A Year to Slow Down: A Christian guide to embracing handmade & homegrown

by Rachel Bearn

Overview

For many of us, the modern world is overwhelming. Fast-paced. Hard-edged. Exhausting. People are craving more peace. It's no wonder we have seen the social media trend of returning to traditional skills and ways of life. People are craving change. A return to simple and peaceful living. But could this be more than a pretty aesthetic? Is there more connection to be found in living a handmade, homegrown and slow life?

In A YEAR TO SLOW DOWN Rachel Bearn shares her own experience of how reducing her pace helped her begin to heal from severe chronic illness and connect deeper with her faith. Over twelve months she shares the benefits of living slowly, quietly and in the present moment, dependent on God and God alone - as he always intended for us.

This is a practical guidebook that takes readers through the four seasons of the year, incorporating the festivals and celebrations that have punctuated the Christian calendar for generations and encouraging you to live seasonally and in the moment.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780281091133
Publisher:	SPCK (Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge)
Publication date:	11/04/2025
Pages:	200
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.00(d)

About the Author

Rachel Bearn is a freelance writer and digital content creator. She inspires thousands of people every day on her Instagram and YouTube to live their best handmade, homegrown, and slow life. Rachel studied creative writing at Oxford Universitybefore taking up her first writing role as a contributor to We Are Tearfund's online magazine writing about sustainable and ethical fashion. Rachel then went on to study an MA in Nature and Travel Writing and since graduating has been working as a freelance writer and digital content creator. Rachel writes articles for a number of national publications and works regularly creating digital content for many crafting brands. Rachel lives her best cottage core life in a 'mini homestead' in the Cotswold with her husband and rescue greyhound, Pearl. She is based in UK.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Section One: WINTER
Chapter One: Slowing Down
Chapter Two: Epiphany
Chapter Three: Using Your Hands
Chapter Four: Lent
Section Two: SPRING
Chapter Five: Gardening
Chapter Six: Easter
Chapter Seven: Clothes
Section Three: SUMMER
Chapter Eight: Nature
Chapter Nine: Entertainment and Community
Chapter Ten: Harvest
Section Four: AUTUMN
Chapter Eleven: Food
Chapter Twelve: Home
Chapter Thirteen: Advent and Christmas

Editorial Reviews

"RACHEL BEARN was forced to halt the pace of life when she became chronically ill in her twenties. But something born out of privation blossomed into a kinder way of living, one in harmony with the natural rhythms of the earth, the counsel of the Bible, the Church's year, and the habits that were second nature to our grandmothers... She calls it "a Christian guide to embracing the handmade and homegrown". It is a veritable Mrs Beeton's Book of Household Management in some respects, packed with practical suggestions for everything from making lavender soap and and garlic butter to cutting down on screen time and and looking after your knitwear; for living life at such a pace has lost us all connection to the home, she suggests." 

Pat Ashworth

'Join Rachel, a gentle guide to all things slow and intentional, as she prompts us to consider what really matters in life. Her lovely and thought-provoking book is one to return to throughout the seasons as we wake up to God's wonders around us. I can't wait to make the cheese and wild garlic scones...'

Amy Boucher Pye

'At a time when our world seems to be changing so quickly, when the uncertainty of the future can feel so overwhelming and I often want to hide away from marketing messages vying for our attention, Rachel's book is a gift! Her quietly wise words gently take us by the hand and remind us to travel with God through life to enjoy and protect his creation.'

Sarah P. Corbett

'When did chronic busyness become normal? And what if we can no longer live at warp-speed for whatever reason? Rachel's writing and hard-earned insight help the weary soul to recalibrate, allowing us to rediscover rhythms, practices and mindsets that restore us physically and emotionally. This book is a much needed dose of wisdom for every season.'

Cathy Madavan

'With theological depth and quiet resilience, Rachel weaves her personal story of chronic illness, creativity and faith into a rich tapestry of slow living and spiritual presence. Her words are gentle, grounded and truly life-giving - a balm for the weary and a compass for those seeking a quieter, more rooted way to live with God. Thank you, Rachel, for all this hard-earned truth-telling, it was a gift to me and I know it will be to others too.'

Jo Hargreaves

'In a culture that constantly demands we do more and more, this book invites us to step into the life of simplicity that Jesus offers and shows us the joy of finding more in less.'

Dr Jon Room

'A gentle guide from a wise friend on seeking a slower pace amid a racing world with practical tips to help us make it a reality - comforting and challenging in equal measures.'

Rachael Newham