The resurgence of the #softlife: Finding balance in the automated age

The rolling hills and quiet streams whisper a reminder that in our fast-paced, tech-driven world, nature’s simplicity remains a grounding force. — Unknown.

Nestled in the verdant interior on a Caribbean island, with a population of less than 160,000, my childhood was a serene journey through nature’s embrace. Each dawn broke with a whisper, as dew kissed the taro leaves near our home, and the countryside awoke under a foggy, ethereal light. The air was always filled with fragrances like orange blossoms, sugar apples, and a hint of cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg, weaving a spell of sweet and spicy notes.

The deep, comforting aroma of coffee beans, freshly plucked from our family farm, roasting slowly over crackling morning fires, mingling with the earthy fragrance of bread that Grandma expertly baked, in the well-seasoned clay oven on my family compound.

We called it the village!

A word understood by all. It was here that every house belonged to my wider family compound and I felt safe surrounded by countless aunts, uncles and cousins.

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