A Sourdough Class as a Practice in Slow Living

In a world that often feels rushed and over-scheduled, choosing to slow down can feel like a quiet act of resistance. Recently, I had the chance to take a sourdough class with Jess, the founder of Girl Gang Goods, and it became much more than a baking lesson, it was a reminder of the beauty of moving at a slower, more intentional pace.

Sourdough, by nature, asks for patience. It can’t be rushed or microwaved or squeezed into a tight window. From the very beginning of the class, Jess honored that rhythm. She took time to explain every part of the process—the why behind each step—while we worked with our hands to prep our loaves to take home and bake. There was no pressure to hurry, only an invitation to notice, observe, and trust the process.

As we worked, Jess shared practical guidance while also encouraging us to pay attention to what the dough was telling us; its texture, elasticity, and timing. It felt grounding to be fully present, hands in dough, learning a skill that has been passed down for generations. This is slow living in action: doing one thing at a time, with care.

Jess recently moved from California to Nebraska and is now offering sourdough classes in Omaha as well as online, making this gentle, hands-on learning experience accessible to more people. It’s inspiring to see a small business rooted in craftsmanship continue to grow while staying aligned with its values.

Baking my loaf at home felt like an extension of that slower rhythm. Waiting for the rise, trusting the timing, and finally pulling my first successful sourdough loaf from the oven was deeply satisfying. The crackle of the crust, the warmth of the bread, and the knowledge that it couldn’t have happened any faster, it all felt like a small celebration of patience.

This class was a reminder that slow living doesn’t mean doing less, it means doing things with intention. Learning sourdough isn’t just about bread; it’s about reconnecting with time, with our hands, and with simple daily rituals that nourish us in more ways than one.

If you’ve been craving a way to slow down, learn something meaningful, and bring more intention into your kitchen, a sourdough class like this is a beautiful place to start.

This experience felt deeply aligned with why I started Made from Dirt in the first place. At its heart, Made from Dirt exists to honor slow living, simple ingredients, and the quiet rituals that support our bodies and homes. Just like sourdough, true care can’t be rushed. It asks for patience, presence, and trust in natural processes. Whether it’s tending a starter, baking a loaf, or reaching for a balm at the end of the day, these small, intentional acts remind us that nourishment and healing often come from slowing down and returning to what’s been here all along.

Follow Jess on Instagram @growing_my_girl_gang

Website: https://girlganggoods.com/