InterNational Downshifting Week

< Diary UK

In 2006 the UK's 2nd National Downshifting Week will be from Saturday 22nd to Friday 28th April

National Downshifting Week is about simple ideas for simpler richer living.

It's a way of focusing attention on downshifting and inspiring more of us toward simpler, happier lives. National Downshifting week is the brainchild of downshifting columnist and broadcaster Tracey Smith, who is taking the idea to America as well this year (2006) - America's first National Downshifting Week will be during mid summer.

National Downshifting Week is about encouraging people to dip their toes into a lifestyle with a slower pace, and appreciating downshifting's many positive advantages. It's about how you balance your time between your family or loved ones and work. Finding ways to appreciate more with less. A better quality of life - a way of life that is more satisfying and sustainable. Deeper relationships. Choosing and becoming comfortable with life at your own pace.

It's important to realise that downshifting doesn't need to be anything abrupt or extreme, "Start gently." as Tracey says. Far better to take it easy, slow down and offer yourself the luxury of time to think it all through. "Cooking from fresh just as an example, something many of us have become rather disconnected from, needn't be at all difficult."

Downshifting also tends to help in restablishing a connection with, and feeling for the environment. When you slow down and begin to practise developing your own well-being it's not surprising that you also develop increased sensitivity to environmental and even global well-being.

Downshifting as a topic isn't new. There are many sources of information and inspiration about downshifting on the internet or via your local library - Tracey's National Downshifting Week website offers some pointers. The website also includes a whole range of practical ideas for Individuals, Companies, and Children and Schools.

The National Downshifting Week website is at www.downshiftingweek.com

Related wikipedia article

 * Simple living