1. What the book is about
This is a book about the benefits and pragmatisms of slow living. Author Brooke McAlary shares her personal journey of postnatal depression and how she discovered the therapeutic effects of slowing down and doing less to recover from her mental illness. She describes the actions she took to cultivate self-awareness and become more attuned to what’s really important in life. She then outlines the practical steps that can help you slow down and live a more fulfilled life:
decluttering
de-owning
practising mindfulness
disconnecting in order to reconnect
nurturing our wellbeing
finding wobbly balance
2. What I liked about this book
I liked the fact that I found it hard to book this book down. I really enjoyed the conversational style that Brooke uses to tell her story and share her insights with humour and humility. Although this book is not designed to be a “workbook”, Brooke does offer a few really useful writing exercises to complete as you contemplate how to begin implementing her ideas in your daily routine. She also provides some great lists, including places to declutter depending on how much time you have, ways to practice mindfulness and simple actions to cultivate wellbeing. I also loved that Brooke reminds us regularly that slow living is not a quick fix but rather a process of uncovering, learning and simplifying that will continue indefinitely.
3. Who should read this book?
As a working mother who enjoys having a number of different projects on the go, spending time with family and friends, and being on my own, I can recommend this book to other women who have experienced the challenge of finding balance between giving and receiving. If you would describe yourself as someone who “has it all” but feels over-committed, disconnected or dissatisfied with life, then this book is for you.
4. Other work by Brooke McAlary
Brooke McAlaray has a podcast “Slow Your Home” which I can highly recommend for more great ideas on how to slow down and live a more meaningful life. Brooke also has a new book “Care: the radical art of taking time” coming out on 16th June 2021, which I’m really looking forward to reading next!