In our technology-driven world, where the pace of life can be overwhelming, the beauty of nature serves as a reminder of simplicity's grounding power.

Growing up on a Caribbean island with a small population, my childhood was steeped in the tranquility of nature. Mornings began gently, with dew on the taro leaves and the countryside awakening in a mystical light, filled with the scents of orange blossoms, sugar apples, and spices like cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg.

The rich aroma of coffee from our family farm, roasting over morning fires, blended with the warm scent of bread baked by my grandmother in our clay oven.

We referred to it as "the village," a term that resonated deeply. Here, every home was part of my extended family, surrounding me with a network of aunts, uncles, and cousins that made me feel secure.

When Caribbean and African individuals speak of returning to the Village, it signifies a deep reconnection to roots and a simpler way of life, where family ties and traditions are intricately woven into daily existence. This journey isn't merely a geographical return but a spiritual and emotional quest to rediscover a rich cultural heritage.

This journey also symbolizes a reawakening to the sounds, scents, and sights that have shaped generations, a reminder of the enduring resilience within Caribbean and African communities. Rediscovering the village often leads to reclaiming a timeless legacy amidst the world's constant change.

Fast forward to 2023 — the landscape has shifted drastically. Many have migrated to bustling cities in search of employment, often making this transition multiple times across generations. The allure of technology has captivated many, from residents of small Western towns to those seeking better opportunities abroad.

As life evolves, many find themselves yearning for simplicity and peace of mind.

We stand at the intersection of tradition and technology, where the emerging trend of the 'soft life' meets a longing for homesteading amid an era dominated by automation. As our lives become increasingly automated, a movement is rising that seeks solace in a more hands-on approach to living. This shift is not a mere fad but a significant return to nature and its rhythms, acting as a counterbalance to the impersonal nature of our digital age.

In this article, we will delve into how the 'soft life' philosophy, emphasizing ease and mindfulness, aligns with the age-old practice of homesteading. It represents a return to fundamental values, not out of necessity, but from a desire to slow down and appreciate life's simple joys. Join me as we explore this fascinating intersection where tradition meets modernity, creating a lifestyle that is both enchanting and deeply rooted in ancestral wisdom. Welcome to a gentle revolution, where the past and future blend to offer a more fulfilling present.

What does it mean to embrace the Soft Life?

The term "soft life" embodies a quest for ease and tranquility, often associated with minimal stress and challenges. Its interpretation varies widely: for some, it signifies a lifestyle defined by luxury and wealth, while for others, it represents a simpler existence unburdened by stress and heavy responsibilities. This concept can also encapsulate specific moments of tranquility, serving as an aspirational goal for how individuals wish to shape their lives.

The phrase gained significant traction in 2022, particularly among Black users on platforms like TikTok, with the hashtag "#softlife" becoming a marker of this trend. Individuals share stories of prioritizing peace over the grind, like someone stating, “I left my 9-to-5 to embrace the soft life.” I reached a similar point in 2018 and documented my journey in a blog post titled “8 things that happened when I took a 6-month break from the 9–5 grind!”

Since then, I've sought balance, living in a small town with a city garden that offers respite from the demands of work. The notion of a "soft life" suggests a lifestyle that is easy and requires little effort, a concept that dates back to at least the mid-1600s. It aligns closely with the idea of “the good life,” though the latter often carries connotations of leisure and luxury.

The trend of work-life balance gained momentum in 2020, advocating for a life free from the pressures of demanding jobs. The COVID-19 pandemic likely fueled this shift, particularly among young Black women, who began to prioritize personal wellbeing over traditional definitions of success and the exhausting pursuit of hard work.

Numerous online platforms now feature content tagged as soft life, including favorites like DIY House and Farm, a vlog by an American woman living in Ghana, and the Ghanaian vlogger Tatiana Haina, who explores African village food culture. Another inspiring creator is Jael of the Village, a Kenyan who traded city life for farming in her local village. Their content serves as a source of inspiration for those seeking similar escapes.

For those of us in Western cities, what does this trend imply? The initial thought may be that such a dream is unattainable. However, it reflects a human desire for reconnection to meaningful existence in a rapidly changing world.

This renewed interest in a simpler, interconnected lifestyle mirrors the sentiments of Romantic poets like William Wordsworth and William Blake, who sought a return to nature amid the Industrial Revolution's complexities. Their works lamented the disconnection from the natural world and critiqued the alienation caused by industrialization. Today, we find ourselves at a similar crossroads, with technology reshaping our lives and workplaces.

As we navigate this landscape, the pervasive influence of technology, with its focus on efficiency and productivity, can lead to feelings of disconnection. Just as Wordsworth and Blake sought solace in nature, modern individuals are increasingly drawn to lifestyles that provide relief from the digital deluge.

The allure of the "soft life" emphasizes simpler, more grounded living, responding to a deep-seated wish to regain control and find meaning in an uncertain world. This is not just about nostalgia but a conscious choice to adopt values and lifestyles that encourage a more fulfilling existence.

This longing for simplicity, evident in the rise of the "soft life" trend, transcends mere retreat from the digital age; it encapsulates a powerful declaration of how many wish to live. As technology often dictates our pace, there is an increasing awareness of the need for balance—a harmony between the digital and the natural, the efficient and the meaningful.

Today's advocates of the soft life strive to rediscover and reinstate the values of simplicity in a modern context. They integrate traditional wisdom into contemporary lifestyles, creating a blend that honors the past while embracing the future.

This movement is not merely about shunning technology; it’s about redefining our relationship with it, ensuring it enhances rather than detracts from our quality of life.

As we navigate this new terrain, the soft life serves as a guiding philosophy, charting a course toward a more intentional and satisfying existence amid the complexities of the 21st century.

The essence of the "soft life" movement is a compelling call to action—not just for those who can physically return to a village, but for all of us seeking balance in our tech-centric lives. This philosophy transcends geographical boundaries, offering a mindset that can be embraced wherever we are. It challenges us to rethink our relationship with technology, using it as a tool to enhance our lives rather than define them.

While not everyone can retreat to a rural paradise, we can incorporate elements of this 'village mindset' into our daily routines.

This may involve setting boundaries with our digital devices, prioritizing face-to-face interactions, or participating in activities that ground us in the physical world. It’s about interspersing our tech-saturated lives with moments of simplicity and authenticity.

The path toward a more balanced existence, harmonizing with technology, starts with small, intentional choices. Let’s draw inspiration from the "soft life" movement to realign our priorities, create spaces for genuine connections, and reintegrate the human touch in a digitized environment. It’s time to redefine success and fulfillment, both individually and collectively, as we navigate this ever-evolving landscape. Let’s commit to reshaping technology’s role in our lives, embracing it as a facilitator of our human experience rather than its defining characteristic.

About me: Hello, I’m Kem-Laurin, co-founder of Human Tech Futures and a doctoral student at the University of Waterloo. My research focuses on identity construction through contemporary case studies, examining how citizens' data is collected and used. My goal is to foster a critical understanding that leads to developing concrete principles for AI-powered design systems, informed by my experience in systems design.

Professionally, I serve as a Principal HCD Strategist and Design Thinking Coach. Previously, I led design and research teams at Blackberry, Autodesk, and Siemens in Munich and Princeton. In my free time, I cultivate layered tropical gardens while my 135-pound German Shepherd looks on. I feel fortunate to have traveled to over 25 countries before the world changed, gaining diverse human experiences. I also mentor students and emerging HCD researchers who aspire to improve the world.