Embracing Slow Living: A Conversation with Johan, Founder of DAO – House of Slow

Introduction

I recently sat down with Johan, the founder of DAO – House of Slow in Maastricht, to talk about the art of slowing down with tea. In a fast-paced world, Johan has created a space where time seems to pause – a haven for mindfulness, intentionality, and community. 

In this interview, I talk with Johan about his inspiration for starting a “house of slow,” the influence of Daoist (Taoist) philosophy on his approach, and how slow living and mindfulness shape every product, cup of tea or coffee served. The conversation below has been lightly edited for clarity and flow, but it retains Johan’s warm, reflective voice and philosophy.

Credit Photo: Vy vân photography

Lorela: Hi Johan, thank you for taking the time to talk! To start, could you introduce yourself and tell us what DAO – House of Slow is all about? What inspired you to create this space?

Johan: I’m Johan, the founder of DAO – House of Slow. I’ve been working as a barista for close to ten years, and during that time, I often felt the coffee culture was go-go-go – people grabbing caffeine fixes and rushing off. I experienced first-hand how much better a cup of coffee or tea can be when you take your time with it. That realisation planted a seed for me. I wanted to create a place where both the beverage and the moment could be savoured, where time would slow down a little.

I opened DAO – House of Slow in mid-2025 with that idea in mind. The inspiration came from my own need to slow down and my passion for mindful living. I envisioned a kind of sanctuary in the city – a cosy spot where you’re encouraged to pause, breathe, and be present. Whether you’re enjoying a carefully brewed pour-over coffee or a bowl of matcha, the idea is that you’re not just consuming something; you’re experiencing it fully. It’s been amazing to see it come to life and watch people embrace the concept. Ever since we opened our doors, so many people have come in and said things like “wow, I feel instantly relaxed here.” That makes it all worth it.

Lorela: The name “DAO” is intriguing. Does it refer to Daoism (Taoism)? How does Daoist philosophy influence what you do at the House of Slow?

Johan: Yes, exactly – DAO in our name is a nod to Daoism (or Taoism). I’ve been very inspired by Daoist philosophy.

In Chinese, dao basically means “the way,” as in the natural path or the flow of life.

Daoism is all about living in harmony with that natural flow, not constantly fighting the current. It emphasises balance, simplicity, and patience – values at the heart of slow living. For me, Daoism offered a kind of framework or language to express what I felt about slowing down. One principle I love is wu wei, which means “effortless action” or not forcing things. I try to bring that spirit into DAO – House of Slow. For example, we don’t force anyone to follow a strict program when they visit. There’s a gentle, organic atmosphere – you can just be. Whether you’re sipping tea, journaling, or chatting quietly with someone, you’re encouraged to do it at your own pace. In practical terms, Daoist influence shows up in things like our tea ceremonies (which are very much about harmony and presence) and even in how we designed the space – with natural materials, soft lighting, and a layout that flows.

It’s all about cultivating a sense of peace and alignment with the moment.

Lorela: In your own words, what does “slow living” mean to you? And when someone walks into DAO – House of Slow, how do they experience that slow living concept?

Johan: Slow living, to me, means being mindful and intentional with how you spend your time and energy. It’s about quality over quantity. Instead of multitasking through life, you give your full attention to one thing at a time – whether that’s drinking your morning coffee, taking a walk, or listening to a friend. It doesn’t mean you literally move in slow motion; it means you’re present. You appreciate the small moments rather than constantly anxiously chasing the next thing. In a world that often feels like it’s spinning fast, slow living is a conscious choice to step back and say, “Hold on, what’s the rush?”

It’s really about finding balance and enjoying life’s simple pleasures without guilt or distraction.

When someone walks into DAO – House of Slow, I hope they immediately feel that slower pace. We’ve set up the space to be cosy and calming – you might notice a comfortable seating area with cushions, a bookshelf filled with poetry and mindfulness books, and the gentle aroma of brewed tea or coffee in the air. There’s no blaring music or pressure to hurry up and order. People often tell me that as soon as they enter, they sense a kind of tranquillity, like time has stretched out a bit. A visitor can take their time exploring our selection of teas and coffees.

Credit Picture: Studio Anna

If they order something, we might brew it slowly using hand-crafted methods, and we often serve it in beautiful ceramic ware that invites you to linger. We encourage everyone to sit as long as they like. Some folks end up striking up conversations with others at the communal table, while some just curl up in a corner with a journal. The whole idea is that you’re free to unwind at your own pace. Honestly, I love seeing someone come in looking stressed from their day, then gradually relax, lose track of time (in a good way), and leave with a calm smile. That’s slow living in action.

Lorela: That sounds wonderful. Aside from the ambience and the drinks themselves, I know you also offer curated products and workshops to help people slow down. Could you tell us about those? What can people do or learn at DAO – House of Slow?

Johan: Absolutely. We wanted to offer more than just a café experience or an aesthetic shop – it’s really a community space and a bit of a slow living hub. So, we have a range of curated products and workshops that align with our philosophy.

On the product side, we source high-quality teas and coffees that have stories behind them. For example, we have single-origin teas from small farms and speciality coffee beans that we’ve selected not just for flavour but for the care put into their cultivation and processing. We also carry artisanal teaware and coffee brewing equipment.

Credit Picture: Studio Anna

These aren’t just pretty items; they’re tools to help you turn making a drink into a calming ritual at home. We even stock some mindfulness journals, local pottery, incense, and other little things that encourage a reflective mood. Everything we sell, we’ve tried ourselves and found it encourages a slower, more intentional approach to daily life.

Then there are the workshops and events. This is one of my favourite parts of DAO. We regularly host tea ceremonies where participants can experience a traditional tea service – it’s really meditative. A guest tea expert will guide everyone through brewing and tasting a tea in silence or with gentle discussion, focusing on aroma, taste, and the act of sharing tea. We also do coffee brewing workshops where I teach methods like pour-over or slow espresso pulling; it’s fun because people learn how making coffee can be a mindful practice instead of a hurried push-button task. Beyond that, we’ve had workshops on mindfulness and breathing techniques, and even special events like a “tea & ambient music” evening where we paired calming music with different teas. Occasionally, we collaborate with local wellness practitioners – for example, a yoga instructor might lead a short guided meditation here, followed by tea. All these activities are about showing people different ways to slow down and find joy in simple activities. It’s been great seeing visitors pick up a new hobby or habit from these sessions – like they start doing a little tea ritual each morning, or they find themselves journaling a few times a week. It makes the whole thing feel like more than just a café; it’s a learning and sharing space.

Lorela: I love that – it really is a hub for slow living. How has the community responded so far? Have you seen a community forming around DAO?

Johan: The community response has been really heartwarming. Honestly, I wasn’t sure how quickly people would catch on to the idea – it’s a bit different from a typical shop or café. But since opening, I’ve witnessed a lovely community start to form here. We have a mix of regulars and newcomers, and there’s this sense of like-minded people finding each other. It’s not always the same crowd either – we get students, professionals on their lunch break, travellers visiting Maastricht, retirees from the neighbourhood – a real mix. What they have in common is that they’re looking for a bit of peace or connection.

Credit Photo: Vy vân photography

One of my favourite sights is when strangers strike up a conversation in the communal space. I’ve seen people bond over discussing a tea’s flavour, or a book they picked up from our shelf, or even just the fact that they finally found a place where they don’t feel rushed. We’ve also started to have a little “core” community that comes to many of our events. There’s a group that met during one of our tea ceremonies, and now they often coordinate to attend events together and have become friends. That was exactly my dream – not just that individuals slow down, but that this space would bring people together. DAO – House of Slow has a small bulletin board where visitors leave notes or quotes about slow living, and sometimes I read them and feel so encouraged. It’s like people have really taken ownership of the vibe here. They’ll recommend books for us to get, or suggest ideas (“hey, maybe do a slow cooking workshop next!”). I feel that I’m just as much a part of the community as its facilitator. Seeing others find value in slow living and support each other in it – that’s been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey for me.

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Lorela: In today’s fast-paced world, slowing down can be a real challenge for many. What advice or tips would you give to someone who is trying to incorporate slow living into their daily life?

Johan: Great question. It is a challenge, because society often makes us feel like we should be doing more, faster. My advice is to start small and be kind to yourself in the process. You don’t need to overhaul your entire life overnight – that’s ironically a very rushed approach to slowing down! Instead, pick one or two moments in the day where you consciously slow the pace. Morning is a good time: for example, try not to check your phone as soon as you wake up. Maybe begin the day with something simple like brewing a cup of tea or coffee by hand. Pay attention to the steps – the sound of the water, the smell of the coffee grounds or tea leaves, the warmth of the cup in your hands. Take a few breaths and enjoy that ritual for even five or ten minutes. That small practice sets a calm tone for the day.

Another tip is to build little “pauses” into your routine. It could be stepping outside for a short walk during lunch and really noticing your surroundings instead of thinking about work. Or in the evening, take a few minutes to reflect – maybe write down something you’re grateful for or just sit quietly with your thoughts. It can feel weird at first if you’re used to constant stimulation, but over time, you might find you crave those gentle pauses. Also, try doing one thing at a time whenever you can. If you’re eating, eat (maybe without the TV on or your phone scrolling). If you’re with a friend, truly listen to them instead of thinking ahead. It’s these little shifts that bring you into the present moment.

Lastly, don’t do it alone if you can help it. Find a friend or a community (even an online one) interested in slowing down, so you can encourage each other. Sometimes sharing your experiences – like “hey, I tried meditating for five minutes, and it really helped” – will keep you motivated. And remember, it’s not about being perfect. I still catch myself rushing or getting anxious about time now and then, but I notice it and gently remind myself to breathe. Slow living is a practice, something you get better at with mindfulness. Even one calm moment in a hectic day is progress.

Lorela: That’s excellent advice. Finally, for someone curious and considering visiting DAO –House of Slow, what can they expect on their first visit? What do you hope they’ll take away from the experience?

Johan: If you come by DAO for the first time, expect to be welcomed like a friend. We’re a hidden gem tucked in a little street, and walking in, you’ll find a warm, homely atmosphere. Don’t be surprised if I’m the one preparing your drink – I’m almost always here, and I love meeting new visitors. You can ask me anything, or if you prefer to be quiet, that’s totally fine too. You’ll probably notice the pace is gentler than in a regular café. We might chat a bit about what kind of experience you’re looking for – maybe you want to try a new tea, or you’re just here to unwind. I’ll serve your drink with care, and you can settle in wherever you like. There’s no pressure to “do” anything but enjoy. Perhaps you’ll find a cosy corner by the window or join others at the communal table.

What I truly hope you take away is a feeling of refreshment and inspiration. I want you to leave thinking, “Wow, I actually feel calm and recharged,” even if you were only here for half an hour. Maybe you learn something new – like a brewing tip or a concept from Daoism – or maybe you simply enjoy a meaningful conversation. Ideally, you’ll carry a bit of that slowed-down vibe with you when you step back outside, and it positively colours the rest of your day. And of course, I hope you feel like you’d want to come back. We love seeing familiar faces and new ones, all sharing in this little oasis of calm. DAO – House of Slow is more than a physical space; it’s an invitation to anyone seeking a breather from life’s hustle. So I’d say: come in with an open mind and make yourself at home. We’ll have a cup of something special waiting for you.

Conclusion

Meeting Johan last November during a visit to Maastricht — where I had also gone to meet Regine, a fellow tea aficionado — was the beginning of a quiet connection that stayed with me. His workshop at DAO – House of Slow, offered more than insight into tea; it invited stillness. I returned again in January, drawn not only by the teas but by Johan’s presence — calm, grounded, and deeply attuned to what it means to slow down. The space he’s created is more than a café; it’s a gentle refuge, wrapped in silence and scent. We share a similar taste in tea, but more than that, a shared reverence for presence. This conversation is just a glimpse of what DAO offers — a reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful moments are the ones you linger in.