The sentimentality of writing
Are we trying to find a simpler life through our writing practices.
Over recent years there has been a huge movement to take life back to simpler times. People are moving to cottages in the middle of no where, growing their own food and downgrading their mobile phones to basic models. Alongside this movement, we have seen more and more people learning traditional crafts like crochet, sewing and woodwork. More and more people are growing their own vegetables and cooking from scratch. Sales of paper books has skyrocketed and more and more people are using physical stationery for planning, diaries and even letter writing.
What has caused this trend?
I have a couple of theories, firstly, I think the more we are forced to use technology for essential tasks, the more we want to get as far away as possible from it when we can. This was evident during the pandemic. Most people were suddenly spending all their working hours online and then having to socialise online too and the increase in screen time meant that when they could they reached for a book, jigsaw or other traditional pastime.
I also think that, as we increasingly live a distance away from our loved ones, there is a desire to connect with our ancestors through our actions. I know that whenever I do gardening I feel more connected to my Grandparents. This is partly because I have some of their tools, but also because it is an activity I associate with them.
What do you think? Are you embracing the slower life?
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