Slow living interieur met KOJO art prints aan de muur, natuurlijk licht, minimalistische inrichting en analoge elementen zoals boeken en planten

Why We're Going Back to the Past – Slow Living and the Value of Tangible Art

The digital paradox: more connected, less present

We live in the most connected era ever, yet we often feel more disconnected than ever. Hundreds of notifications a day, endless scrolling, and a constant barrage of digital stimuli. The result? Stress, fatigue, and a sense of emptiness.

More and more people are recognizing this and are looking for a counterbalance. Not by completely rejecting technology, but by consciously making room for analog moments. For things you can touch, feel, and cherish. For slow living.

What is slow living anyway?

Slow living isn't a trend, but a life philosophy. It's about consciously slowing down, making intentional choices, and appreciating what's already there. It's the opposite of hustle culture and the constant drive for more, faster, and better.

Slow living means:

  • Quality over quantity – less stuff, but more meaningful
  • Being present in the moment – ​​not multitasking, but focusing
  • Creating rituals – daily moments of peace and attention
  • Tangible experiences – things you can feel and hold
  • Connecting with yourself and others – real, deep connections

It's not a perfect Instagram aesthetic, but a personal way of living that fits your pace and values.

Why tangible art suits slow living

In a world of digital art, NFTs, and screen time, physical art has become something special. An art print on your wall is more than just decoration—it's a daily ritual of beauty.

The ritual of looking

Every time you walk past your art print, you see something new. A detail you hadn't noticed before. A color that feels different in the morning light. This kind of attention is impossible with digital art that disappears the moment you turn off your screen.

Tangible art demands slowing down. You can't swipe it, skip it, or watch it at double speed. You simply have to pause and reflect.

The value of possessions

When you buy a physical art print, you own something unique. Especially with limited edition prints that are hand-signed and numbered, you have a collector's item with real value.

It's not just a purchase, but an investment in beauty you see and feel every day. Something you can pass on, something that tells a story, something that has meaning.

Analog Rituals You Can Start Today

Slow living doesn't have to be complicated. Small, daily rituals make all the difference. Here are some ways to bring more analog moments into your life:

1. Start a morning without a screen

The first 30-60 minutes of your day are phone-free. Make coffee, look at your art prints, read a physical book, or write in a journal. Start your day with intention instead of reaction.

2. Create a gallery wall

Build a collection of art prints that grows over time. Each print represents a moment, a feeling, a phase in your life. Our Print Club helps you with this: every month, a new, exclusive print expands your collection.

3. Write handwritten letters

Grab a pen and paper and write someone a letter. No WhatsApp, no email, but real snail mail . The writing is meditative, the receiving is magical.

4. Create a tech-free zone

Choose one space in your home where there are no screens. A reading nook, your bedroom, or a spot by the window. Fill it with things you can touch: books, plants, art.

5. Invest in quality

Buy less, but better. A well-made art print on museum-quality paper, a beautiful notebook, a decent pen. Things that will last you for years and bring you joy every day.

The Print Club as a slow living ritual

Our Print Club is designed as a slow-living experience. No instant gratification, no digital downloads, but a monthly ritual of wonder.

How it works:

Every month, you'll find a carefully packaged envelope in your mailbox. No tracking, no notifications, just a surprise. You open the envelope, remove the hand-signed print, and take a moment to look at it.

Where will you hang it? Which print will you replace? How does this new addition to your collection feel? These are questions that force you to be mindful, to pause.

It's the opposite of online shopping, where you buy something in three clicks and forget about it the next day. This is slow, intentional, and meaningful.

Why this isn't nostalgic, but necessary

Some see the return to analog rituals as nostalgia. As a romantic longing for the past. But it isn't.

It's a conscious choice to find balance in an increasingly digital world. It's self-care in an age of constant availability. It's a way to protect yourself from burnout and meaninglessness.

Research shows that too much screen time leads to stress, sleep problems, and decreased well-being. Analog activities like viewing art, handwriting, and reading physical books have the opposite effect: they calm, inspire, and enrich.

This isn't a passing trend. This is a fundamental shift in how we want to live.

Start slow living today

You don't have to overhaul your entire life. Start small:

  • Hang one art print that you see every day
  • Write one handwritten letter this week
  • Read a physical book for 15 minutes before bed
  • Make one meal without a phone at the table
  • Buy one quality item instead of three cheap alternatives

Every small step is a step towards more peace, more meaning, and more presence in your own life.

Start your slow living ritual with the Print Club and receive a moment of beauty in your mailbox every month.

Frequently asked questions about slow living

Should I ditch all my technology for slow living?
No, absolutely not. Slow living is about balance, not extremes. It's about consciously choosing when to use technology and when to create analog moments.

Is slow living expensive?
Not necessarily. It's about buying less, but better. In the long run, you'll save money by investing in quality instead of constantly replacing cheap items.

How do I start slow living if I have a busy life?
Start with one small ritual. For example: 10 minutes without your phone in the morning, or one evening a week without screens. Small changes add up.

Does slow living fit into a modern life?
Yes, that's precisely why it's so relevant. Slow living isn't anti-modern, but a way to stay healthy in a modern world. It helps you use technology without being used by it.

What is the difference between minimalism and slow living?
Minimalism focuses on owning less stuff. Slow living focuses on living more mindfully. They often overlap, but slow living has a broader meaning: it's also about time, attention, and intention, not just possessions.

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