Going slow ( Friday 03 August 2007 )

In a rushaholic life, the slow movement has become big news world-wide.

In this mad, mad world we live in, everything revolves around speed: fast cars, fast food, fast sport and you've guessed it, fast delivery. So, for better health and retaining some sanity, more and more people are turning to Slow.

Capespan's Angelo Petersen knows about life in the fast lane. He's assistant to the Capespan Group managing director. That means life's hectic. But he's a firm believer in Slow. He explained, “It's all about taking time to enjoy things Slowly - playing with the kids, a Slow meal, a Slow stroll.” Indeed, Slow brings balance back into modern life.

Challenging the cult of speed, the Slow movement was started in Italy and researched by Carl Honorè when he launched his book In praise of Slow. Since then, his website has become the meeting place to exchange ideas about Slowness. Capespan chairman Dr Paul Clüver has taken note of the Slow philosophy and recently launched Slow wine to accompany Slow food. Follow these ideas for an invigoratingly Slow life.

BEFORE WORK: # Play music while enjoying a Slow healthy breakfast # Leisurely drink a Slow smoothie made of carrots, banana, yoghurt, spirulina, nuts, honey and of course always drink enough water during the day

LUNCH BREAK: # Plan a weekend trip to a Slow spot # Play a game of putt-putt # Drink a Slow fruit juice on crushed ice at a sidewalk venue and watch the passersby

EVENINGS: # Catch a good fireside read with a Slow glass of vino # Play Scrabble or chess # Listen to some more classical music # Play with your pets # Lie on the grass and watch the stars

WEEKENDS: # Eat fruit salad # Walk in a forest # Build sand castles on the beach # Write letters to dear friends - yes, the ones using a pen on paper (remember them?) # Potter in the garden # Go bird-watching

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