Slow Living: Rachel Schwartzmann on Finding Balance in a Fast-Paced World

What Does Slow Living Mean?

Slow living often brings to mind images of quiet retreats or minimalist lifestyles, but Rachel’s take is refreshingly grounded. “For me, slow living is synonymous with self-awareness,” she says. It’s about tuning into who you are and what you need, moment by moment. For Rachel, this frequently involves storytelling — whether she’s reading, writing, or simply listening. “I feel the slowest and most present when I’m engaged with a narrative in some way.”

And slow living isn’t about escaping life’s chaos. Rachel believes it’s an opportunity to connect — to yourself, to others, and even to the world around you. Growing up in New York City, a place that never sleeps, taught her that slowing down isn’t necessarily about your environment; it’s about your mindset. “Rather than changing a lifestyle, it’s about paying attention to what’s already there.”

Finding Beauty in the Everyday

Rachel’s approach to slowing down is simple yet profound: find joy in the ordinary. “The way light looks against buildings, writing by hand, watching leaves rustle in the wind — these moments make us more appreciative of the mundane and help us better recognize the extraordinary,” she shares. It’s a reminder that small moments can ground us, even on the busiest days.

Her advice resonates deeply with anyone juggling hectic schedules. Slow living isn’t about overhauling your entire life overnight. It’s about noticing what’s already there and choosing to savor it. As Rachel puts it, “Slowness is a very individual practice. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution.”

Understanding the Digital World

Technology often feels like the exact opposite of slow living, but Rachel offers a refreshing perspective. “While it can hinder slowness, I’ve also found technology to be a generative landscape for creativity and connection,” she says. From virtual coffee chats to pen pals, she’s discovered ways to use digital tools to foster meaningful relationships.

But boundaries are key. Rachel turns to tangible creativity to balance her digital life: reading physical books, writing in journals, and making mood boards from collected ephemera like postcards and newspaper clippings. These practices help her stay grounded and present. And when all else fails, there’s Pepper — her adorable lionhead rabbit — to remind her to unplug and be in the moment.

How to Start Slowing Down

As we move into 2025 and beyond, Rachel hopes to see slow living becoming more community-focused. “In a volatile political climate, intentional relationship building will be essential,” she says. It’s a call to reimagine how we connect with others, both individually and collectively. Slowing down, she believes, will help us protect what matters most.

For anyone new to the concept, Rachel’s advice is simple: start small. Notice the light in your home, the rhythm of your breathing, or the texture of your morning coffee. Pay attention to the details that make life rich. And above all, embrace imperfection. “Know that some days will require urgency. Take it day by day, and remember to pay attention to the details.”

Stories That Inspire

Rachel’s book, Slowing, is a treasure trove of essays, interviews, and creative prompts designed to help readers explore intentionality in their own lives. Her podcast, Slow Stories, extends this research, featuring conversations with creatives and thought leaders about time, creativity, and pace.

“Whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, storytelling invites us to slow down and open our minds and hearts,” she says. It’s a sentiment that aligns perfectly with Norba’s philosophy of finding balance and beauty in the everyday.

Bio: Rachel Schwartzmann is the author of Slowing (9/17/2024, Chronicle Books) and the writer/host of Slow Stories—a multimedia project that explores living, working, and creating more intentionally in our digital age. She also writes about books, creativity, design, and fashion, and her essays and interviews have appeared in BOMB Magazine, Coveteur, Literary Hub, TOAST Magazine, and elsewhere. Rachel has been featured in esteemed outlets, including ELLE, VOGUE, Condé Nast Traveler, The Creative Independent, and many more. You can follow her @rachelschwartzmann to see what she’s reading, writing, wearing, and sharing.