When life feels hectic, we seek to slow down and slowing down can take many forms. We often shift gears as a party of one: while savoring a cup of coffee, cozying up with a book, or doing a quiet activity like drawing or writing. Rarely do we consider slowing down as a social event.
I came across a Silent Book Club a few months ago, and it had my number written all over it:
"We come together, get comfortable, and then we read quietly. It’s perfect."
It did sound perfect.
I have yet to attend since it's not immediately near me, but it got me thinking about different ways people desire to slow down and connect socially. In the world of retail and experiential marketing, the default for activating a space and bringing people together can involve a high dose of engagement and sensorial stimulation. Sometimes we do want that type of energy on the menu. But there are also times when we may want something more contemplative and still.
Reading, knitting, painting, and the like are active activities, but they fall much lower on the energy input/output scale. These slower, quieter activities also tend to be self-led and self-driven, unlike signing up for a workshop where you do or create something pre-subscribed by the venue and facilitator.
It's fun to participate in workshops that you do individually but together. Group activities and events like wreath making classes or paint & sips, get you out of ordinary routines and pastimes, but there's always the expectation of chatting and connecting through conversation while doing the thing you're there to do.
Slow Social connects people to places where they can collectively enjoy their slow and self-led activities.
The Offline Club in Amsterdam hit the scene earlier this year with a mission to help people "unplug, recharge, and reconnect", to themselves and others. And the club's popularity seems to be growing quickly. The group pops up in different cafes and venues around the city and creates the time and space for people to set their digital devices aside and connect over books, art, or writing. There might even be people who go and sit in meditation; the event feels pretty open.
With a defined program/designated times for quiet activity and active socializing, I like that I could expect to read a few chapters of my book outside bedtime hours, and chat with people about what we're reading, writing, or making.
Where Slow Social shines is in encouraging proper me-time — the quiet, self-led internal time that we all need now and then, while being in community without digital distractions.
Slow Social speaks to my introverted self, and I imagine it's the same for other introverts. I like being social but don't recharge my batteries that way — I need quiet, reflective time.
Slow Social might offer the best of both worlds.
