Life can move fast. Between work, family, constant notifications, and the never-ending to-do list, it’s easy to get caught in a cycle of rushing and reacting. But your nervous system was never designed to operate in overdrive all the time. It needs space. It needs slowness. It needs care.

That’s why I’ve been leaning into slow living — small, intentional choices that make daily life feel softer and more manageable. And honestly? Sometimes slow living looks like prepping a few freezer bag meals so that my future self doesn’t have to decide what’s for dinner on a busy night.

Because here’s the thing: somatic living — living in and with your body — isn’t just about the time we spend on our yoga mat. It’s about how we show up for ourselves in the everyday moments, too.

Somatic Yoga Goes Beyond the Mat 

When we think about somatic yoga, we often imagine gentle, mindful movement — slowing down, tuning in, and allowing ourselves to really feel what’s happening in the body. But the same principles apply to how we live our lives off the mat:

• Pausing to Notice → What do I need right now? What does my body need later today?

• Creating Safety → When we know what’s coming next, our nervous system relaxes.

• Choosing Ease Over Overwhelm → Supporting your future self is one of the most grounding things you can do.

And honestly? Something as simple as spending 15 minutes prepping a freezer bag meal can be a somatic practice. It’s not about the food itself — it’s about creating space for your body and mind to rest later.

Hearty Veggie Chili (Easy Freezer Crock Pot Recipe) 

Makes: ~6 servings per bag
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours on low (or 3–4 hours on high)

Ingredients (per freezer bag)

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained & rinsed

• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained & rinsed

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1 cup frozen bell peppers (or ~1 medium fresh bell pepper, diced)

• 1 cup frozen corn (or 1 cup fresh corn cut from the cob)

• ½ cup frozen diced onion (or ½ medium fresh onion, diced)

• 2 tsp jarred minced garlic (or 2 fresh cloves, minced)

• 1½ cups vegetable broth

Spices (per bag):

• 1 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional but adds depth)

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• (Optional) ½ tsp red pepper flakes for heat

Assembly Instructions 

1. Label four gallon-sized freezer bags with “Hearty Veggie Chili” + today’s date.

2. Divide all ingredients evenly into the four bags, adding the spices first, then veggies, beans, and broth.

3. Squeeze out air, seal tightly, and lay flat in your freezer.

4. When ready to cook, dump one bag into the crockpot and cook on LOW 6–7 hours or HIGH 3–4 hours.

Serving Suggestion: Top with avocado, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, or fresh cilantro for a cozy, comforting bowl.

Hearty Veggie Chili Shopping List 

Everything you need to prep four freezer bags — about 24 servings total!

Planning ahead like this doesn’t just save time — it supports your nervous system by reducing decision fatigue on busy nights.

Pantry Items (check your kitchen first!)

• 4 cans black beans (15 oz each) → ~60 oz total

• 4 cans kidney beans (15 oz each) → ~60 oz total

• 4 cans diced tomatoes (14.5 oz each) → ~58 oz total

• 6 cups vegetable broth → 1 large 32 oz carton + 1 small 16 oz carton, or grab 2 large cartons to keep extra on hand

Fresh or Frozen Veggies

You can choose fresh or frozen — frozen is easier and lasts longer!

• Bell peppers: 4 cups total → about 3–4 medium fresh peppers OR 1 (16 oz) frozen bag

• Corn: 4 cups total → about 3–4 fresh ears of corn OR 1 (16 oz) frozen bag

• Onion: 2 cups diced onion → 2 medium fresh onions OR 1 (12 oz) frozen diced onion bag

• Garlic: 8 cloves total → or 3 tbsp jarred minced garlic

Spices & Seasonings

(If you don’t already have these, they’re worth keeping in your pantry!)

• Chili powder → 4 tbsp total (about ¼ cup)

• Ground cumin → 4 tsp total

• Smoked paprika → 2 tsp total (optional but adds great flavor)

• Salt → 2 tsp

• Black pepper → 1 tsp

• Red pepper flakes (optional for heat) → 2 tsp

Optional Toppings

• Avocado slices

• Shredded cheese

• Tortilla chips

• Fresh cilantro (my FAVE)

Pro Tip 

Set up a freezer meal prep station:

• Lay out all four bags

• Add your spices first

• Then divide veggies, beans, and broth evenly

• Breathe deeply as you work — meal prep can become a somatic slow-living ritual

*Try these compostable freezer bags to reduce plastic waste in our landfills!

Why This Is a Somatic Slow Living Practice

This recipe isn’t just about saving time — it’s about taking care of yourself. By setting aside a little time to prep now, you’re reducing stress later. You’re creating moments of spaciousness in your week where you can rest, breathe, and enjoy dinner without the overwhelm.

Somatic yoga teaches us that slowing down and tuning into what our body needs creates safety for the nervous system. The same is true in the kitchen. When you choose ease, you’re choosing regulation.

So, when you’re chopping veggies or sealing freezer bags, notice your breath. Feel your feet on the ground. Savor the calm of knowing your future self is cared for.