The Studio Edit 14: Is It Slow Living or Is It Complacency?
Walking the fine line between mindfulness and idleness, plus a mid-year peek into the beginnings of a new something (!) I'm launching this fall
Welcome to The Studio Edit, a digest with favorite things and thoughts that I hope add levity to the latter half of your week and help inspire the days ahead 🤍
As I write this, it’s difficult for my mind to grasp that we’re already past the mid-point of this year.
We’ve crossed the threshold into our slow, steady progression toward the golden days of late summer, autumn and beyond.
My most deeply held intention for this year was to live slowly – more slowly than ever before, as a matter of fact.
After making the decision to temporarily press pause on my design studio, to stop accepting client discovery calls, to see all current design projects through to completion but then to say no more, I could see the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel.
I reached the end, and then I rested. Or, at least rested as much as I realistically could while mothering our nearly two-year-old full-time, in the calm crevices of nap times and bedtimes.
I rested in the comfort of playdates with sweet friends with an iced latte in hand; I rested in-between the pages of the first bits of fiction that I’d read in years; I rested in the cocoon of cultivating hobbies (remember those?) all my own.
But then, somewhere in the midst of the rest and slowness, I began to lose myself.
When I had space to create, to explore new concepts – I’d reach for my phone.
When I felt the deep inner call to write from a place of honesty – I’d invent an innocuous excuse not to.
And when I was reminded what it felt like to reach a place of genuine inspiration, to connect with an idea so strongly that it scared me – I’d say, “Oh no, not now.”
In the pursuit of a slow life, I’ve finally learned what it specifically means for me: to create with calm purpose.
After weathering a winter marked by burnout, I believed that doing so much less would offer me the joy and solace that I so deeply desired.
It felt restorative at first, but then it turned sour: into idleness, complacency and languishing.
Because here’s the truth: I am not honoring my true self when I’m not creating.
So here’s to tenderly moving toward what is meant for me, to listening to the inner nudges as they arise, and to celebrating the momentum that is creation 🤍
A fully thrifted summer outfit…
…that just felt like the perfect breath of fresh air to begin the week. I’ve been pinning a ton of Jenni Kayne pieces to my personal style Pinterest board, so it’s no surprise that I sprung for this simple trio with an oversized button-down, linen pants and woven slides.
The beginnings of something new…
…which will be shared with the world (and you all!) this fall. If you’ve been reading along for some time now, you’ll know that my love for bespoke, vintage pieces for the home knows no bounds. Although this will be starting as a fun hobby-project, I’m still excited to see where it goes.
The Listening Corner is now The Consuming Corner to encompass a more broad array of delights! Here’s what I’ve been enjoying and savoring lately…
• Playlist: “Upstate” on Spotify
This playlist feels elevated, airy and like a big inhale of salt-laden air while driving down the coast. Needless to say, I cannot get enough of it this summer.
• Book: “Three Women” by Lisa Taddeo
I’m late to reading this, but am completely sucked into the stories and inner lives of the real women that Taddeo profiles in this compelling work of non-fiction. I’m currently a little more than halfway through, but am enjoying its raw, honest nature so far.
• Show: “Too Much” on Netflix
…alright, I know this show doesn’t technically make its debut until tomorrow (!), but it’s co-created by Lena Dunham, so I’m very excited to watch.
What is your approach to slow(er) living looking like these days? How are you most looking forward to spending the rest of July? As always, I’d love to hear about it all 🤍
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I can so so much relate to what you both Lindsay and Demi are saying. I have been in such a phase of “forced” slow living a couple of months ago and just as you said, I reached for my phone excessively, engaged in retail therapy on end and generally did all the things that made me feel empty and depleted. all that time I was wonderkind why I was so demotivated and was wondering where my drive has gone. your piece Lindsay gave words to that period and showed me, that I have been asking the wrong questions all along!
This speaks so deeply to where I’ve found myself lately. For me, the concept of slow living has never been about idleness—it’s about presence. It’s completing even the smallest tasks with intention, focus, and care. It simply softens the pace so we can create and move through life from a place of presence, not performance. And that shift, even when subtle, changes everything.
As for the rest of July—I’m leaning into light routines, creative moments when they come and time outdoors with my family. Trying not to rush through any of it, just letting it unfold slowly—but also honoring the creative person I am, and giving myself space to make, dream, and express along the way 💕