Embracing Slow Living: Creating a Sanctuary in a World That Moves Too Fast

By Rachel Schemmerling, Timeless Living Designs

Embracing Slow Living: Creating a Sanctuary in a World That Moves Too Fast

Is life moving faster? Or just it does feel sometimes unbearably so. We’ve seen disasters shake our sense of security: the destruction nature can unleash, the horrors of 9/11, the isolation of a global pandemic, the weight of civil unrest, and the recklessness of rogue leaders. And beyond the collective struggles, there are our deeply personal ones—divorce, loss, illness, and the quiet ache of time slipping through our fingers. We’ve all been through so much.

And yet, despite it all, the world is still breathtakingly beautiful. If anything, these hardships sharpen our awareness of life’s fleeting nature, making us crave something deeper, something more intentional. We long to slow down—to truly taste life. To feel the soft linens beneath our fingertips. To bite into a ripe summer peach and let the juice run down our chin. To breathe deeply, inhaling the crisp morning air.

This is the essence of slow living. It’s about being present in your own life, creating spaces that nurture you, and surrounding yourself with beauty that feeds your soul.

Designing Your Sanctuary: A Home That Holds You

Your home should be a reflection of this way of living—a sanctuary, a retreat, a place where the outside noise fades and you are met with comfort, peace, and beauty. But creating that kind of space takes intention. It takes an understanding of how design supports well-being, how texture, color, and light can influence our emotions, and how the objects we surround ourselves with can either drain or uplift us.

That’s why I’m developing DIY design plans for one room at a time that are easy to implement on your own for one flat fee—to help you effortlessly transform your home into a place that nurtures and restores you. Whether it’s a cozy reading nook bathed in natural light, a bedroom that feels like a luxury retreat, or a dining space that encourages long, lingering conversations over candlelight, I design with the rhythms of slow living in mind. Every detail matters—because every detail shapes how you feel in your space.

A New Community for Women: A Place to Heal, Connect, and Learn

But slow living isn’t just about the physical spaces we create—it’s also about the relationships we cultivate, the wisdom we seek, and the way we show up for ourselves. That’s why I’m launching a new community for women who, like you, crave more than just a beautifully designed home. This is a space to heal from life’s struggles, to connect with like-minded women who understand the value of slowing down, and to learn how to infuse more meaning, beauty, and well-being into everyday life. I call it, The Ginger Jar Society. Why the Ginger Jar?

The Meaning Behind the Ginger Jar Society

For centuries, the ginger jar has been a symbol of beauty, history, and connection. Originally crafted in ancient China to store and transport valuable spices, these jars were later treasured as decorative pieces—passed down through generations, blending cultures, and telling stories of timeless elegance.

Much like the women in our community, the ginger jar holds both strength and grace. It represents the richness of life, the wisdom of shared experiences, and the beauty that comes from honoring tradition while embracing new possibilities.

That is the heart of The Ginger Jar Society—a space for women to:

Heal – Just as a ginger jar once held precious contents, we hold our own stories, triumphs, and struggles. This community is a place to restore, reflect, and find balance.

Connect – A ginger jar is meant to be displayed, shared, and admired. The same is true for the connections we build—deep, meaningful relationships with like-minded women who support and inspire each other.

Learn – Every ginger jar carries history, artistry, and tradition. Here, we embrace lifelong learning—exploring wellness, slow living, interior design, and the art of creating a beautiful and intentional life.

The Ginger Jar Society is more than just a community—it’s a gathering of women who appreciate the beauty of life, the value of meaningful connection, and the power of creating a life well-lived.

Are you ready to slow down, connect, and cultivate a sanctuary in both your home and your heart?

Through curated experiences, conversations, and shared moments of inspiration, this community will help you step fully into the life you deserve—one filled with intention, grace, and joy.

If you’re feeling the pull to slow down, to embrace a life rich with meaning, and to create a home and lifestyle that truly nourish you, I invite you to join me on this journey.

Because life moves fast—but we have the power to shape how we experience it.

Are you ready to create your sanctuary and embrace the art of slow living? Let’s begin.

Email or message me to connect. I look forward to hearing from you.