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LEARN TO SLOW LIVE LIKE A SCANDINAVIAN

Simplicity and elegance combine one another to complete the Scandinavian lifestyle. This is our guide to learn the art of slow living and transform your life in a true Scandi style

Words: Emily Georgieva

Photography: Taylor Simpson

?? April 2020

 

We’ll let you in on a little secret about living a long healthy life. There are three rules that you need to follow. Live slow. Live simply. Live well. That’s the Scandinavian style.

The Scandinavian countries are known for their cultural traditions to values the small things in life. Nothing is not important enough to be celebrated. People take pride in approaching life with a slow pace. From Denmark and Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland, to Faroe Island and Svalbard, Greenland and the Åland Islands, people believe in the beauty of simplicity. Everything is complete when it is in its simplest, most elegant form. Less is more has never been so suiting.

We explored those countries where life takes a slower pace and took the time to appreciate everything. When we went sightseeing, we left the cameras home so we can experience being in the moment in an old-fashioned way. I filled my head with memories of being there on Scandinavian ground. Months later those memories kept coming back to me as if I was looking at them on a camera film before you had the chance to develop it.

Everything looked beautiful, sophisticated. The architecture is precise and unspoiled by too many details. The designs are fascinating and exact. Fashion is timeless and inspirational playing with details from French chic to mixture of modern materials. Minimalism was everywhere shaping the day-to-day life of the locals.

I decided to try practicing the art of slow living. I discovered that although the Scandinavian style might look effortless, almost accidental, there is a lot of thought that goes into it. Minimalism is an art. You have to be careful to use the exact thing you need whether you are focusing on creating your own fashion style of adapting this to every aspect of your lifestyle.

The slow living requires finding a balance. Design your home and arrange your surroundings with the philosophy of less-is-more. Clean your wardrobe with the same approach. Sophistication is in the details. You’ll learn to appreciate life when you slow down. Take time to do the things you love and discover new passions. Pay attention to each thing you do and see how it will start bringing you joy. Don’t take anything for granted and enjoy life in all of its sweetness – from sipping on your cup of  tee or coffee to enjoying your drive to work, the key to balanced life is living life in the moment and appreciating simplicity.

HYGGE (“hoo-gah”) and LAGOM (“law-gum”)

 

Hygge – a Danish and Norwegian word, summarizing the philosophy of practising feelings of wellness and contentment.
Lagom - a Swedish word about finding the balance in simplicity. Not too much, not too little, just right.

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NOMADSofORIGIN is an independent annual publication with a focus on sustainable travelling and global cultural values. Each issue features interviews, engaging articles and photo guides, which take our nomadic readers through different destinations and introduce them to local people's perspectives.

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