, this is very insightful. Thanks a lot!

[@hannahbentson9374]

I’m only 2 minutes in and already my soul feels so at rest. Your voice is so calming.

[@MadisunGray]

Thank you Hanah! 😘

[@vineandbranch]

I agree! I wish there were more of these videos but im so grateful for the ones there are and the time put into them. 💚

[@jamiedewitt2270]

I totally agree, I feel so relaxed when I watch these videos. Love them so much 🥹

[@joyboy8280]

it was a really nice, well articulated video.

[@mayathebraveofkitwanga448]

Hello, Beautiful. Thank you for amazing video. Slow living still has to be balanced. If you have kids, it`s like a having a job already. But bonding with nature, live sustainably, spend time with your loved ones - everything about that is so right on so many levels! We live in a house in the mountains (Ukrainian Carpathians), use solar energy for electricity, water from the well, food from a garden and orchard, burn wood in winter to stay warm. We also learnt about recycling and now do it right not to harm the planet. I read a lot to my son, we often go to the woods (he thinks they`re magical, and I can`t agree more). It took me to live 25 years in a busy town to realize that life should be different (at least for my family, I`m not saying it`s for everyone). Everything about living in a constant rush seemed draining, and I couldn`t understand what exactly was wrong). Until we moved to a small village, where we started to learn about life from a scratch. My soul finally found that crystal serenity I needed so much. I wish all people on Earth could feel that way.

[@capturedbyannamarie]

👍👍yes to all of this. We live in a small house in the woods. You still have to be intentional or you can be just as busy as someone who lives in the city

[@jennaalexis89]

Love this video so much. I have felt stuck lately feeling like my life isn't good enough for my kids. Living in Australia I feel like most people I see on social media have beautiful lives on the beach with their kids. Have beautiful days of sunshine and slow beach days and this is just not my reality. Need to remind myself of what we have and find the beauty in our everyday

[@MadisunGray]

YES 🙌🏾

[@erintannehill]

Thank you for starting with the misconception of hard work. Balancing hard work with slow living wasn't easy for me in the beginning, but once I learned that they can harmonize together, it was like Heaven opened up and rejoiced. I know that's a big statement, but that's how transformative it was for me. I love working, but I also enjoy living slower when I'm not working. I still have a lot of things to learn about keeping it in harmony, which is why I love watching your videos. :)

[@MadisunGray]

this!!!!! I felt the SAME WAY. Work is nourishment not drudgery or something else that must be rushed through. It's very freeing to be given permission to savor work.

[@ElisiasEvolution]

Well said I'm working towards this too!

[@renaecarpenter4608]

I love this. Thank you!

[@MadisunGray]

Thank you 😘

[@catfish9539]

Ohhhhhhhh but pleeeeeeeease let’s keep number three in😊!!! I find it, so coming to watch videos with so many neutral natural tones, they are just beautiful, calming , and so easy on the eyes.

[@MadisunGray]

You can! It’s just not a requirement for slow living 👍🏻

[@haleymakarov1655]

Love these reminders!

[@MadisunGray]

Thanks Haley! 😘

[@phillblake6829]

Great video. I actually accidentally fell into slow living when all we could afford was the cottage in the countryside 😂. Best thing that ever happened to me

[@hisloveiseternal1]

A good balance of work, play, and rest ❤

[@Hennascontent]

This was such a eye-opening video! I am trying to practise slow living in the city, where everything is usually very hectic❤

[@Anamija]

me too

[@lifeismagical3123]

Why do you spell practice like that…I’ve seen this before. Am I missing something …. In US English, “practice” (with a “c”) is used as both noun and verb. “Practise” (with an “s”) is never used.

[@kaitlynslice673]

Loveee this!!! Well said.

[@MadisunGray]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@nicaurybaez2008]

Trusting Gods timing ! I love that. It is something I have to keep reminding myself about that

[@MadisunGray]

YES 🙌🏾

[@prettymind8230]

Hey, I remember you from a couple of years ago. Your channel really took off. Congraaats. 🎉😅

[@alphaandomega1332]

It was the family on the roof top to watch the sunset for me 😊.

[@mrsbrittanylouu7518]

Loved every second of this! ❤❤❤

[@MadisunGray]

Thank you so much Brittany!

[@CaptainSallyPoo]

Awww you guys were in San Diego! Hope you had a great trip 🩷

[@tamiurquizo746]

Another beautiful video.

[@MadisunGray]

Thank you so much! ❤

[@kalenclark]

I have 3 kids and homeschool them and definitely enjoy a slower pace of living with a lot of savoring & celebrating the seasons, etc. :) One thing that makes it easier when you have kids is asking for help from friends & family, enjoying slow living in pockets of time you prioritize (vs maybe more of the time if you don't have kids), and including them in the slow living routines while managing your expectations of how it will all look. It is hard and sometimes messy, but doable. And most importantly - worth it. It teaches them skills that when they do mature (and slow down) they'll carry the rest of their lives.

[@monikabuehl4390]

It’s always one of the little highlights of my week to watch your videos!

[@MadisunGray]

🥰🥰🥰

[@debrahemerson7238]

I just found your channel and I love your perspective on slow living which I too have embraced for my mental health. Loved your checkered dress you were wearing in the beginning of video. Can you send me a link for it to purchase - thanks!

[@aaajjjjaaaj]

You’ve been instrumental in my decluttering journey. Thank you. I highly suggest watching American Gospel if you haven’t already. You’ve said before in some of your videos that you are a Christian and I really think you would like it. I’d love to hear what you think! Blessings to you and your family. 🌻

[@lifeofsukanti]

Thanks so much for this Madisun! I’ve really struggled with the first one - thinking work is bad. Also that having kids is too stressful for slow living. This is something I notice also in the femininity community. Slow living and femininity are really important to me. But my life has many responsibilities and I know that my creative work, my future children, and my volunteering will continue to make life chaotic sometimes. It’s really a relief to hear your thoughts on this. Some content that gets put out there makes me feel like I have to have the most calm, peaceful life ever, with not too much going on to reap the benefits of slow living. But that seamless life would mean less of what I love There is a certain kind of peace and contentment that hard work, relationships and responsibilities bring ❤

[@amandadavid2706]

Hello! I just found your channel and I am enjoying it so much. You are wise for your years! Do you have any channels you would recommend for moms with older kids ( preteen and teen) that I could watch in addition to your channel? Thanks! ❤

[@twostorystories]

❤ I really wanted to watch this entire video, but it’s over stimulating. The text over the video while you’re speaking about something else and I’m trying to watch the video is far from simple or minimalist. I send this with love and as constructive feedback. Thank you!

[@agallka]

Hi Madisun, I love watching your videos mainly because I feel that they are honest, coming from your heart. Thanks to you I started making some changes in my everyday life 😊 Greetings from Poland! 🇵🇱

[@agallka]

+ one Polish priest used to say, that the simplicity of life is also understanding and accepting that we cannot read every book, watch every movie or climb every mountain, so if we want to savour our lives, then we need to let some things go.

[@MadisunGray]

This is SO sweet 😘

[@Maseucio]

@@agallka it so nice to see a Pole here :)

[@agallka]

@@Maseucio likewise😍

[@philotheasbliss]

Great vid

[@HerCupOfSIMPLE]

Mom of 6 and fully embracing slow living!! Yes, Madi!🎉😘😘

[@MadisunGray]

THANK YOU ❤

[@NonaMaryGrace1952]

Love this.Hello Madison, found you through the pod cast you did with Cas Clutter Bug. 💕NonnaGrace 🐓

[@darrahochoa]

Another wonderful Vid 😍

[@MadisunGray]

☺

[@sophiahayward577]

Sunset on the roof looks rad. ❤ from NZ

[@MadisunGray]

it was! ❤

[@katiedolan14]

I learned the most about slow living from my parents. We had long days of just being kids at home in the summer with them to explore. We had most evenings free and usually had dinner together. We lived in the suburbs too , but everything had a bit of a naturalist bend to it. I’m 38 and still are drawn towards slowing down over filling my schedule.

[@MadisunGray]

Love this Katie 👍🏻

[@katiedolan14]

@@MadisunGray thanks!

[@crystalellen]

I am about to have my 12th child. I LOVE slow living 💓 We homeschool. I’ve decluttered and will probably be doing that forever. We live with my in-laws so the kiddos got to know the grandparents and bring them joy daily for three years before grandpa passed. Now we’re here for grandma. It’s possible with kids ;) and lots of them! I shop at Costco, AND farmers markets:D I buy home made breads, home canned foods and things, and I make them whenever can too. It’s about balance :) Oh, and we work! Very hard. Daily. And then we rest, and play, and do it all some more 💓 Find joy in ALL the moments you can! 🎊 😊

[@MrNoncredo]

DODICI FIGLI???????

[@crystalellen]

@@MrNoncredo Yes 12 :) Who better to surround myself with as I grow old 💓

[@samanthaa.1862]

I love all your videos! Do you have any suggestions or resources for how to live slowly, while also working a 9-5? This season of life, I’m working full time, at home full time with my kid. It feels like I can’t find a good rhythm and slow living feels impossible, but my heart yearns for it! Would love to know ways I can do it in the meanwhile, until we can transition me out of my job.

[@bookishmama13]

Your videos are so inspiring to me. It’s hard because this is the type of life I’d love to enjoy but my spouse is the go go go type 😂 when he’s working, I slow down and enjoy things. Btw I love the white tie shirt you were wearing at the tide pools. Where is it from? If you don’t mind me asking🩵

[@lovelifementoring5399]

Loved this ❤

[@MadisunGray]

Thank you ❤️

[@TarrynS1]

Another great video! You’re such a gem, Madisun. Thank you for all you share. You’re such a breath of fresh air amongst all the toxic trends of “my productive 5am morning routine”. I was just wondering, other than walks with your family, what exercise do you do that reflects your slow rhythms of the day? I love walks, but I will admit, I hate “working out”. Do you just do simple stretches or actually do a workout video? Just wondering what sorts of movement people do that align with slow living? I’ve seen you do some mat exercises on your videos before? Do you follow any videos?

[@MadisunGray]

Great question! I usually try to live with my cycle. Respecting times when I have less energy, but doing more “intense” workouts when I have more energy. I have a plan to more in-depth video about this.

[@TarrynS1]

@@MadisunGray ah ok! I’ve been reading “In the Flo” so it sounds like you do cycle syncing! Thanks so much and looking forward to the video! 🥰

[@lalonimagnuson9859]

Thank you :)

[@user-xn2hu5dq6l]

Hi Madisun, I would love if you could do a follow up on your Christmas Toys Videos. I would love to know which toys you kept and which didn’t last and why. I just love your channel. Just watched all videos in my summer break and decluttered our house. Just the toys are so hard for me! Thank you! Sending over Love from Germany!

[@gabriellafaithmckenzie]

I use to live in the same city. It was such a magical time for us. ❤ I miss the Friday farmers market 😂 We moved back home 5 hours away and now we’re going to buy a home near Yosemite.

[@Ron-Ton_78]

Your videos are very inspiring

[@MadisunGray]

Thank you ❤️

[@kristinakalas8100]

We live in an apartment building & sometimes I do feel that I need to have a house with a yard for our son & to live in a climate that’s warm year round. I also feel sometimes that we don’t have the right aesthetic because our place is older. I even think-How can I make homemade bread on this ugly counter? LOL. Totally my issue-clearly! However, minimalism has opened up a lot of space for us to play & exercise.

[@flamingofan5411]

Rooftop sunset! 💕💕💕

[@MadisunGray]

We will definitely do it again 😂

[@Rose-kj7rz]

I have no choice but to live the slow living life. I just don't have the option of a boss babe such as I dreamt about in high school. However, I also have learnt to feel comfortable and enjoy romanticizing this lifestyle for myself. You just can't make a square peg fit into a round hole (like the boss babe lifestyle I was shooting for in high school). You've got to be realistic about what lifestyle will work for you. Every lifestyle isn't for everybody.

[@hanibee22]

I’ve always perceive slow living as being in the moment and knows what and when is enough. Work hard is good because it give us the contentment in the work we do, before it become too burdensome knows your limit and stop. Do something else instead, life doesn’t need to be a routine, there’s days where we have to break that perfection to be imperfect, and I see the beauty of being imperfect and flaws. When peoples push me into the corner, maybe they’re saying I’m not good enough, I’m not making enough progress, I’m not making enough money, I’m not being enough. It hurts when it come from your love ones, but I just smile and say, I’m good enough, I’m tired I need to take a break, I know my limit and honouring it. Don’t compare it won’t do good to us, because this life I’m the one to walk it, don’t try to walks other peoples life, you’ll always be left behind, instead take your time, and this rush time will come either we want it or not. I’m grateful for this downtime, it give me a moment to relax and enjoy my days. For me being able to govern yourself, concur and manage your life is slow living, we know what and when to say yes and no. But life is imperfect so there might be days where we need to take a different route, and that’s okay, as long as we could get back into our slow living mode then all should be good. ❤

[@rachelsmith2110]

You cinematography is just gorgeous, as always! What brand is your jogger stroller?!

[@MadisunGray]

Thank you! 😘 it’s a Mountain Buggy Duet stroller. amzn.to/3Qf6Wdo

[@thissunchild]

Happily, I don't need anyone to tell me how my slow living lifestyle should look. I'm sick to death of beautiful people wandering through fields of wheat while a piano plays emotionally in the background. Who has a life like that, though?🤷🏾‍♀️ And they're all into fairies 🙎🏾‍♀️

[@fatimaluna1]

So beautiful ❤️

[@MadisunGray]

❤️

[@shannonhauser8610]

I feel like I am kind of failing at this because I often feel tired and like I need some time to myself but noone can really take my 1 year old for a bit. I signed him up for day care 2 days a week, starting October. My heart is aching thinking about it, but I just don't know what else to do so I don't get burnt out.

[@thepuffinpanda9139]

I've lived in more than 5 different places in the last year and am soon to move again. Living in all these places and going through that constant stress has made me so greatful for the little things and has slowed me down. It's funny how life being hectic can force you to slow down just to survive. I now enjoy the little things more than ever because the little things were the only real joy I had in this last year of stress and spiritual warfare. I wouldn't take anything back even though it was hard. Jesus is with us and is teaching us a valuable lesson. ❤❤