Today we share the first of a new series we are doing here at Meadowsweet Farmhouse. We approached some of our favourite people on instagram to share what they love about a slow, seasonal and natural approach to life. First up we have Isabella Rose Young, an artist, mother and slow living advocate. Definitely check out her swoon worthy instagram and her artworks as well which are pure delights!
We really hope you enjoy reading this interview and look forward to more from inspiring people who live aligned with our ethos here.
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Isabella, a young mother living slowly and seasonally in Aotearoa, New Zealand. My daughter and I share a deep love and sense of wonder for the natural world, where we spend much of our days outside learning, exploring, creating, playing or resting in our seaside cottage.
I grew up living in the suburbs and would always look forward to our regular visits to stay with my nana on her farm. I feel like this sparked my interest in embracing a slower, simpler and more meaningful way of living. Seeing value and delight in the little things.. Learning lost skills and looking to nature for inspiration, grounding and balance.
Before becoming a mother I was a practicing artist simultaneously studying my masters of Fine Arts degree. My practice worked with weather phenomena as a subject and co-producer to create multidisciplinary work ranging from large scale immersive paintings to technological devices embedded within fabric that would read live atmospheric conditions.
Nowadays I am still very much in touch with my creative practice which is ever expanding. I work from home as a part time artist and content creator/storyteller. This way of living very much very much suits our slower paced lifestyle and enables me to prioritise presence with my daughter.
What brought you to embrace a slower lifestyle?
Raised in a large family that values connection and community, I’ve always seen value in living a slower paced lifestyle. Though a pivotal turning point for me was understanding the impact of the climate crisis.
Rising sea levels, temperatures, plastic pollution, extinction, droughts, flooding and extreme weather conditions have been seen more abundantly than ever before. And for me, this was a wake up call that we should be living within our means or at the very least, avoid adding to the problem.
Many years ago now I began to rethink the concept of consumption and how this applied to my own life. Living in a fast paced world, a lot of unlearning needed to be done as it’s very much glorified to live in excess. From embracing slow fashion labels, thrifted clothing, eating seasonally to avoiding plastic and toxins entering the home.
Through this conscious way of living, I fell in love with how meaningful and grounding it feels.. to live slowly, seasonally, with purpose, consideration and grace.
What benefit do you get out of slow living?
Slow living provides an array of benefits that can enhance your life in many ways. From more presence, productivity and creativity to deeper relationships, more meaningful experiences and a reduction in anxiety and stress.
For me, embracing a slower pace of living has made my life feel more grounded and fulfilled than ever before. I value this way of being even more so as a mother, as it’s often considered normal in motherhood to rush around, ‘bounce back’ and live in chaos. Of course some days are busier and more disordered than others, which is where I feel grateful for grounding practices like taking conscious moments to breathe, be in nature, embrace mindfulness and presence.
Valuable wisdom can be gained when we look to the rhythms of nature.. accepting change and patience to bring about harmony and peace in our lives.
Which season do you love most and why?
Each season brings about a different pace of living and there is so much to be fond of in each. Like the winding down energy of autumn as the leaves change colour and fall.. winter’s cold weather that brings cosines and rest.. the new life and growth of spring.. or the joyful energy and adventures to be had in the warmth of summer.
Everything in nature exists cyclically and when we flow with the rhythms of the seasons, it reflects harmony and peace in our own lives, too.
If I had to choose a favourite season, it would be Spring. The regenerative, fresh energy it brings feels hopeful and romantic.. Metaphorically resonating with a sunrise; full of beauty and eagerness as the world wakes for a new day. I love the anticipation for the new life to come; the chicks hatch, lambs are born and flowers abundantly bloom. I’m very fond of Spring gardening, too.
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to move toward a more natural way of life?
It is a wonderful way of life to live naturally and a worthy shift indeed. Starting in the home, you could embrace philosophies and processes that your grandparents would have used like home cooked meals with wholesome ingredients, switching to organic cleaning and beauty products, start reading a good book, learn a new skill or simply enjoy a cup of tea under the trees.
There is a quote that we see more advertisements in a day than our grandparents would in a whole year.. and that is a lot of noise. Turning to nature is a powerful way to ground your energy, calm your mind and bring new inspiration.
I would also suggest reducing your screen time and embrace a hobby (or few) that make you feel curious and present. There are many somewhat lost activities that our ancestors would have found useful each day.. These include bread making, sewing, gardening, knitting, soap making, woodwork, herbal remedies and simply mending something that’s broken.
Three things you do everyday that form healthy habits or an example of a night or morning routine that helps.
I love to do these three things every night to set intentions for the new day:
Watch the sunset or the sun go down. Not only can this be beautiful and whimsical to watch, but acknowledging the sun go down and the sky become dark activates our natural circadian rhythm to get us relaxed and ready to wind down for bed.
Tidying spaces in the evening. This allows us to wake the next day to a clear space. My daughter is involved in the cleaning too where we will play some music and make fun out of going room to room popping things back in their place. We’ll do the dishes and clear the bench tops, put the toys back in their baskets and the clothes that are on the floor back into the closet. Doing this works as a form of winding down that also makes us tired and ready for bed!
Sleeping with my phone in a different room. Enables us to wind down for a deeper sleep without distractions. Blue light before bed can also disrupt our natural production of melatonin; the sleep regulating hormone. Sleeping with my phone in another room also removes the chance to see the time in the night which helps me to wake up naturally when my body feels ready.. usually when the first light streams through the curtains.
Any books, recommendations, shops or brands you love?
An honourable mention to thrifting! I love to support sustainable fashion, looking to pre-loved clothing first before buying anything new. So many beautiful and stylish garments can be found this way!
Thrifted clothing is booming at the moment (for very good reason) and can be found in person via second hand shops or online through marketplace, Depop and beyond.
When you support sustainable fashion practices, you’re also supporting the Earth and it’s regeneration 🫶
You can find Isabella in these places:
