สโลว์ไลฟ์: ความหมายและวิถีชีวิตในชุมชนพันพรรณ อำภอแม่แตง จังหวัดเชียงใหม่

Abstract

This research aims to study the meaning of life, the definition of slow life, and way of life in Pun Pun community, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai Province. The research is qualitative using the interpretative phenomenological analysis approach. The key informants consisted of 5 inhabitants in Pun Pun community. Data were collected by utilizing the in-depth interview. The content was analyzed by the methodology of the interpretative phenomenological analysis together with the application of the meaning of life theory. Collected data were reviewed for completion by key informants and a thesis advisor. The results of the research were divided into three main issues. The first issue was the meaning of life, where key informants defined their meaning of life through experiences which could be categorized into three values. 1) Self-esteem, which was the determined action that aimed to benefit one's life. 2) Free will, which was the appreciation of one's own free will by realizing the freedom to determine one's life along with the awareness of the responsibility of such freedom. 3) Value to others, which was the determination to act for the sake of others. Knowing that others benefited from the action made one appreciate the values of a selfless act and get motivated to continue such deeds. The second issue was slow life, which was the way key informants determined to live rhythmically with the context of their surroundings, which comprised two secondary points. 1) Slow life was an independent life, acted according to the inner melody. 2) Slow life operated rhythmically. The third issue was way of life, which was the pattern of life embodying behavior, idea, and attitude which affected how one chose to live a life, consisted of the following: 1) Way of daily life was adjusted according to a particular season. 2) Way of life that aimed to develop inner experience, which was allocated to these following secondary points. 2.1) The love of humanity. Key informants had realized that they had to interact with both the people, the area, and the surroundings. Thus, the awareness of the importance of maintaining the relationship had occurred. 2.2) Natural proximity. Key informants were aware of the mutual reliance between them and nature for both farming and natural remedies. 2.3) Slow food, which was the realization of the importance of food acquisition starting from cultivation, maintenance, harvesting, to cooking. 2.4) Hardship reformed perspective. The change of perspective when facing hardship could essentially help one to overcome it. 2.5) Contemplation, a time devoted to raising consciousness by focusing on the moment, led to self-awareness. 2.6) Being able to live as self-reliant made one life steady and secured, freed from external dependency. The results of this research give the understanding to the general reader, as they grasp the glimpse of those who have perceived the meaning of life, to look back and contemplate life to be satisfied with life even if it might be an off-trend life. The application of counseling psychology also helps the counselor to understand a profound perspective of the one who chooses to live off the mainstream by considering it as an optional means to consult people who experience meaninglessness.