Embracing A Cottagecore Lifestyle in Jamaica

Cottagecore is a term I first heard late last year, and I instantly fell in love. I realize I was already living by and gravitating towards several of its principles for years; I just didn’t know about the terminology. For starters, cottagecore is an aesthetic and lifestyle movement of the 2010s which celebrates rural living and places an emphasis on nature, traditional skills, and a slower pace of life. In Jamaica, our version of cottagecore is ital– the lifestyle Rastas have been promoting since the 1930s which prompted them to move out the city, establish off-grid villages with their own schools and live off the land. Here’s what cottagecore is all about + how to embrace this lifestyle in Jamaica.

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Cottagecore Principles

Cottagecore helps me cope with negative feelings because it always gives me something positive to look forward to. While there’s no definitive set of principles for cottagecore, as it’s more of an aesthetic and lifestyle movement, certain themes and values are commonly associated with it. Here are some principles often embraced by those who are drawn to cottagecore:

1. Simplicity: Cottagecore emphasizes simplicity in lifestyle, focusing on the basic pleasures of life and cherishing the simple joys found in nature and domestic activities. Cottagecore embraces beauty in all its forms, and encourages individuals to surround themselves with the objects and experiences which bring them joy and inspire creativity.
2. Connection with Nature: A strong bond with nature is central to cottagecore. This involves spending time outdoors, gardening, foraging, and appreciating the beauty of the natural world, a sharp contrast to the fast-paced nature of modern urban living. Cottagecore prioritizes making time to appreciate the little things, savoring moments, and embracing a leisurely approach to daily tasks.
3. Traditional Skills and Crafts: Cottagecore enthusiasts often value traditional skills and crafts such as knitting, sewing, baking, and preserving food. These activities connect individuals to past generations and promote self-sufficiency.

In short, cottagecore romanticizes a slow rural life, one far removed from the stressful hustle and bustle of city life. However, cottagecore is more of a mindset and a continuum. I haven’t moved to the country, and you don’t have to either! Here’s how I embrace cottagecore right where I am, and I hope it’ll inspire you to embrace cottagecore too, wherever you are.

My Cottagecore Life in the City

Living a cottagecore life in the city can be a delightful challenge, blending elements of rural charm with urban practicality. Here’s how I practice urban cottagecore:

• Surround Yourself With Nature: I’m fortunate enough to have an outdoor garden, but even before I did, I used to have a snake plant indoors and there are tons of other plants which thrive indoors too. Fill your space with potted plants, herbs, and flowers to bring a touch of nature indoors. Consider hanging planters, vertical gardens, or window boxes to maximize space. Right now, I’m honing my green thumb with dozens of palms, heliconias, cacti, succulents, two bougainvillea and a few other plants. My herb/vegetable garden only has lemongrass (fever grass) and aloe, but I plan to expand soon. Other aspects of nature make great décor too like rocks, pine cones, shells and other paraphernalia which you can collect yourself! There’s a cool story behind all the rocks and pine cones in my home. I also have a bamboo windchime and two hummingbird feeders. I’ve yet to spot any hummingbirds using it, but I’m learning to be patient. 🙂

• Enjoy Slow Mornings: In the tropics we get sunrise and sunset around the same time all year so I’ve decided to take advantage of this privilege and do away with alarms and allow the sun to wake me naturally. Aside from 24-hour shifts which disrupt this pattern, my routine now involves bedtime by 11pm and rising with the sun. I use that morning time stillness to read, pray, journal or just sit and be. I also have a simple breakfast and savour my morning cup of coffee or tea, rather than gulping it in a rush. That way, I start each day with inner peace before braving the madness which is Kingston traffic. If you’re fortunate enough to, embrace slow mornings too. Your digestive system may also thank you for it, like mine has.
• DIY: As much as possible, try to do things yourself to build your self sufficiency. A year of home ownership has taught me so much like dealing with blocked pipes, painting, spreading wallpaper, gardening, weeding and I’ve even tried new things in the kitchen like air-fryer recipes and making my own sorrel last Christmas. There’s no feeling more satisfying than admiring what you’ve done and built with your own hands.

• Connect with Nature: Seek out green spaces in the city where you can immerse yourself in nature and find solace from the urban hustle. In Kingston, we have PLENTY of options as I’ve highlighted here. I visit parks, botanical gardens, rivers, waterfalls, old ruins and the mountains to recharge and reconnect with the natural world. Take leisurely walks, practice yoga outdoors, or simply sit and observe the beauty around you.
• Survival Shows: Allow yourself to daydream and live vicariously through like-minded individuals who may be further along their cottagecore journey through survival shows and homestead YouTube channels! My current top picks are Naked and Afraid and Homestead Rescue on Discovery, and Life on Promise View Acres, a young Black couple making life on a 21-acre homestead in the USA.

My Cottagecore Aspirations

• Embrace More Handmade & Homemade: I plan to plant some veggies in the near future, and find new recipes to prepare everything I harvest. Eventually, I want to pick up painting and learning how to make things which we’re used to getting from the store such as bread, jams, preserves and pastries. Hopefully I can bake my first fruit cake this Christmas instead of buying one from the store.
• Create a Cozy Reading Nook: I’d love to dedicate a corner of my home or yard as a cozy reading nook where I can finally get back to my childhood & teenage hobby of reading physical novels. Hopefully, I can accomplish this in 2025 after completing residency.
• Eventually, I’d love to try more homesteading activities like composting, upcycling and even more DIY like macramé.

Wrap Up

Cottagecore or ital living, whatever you want to call it, is a life which embraces simplicity, sustainability and self sufficiency. The closer I draw to these principles is the happier I feel and the less negative emotions I experience. I’ve created an oasis which makes me excited to come home, and I encourage you to create one too. Outside is great, but inside can be even better.

If you liked this post, you may also enjoy:

• 100 Ways to Self Care
• Self Care Advice for Moms
• What I Love About Kingston, Jamaica

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