So you thought you need to live in a little house in the country to live a Slow Life? Think again.

Here are some simple ways to embrace the spirit of Slow Living in the city.

Cook.

Learn to cook simply, from scratch.

Slow Food is about using good quality, whole foods grown with care. That can be as simple as learning to roast a chicken. Some urban centres are food deserts (which is a whole other, very serious can of beans), but many now have access to farmer’s markets.

Learn about what foods are in season in your region and learn how to cook them.

Grow some of your own food.

Don’t have a big yard or a small farm or even an allotment plot? No problem. All you need is a sunny windowsill to grow fresh herbs or sprouts. There are lots of options for grow lights now, which allow you to grow things like micro-greens or salad mixes in small indoor settings.

Kill all the things? Join me in my online Organic Gardening class, The Holistic Harvest.

Get to know your neighbours.

I know, this might seem an odd one, but building a strong sense of community is great for your health, your sense of security and belonging. A lot of the perceived negatives of city living can be healed by this one simple habit.

Introduce yourself. Say hello. Share.

Find green spaces within the city.

When I lived in the city, I admit, I was pretty spoiled. Vancouver, Canada is a spectacular city with plenty of green space, beaches, mountains and a culture that values the outdoors.

But even if you aren’t so lucky,  just finding a street tree with a bench under it is good for your spirit and a quick “forest bath” in the middle of the workday.

Slow your schedule.

Your level of “busy” isn’t dependant on where you live.

Although a city “feels” busier than a country location, that doesn’t mean you have to join in. When we lived in town, I enjoyed simple pleasures like time on my tiny balcony, surrounded by my plant babies, enjoying a cold beer with friends.

Walk.

This is one where the city has the country beat, and probably the thing I miss the most about city living. I walked everywhere.

Walking to work in all seasons was a great way to feel more in tune with the world around me, to practice noticing how the city changed and that there actually was life and nature all around me, even in the City of Glass.

Make time for things that bring you joy.

Another benefit of city living was access to classes and courses or activities.

I was able to take drawing classes in the evenings at an internationally renowned art college or access a shared printmaking shop walking distance from my apartment.

Whatever it is that makes your heart sing, chances are you can find kindred spirits in a big city. Seek them out.

Make your home an oasis of slow.

What does that look like? Well, it looks like whatever Slow means to you.

Maybe its lots of luscious houseplants. Maybe it is a simple, minimalist space. Maybe it’s a home full of music or a kitchen table that is always full of friends and good food.

There are no rules.

Whether you live in the country or the city, slowness is about making time to enjoy the things that matter – to you.