SLOW talks #1: Livia Helen
At SLOW, we don't create collaborations, but friendships. One such thing was created with Liv - a young mother, creator of a project to cultivate femininity, lover of nature and a slow lifestyle. We talked to Livia Helen about whether a slow lifestyle can be combined with a baby.
"My only ambition is to live a contented and fulfilled life."
Lívia, so what - is it possible?
I don't dare to say this in general, but for myself I can say with a clear conscience that it is possible. However, I have also accepted the possibility that it won't work. I see not clinging to the fulfillment of one's own wishes as key to their fulfillment. :)
My wish was that with the arrival of my child - Atreya, I could continue to devote myself to... what nourishes me - my creation, which I can also call work. I also wished it would go smoothly and slowness and especially to make it sustainable for me, for my son and for my work. I am very grateful that it is coming true. I do not take it for granted. It would not work without the help of my mother Helen and Atrey's godmother Zuzana, with whom I currently collaborate on creating retreats for women. So while I am dedicated to the women, they spend time with Atrey. Atrey loves them and I am pleased that these moments benefit both of us.
What does SLOW living mean to you?
For me, SLOW living is a state of being. A state in which inner peace, tranquility, and essential slowness are dominant. A state of being that is in symbiosis with all living things around.
"Even in the work area, satisfaction is the most important thing for me. I don't have the need to achieve specific goals."
What is it like to be a young and ambitious mother?
Actually, I'm not very ambitious. My only ambition is to live a happy and fulfilled life. :) As for my work goals and commitment, since I had my son, I have slowed down a lot and set healthy boundaries for myself, which I haven't been able to set for a long time. Even in the work area, satisfaction is currently the most important thing for me. I don't have the need to achieve specific goals.
How do you involve Atreyu in your activities and responsibilities?
Atrey is absolutely adaptable to all my activities, which makes me really happy. He is also much happier when I am nourished through self-realization. My main job is currently organizing retreats, sometimes I accompany rituals and since Atrey loves meeting new people and being "in the center of events" he goes with me everywhere. I usually have him in a carrier with me, or he is with our loved ones near me, and whenever he needs his mom, I simply interrupt my activities and am there first. for him. It all requires flexibility. If the mother and the child are in harmony, it works.
"I wish every mother relief from the need to be the perfect mother. May we all be happy first and foremost."
How is your project going now?
It's blooming. :) I'm currently focusing my creative energy on the Onna Retreats project - retreats for cultivating femininity. We plan to make our retreats more regular and are also working on organizing them abroad.
What would you say to working mothers?
I wish every mother relief from the need to be a perfect mother. May we all be happy first and foremost. :)
"It's already quite cold here, especially in the morning, and when I wrap Atreyu in a jumpsuit, he stays perfectly warm. And most importantly, he can move freely in it."
And how about SLOW living?
I think it's about letting go of needs. Many of our needs are just an illusion. Many are chasing after, not even knowing what they are after. As one need is fleetingly satisfied, another one immediately emerges. It's a game of ego that prevents us from awakening to the fullness that is within reach at every moment.
You and Atrey spend a lot of time outdoors and since we wanted to give you something, we chose a merino overall from Engel. How satisfied are you with it?
First of all, thank you. :) It's already quite cold here, especially in the morning, and when I wrap Atreyu in it, he stays completely warm. And what's important is that he can move freely in it. By the way, a few days ago we had a visitor from Bratislava and they brought Atreyu a gift - an Engel jacket from you, so we have it in stock. :)
Liv is taking a break from social media these days and is currently unavailable on Instagram. You can find her inspiring texts, beautiful photos, and information about retreats outside of her break under the name @liviaheleen.
ANGEL NATURE
A German family business that has been producing underwear and clothing for over 80 years. ENGEL specializes mainly in merino wool products. The products are made exclusively from mulesing free wool, which is obtained from sustainable sources. You can find the entire offer below or in person at Medená 17 in Bratislava.
