Learn Slow Living and Seek Beauty in a Culture Obsessed with Hustle

Learn slow living in a world that glorifies busyness. Let’s slow down, seek Jesus, and rediscover life’s beauty.

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:41-42

It’s no secret that our culture likes to stay busy. The busier we are, the more money we spend and the more we work. Our economy thrives off us making and spending money. Even though this message is not about money, that’s the motivating factor behind our hustle culture.

We need money to do things and for our children to be involved in all the extras. And we need to work to make money to pay for it all. Finding time to connect with our friends outside of a passing hug and hello at church is getting more complicated every year.

Due to this hustle culture mentality, which we may not have intentionally become a part of, it’s hard to find time to spend with Jesus at home. The one thing we need most is the one thing that is always pushed to the back. Oh, we don’t do it on purpose. It sort of just happens. Our relationship with Jesus takes a back seat to our daily schedules and tasks.

No wonder we feel overwhelmed, behind, hurried, and exhausted. We don’t slow down long enough to sit with Jesus and let Him fill us.

What if we chose to take a step back?

How do we learn slow living?

Start small.

You don’t need to cut everything out of your life. Start with something easy to control, such as how much time you spend on your phone or watching TV. I get it. We all need something that doesn’t require much effort. The problem is, these things don’t fill us; they only drain us more. We get overstimulated and dopamine-addicted.

Sitting with Jesus in the stillness can give us the peace we’re actually seeking.

Take activities off your plate.

Start slow and consider the one that costs the most. Is it really worth it? Is it costing you family time at the dinner table a lot? Are you exhausted most days of the week? Being constantly exhausted is not a normal way of life—even if it is common.

Declutter so you can clean less and free your mind of the chaos.

We may not realize just how much the stuff around us creates chaos, overstimulation, and unrest in our minds. The more we have, the more we have to take care of. The more clutter in our homes, the more we have to look at.

How do we find beauty in everyday life?

Set your phone down so you can look up.

We miss so much when we’re glued to our phones. And I’m guilty of this. Life isn’t in my phone. My life is being lived all around me while watching others live theirs through my phone. Rather than admiring the beauty of someone else’s life, I can be cultivating my own.

Practice gratitude.

We can’t see beauty if we’re constantly complaining or reaching for more. If we want to see beauty, we must look for it right where we are. We need to name the beauty around us. God has gifted us so much that we rarely take the time to notice. Start noticing.

Ask God to see through His eyes.

This is especially powerful when you ask to see people through His eyes. The frustration, disappointment, or resentment you may have had begins to dissipate. You start to see the bondage, brokenness, and beauty in them. You see how they need compassion, not criticism. They need prayer, not pushback. People are not changed by our platitudes or pressure. They are changed only by the power of the Holy Spirit.

It is difficult to see people as God does if we are quick to judge or cut people off.

Slow living takes intention and practice before it fully takes root. Be patient with yourself but don’t allow the stillness to be an invitation to hurry again. It’s an invitation for more of God.

In His Word

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. -Philippians 4:8

In Your Life

The only way you’ll learn slow living and seek beauty is if you’re intentional about it. Our culture is naturally fast-paced and busy. We have to go against the current to slow down and look around. Don’t let life pass you by. Spend more time with God, more time in the moment, and less time watching other people live.

We Recommend

If you’re longing to slow down and live a life more attuned to God’s presence, these books are a must-read.

The Beauty Chasers by Dallas Willard reminds us that in our hurried world, we often overlook the beauty God has placed around us. This book calls us to open our eyes to the wonder of everyday life and to cultivate a heart that sees through His eyes—finding joy, gratitude, and worship in the simple and sacred.

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer challenges the relentless pace of modern life and offers a practical, biblical framework for slowing down. Comer invites us to step away from busyness and embrace a rhythm of life that allows for rest, connection, and a deeper relationship with Jesus.

For His Glory,
Christin Slade

Let’s Connect

You can find Christin on her blog at ChristinSlade.com, or join her on Instagram at @Christin.Slade, and on Facebook.