Welcome to the Un-Rush Newsletter. A place to help you face a hurried world.

This is your go-to source that gives you the clarity and confidence you need to pursue the power of slow and to fight the absurdity of rushing.

Photo © John McDermott

WHAT IS Un-Rush?

Un-Rush-The Power of Slow is the go-to source for deeper insights into the absurdity of rushing and for inspirational stories on successful implementations of “slowing down” concepts.

You will get the tools to face a hurried word with greater confidence in your “Power of Slow”.

This place was created to boost your self-confidence and conviction regarding slowing down by providing you with evidence and sources that the power of slow outperforms the hurry culture.

You'll discover profiles of individuals and organizations who challenged society's obsession with speed by deliberately embracing slowness in our fast-paced world.

And, you will find the arguments and confirmation that will help you to build a life based on connection, substance, and values.

Join a growing community of like-minded rebels standing up to the hurry culture without guilt.

To the Rebels against a rushing world,

You probably experienced times when talking about slowing down and its benefits, you were met with hopeless looks along the lines of "Sounds great, but unfortunately, it doesn't work in today's world!"
I have.
Many times.

We have come to accept a loud, hustle-driven, and overwhelming world. Slowing down, thoughtfulness, and awareness are misunderstood and underrated. You’ve been sold this broken idea that only an everything-now culture and a keep-running-and-don’t-think attitude will bring you progress and fortune.
Do you still believe that?
I don’t.

You live in a society based on speed and productivity. Moving slowly seems like a radical act. Is it radical to not follow the herds of speed-addicted sheep around you?
Maybe it is.
But that’s exactly the fun and the change you can create.

The truth is that the sheep herd often confuses speed and busyness with efficiency and success. Do you want to be one of them?

The question you should ask yourself is this: When do you start seeing speed as a problem and not as a solution? And why don't you start looking at slowing down as a solution and not as a problem?

Stick around if you want to join me and a community of like-minded rebels on the journey to stand up against the high-stress levels of an urgency culture.

Because the smartest people in the world are slowing down, not speeding up. There are individuals, organizations, and businesses out there who recognize the benefits of slowing down, which comes with valuing relationships over transactions and long-term thinking over short-term superficiality. They understand that slowing down is about prioritizing to spend the right amount of time on the things that matter most.

When you want to work and act with a balanced mind, intention, consideration, and long-term consistency, then: un-rush. Slow down. And show yourself and the world that this is the way forward.

I'm secretly plotting my own obsolescence – hoping you'll graduate to such zen-like un-rushed balance that you'll retire me to the inspirational writer hall of fame.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

• A deep dive into examples of businesses and people who successfully implemented a slow and thoughtful approach to mastering life and work.

• Analysis and conclusions of why and what makes the slow approach successful.

• Arguments and insights to help you work on your mindset, how to create your life and lifestyle according to your personal rhythm, and feel confident in doing so.

• Injections from the point of view of Japanese philosophy about the mutually perpetuating forces of slow and fast (based on my living and working experience in Japan and martial arts practices).

• Occasionally, learnings and stories from my Alpine lifestyle choice of living in South Tyrol, a region blending the best of two worlds: the industrious, organized German way mixed with the Italian way of enjoying life and taking things not too seriously.

WHAT THIS IS NOT ABOUT?

This is not about giving you tips on daily slowing-down rituals. There is so much wonderful material out there where you can find tips on meditation, relaxation, “detox’ation” from your smartphone and social media, etc.). I can’t compete with that and won’t be of much help to you if I provide even more of it.

You will also not find a struggle to-find-my-slow-life story – ‘cause there isn’t one. Friends and colleagues always valued that my input and advice come from a place of inner calm and balance as well as level-headed research. And that’s what you will get served here as well.

WHO IS IT FOR?

Un-Rush is for:

• CURIOUS THINKERS who question whether our addiction to speed and busyness actually yields happiness and progress, or if it leads to destruction and dissatisfaction instead.

• SELF-AWARE PEOPLE who want to build their confidence and reasoning that slowing down is the smarter way to move forward in a rushing world that worships speed and busyness over depth and quality.

• REBELS who have (or want to have) the guts to stand up to a rushing world and are looking for confirmation and proof that they are on the right path.

• DOERS who like to join a community of like-minded thinkers and doers, ditching the motto “move fast and break things” and turning to dignified calmness and serenity.

WHO IS IT NOT FOR?

This is not for:

• The speed-addicted who don’t want to let go of their addiction to hurry, octuple-tasking, and their 24/7 craziness. Because I can’t convince you to slow down, no matter how many smart arguments I deliver.

• The proud busy bee who glorifies busyness and believes in the hype of high-stress levels, uber-productivity, and fast-paced living.

The Benefits of an Un-Rush Membership

With a free subscription, you will receive regular newsletters with stories and insights.

If you become a paying member, you get a lot more:

• A deeper dive into the stories of successful slowing down concepts

• Access to an online community of like-minded slow-power rebels (e.g. regular zoom meetings)

• A bi-monthly digital magazine (flipbook) with all the articles, locations, and book tips from the previous two months.

• Pre-invites to exclusive in-person events (think educational and inspiring Gathering-Retreat on un-rushing and the world of slow power in a historic castle in northern Italy)

• Access to all archived posts

The support of premium members of Un-Rush make this work possible.

For $5,- a month or $50,- a year you can become a premium member.

WHO IS WRITING Un-Rush?

Hi, I’m Claudia, a writer and event creator obsessed with seeking evidence that the power of slow creates a better world. I’m also passionate about connecting fascinating people who inspire each other (through in-person events).

I pair empathy and practicality while giving you insights and connections.

My body and mind are constantly moving, and full of energy and ideas. But, hey, don’t rush me or stress me out. It just sucks the soul and love out of living life on your own terms and doing the things I like to do. Keeping up with the digital Joneses is necessary, but equally necessary is to keep up with strong values such as quality, thoughtfulness, and awareness.

I come from business and advertising in Germany, fell in love with Japanese culture and traditional Japanese philosophy while living and working in Tokyo, and started writing, organizing events, and managing non-profits in the intersection of culture and business during my fourteen years in San Francisco. Along the way, I added another degree in journalism, started several blogs, wrote articles on Asian cultural stuff, and wrote with fellow authors the book “ENOUGH-Unlock a Life of Abundance Starting Right Where You Are”.

“Dear Claudia, life is about details and unfortunately, many people don’t pay attention to the details - “Paying Attention” pays off. You write about paying attention and slowing down – and attention to detail opens the door to everything! Your listening skills are as sharp as a tack. Those who listen and read will learn from you. We all listen to some degree, but we need to listen with attention. I think our brains have been hijacked by too many rings, dings, and social media machines. Keep doing your good work!” – Olivia Stewart

“Dear Claudia, I enjoyed your Newsletter. Not only are you a master of writing, as demonstrated in each of your newsletters, but what makes your writing stand out is the soul that it carries. You have a straightforward and clear writing style, yet you manage to convey something deeper and meaningful between the lines. It's evident that you strongly believe in what you write. I believe that this is what is called authenticity, and it's a very pleasant trait.” – Gottfried Schaefer