Following on from my blog post ‘The 9Rs to Eliminate Overwhelm’ another concept that helps to eliminate overwhelm is Il Dolce Far Niente.
The Italian concept of ‘Il Dolce Far Niente’ translates to
‘THE SWEETNESS OF DOING NOTHING’.
When I got injured skiing in Italy in early 2023 I had loads of time on my hands.
I spent this time watching Italians practise ‘THE SWEETNESS OF DOING NOTHING’.
- The Italians seem to take their time and savour enjoyment of the simple things in life
- The Italians spend hours eating many courses of food and enjoying the best of coffee, wine and other aperitifs
- The Italians walk as if time is their best friend and as if they have plenty of it
- The Italians don’t seem to be in any rush to get to or to do anything
- The Italians are intent on the enjoyment of time as just that – time
When in Italy do as the Italians do and so I used this precious time to practise ‘THE SWEETNESS OF DOING NOTHING’.
I had long lazy breakfasts & lunches, I had midday naps, I sat in cafes sipping coffee and eating cake, I walked around the area we were staying in with no real direction just aimlessly wandering yet enjoying the journey.
I sat and listened to Italians in conversation, their language is like music. The words I didn’t understand, the changing tone of their voices, their uplifting laughs, their hand gestures. You can hear their expressions of affection even without understanding the words.
I did lots of nothing, lots of just nothing – enjoying THE SWEETNESS OF DOING NOTHING.
While my body was sore and in pain from my injury, my mind was slowing down and becoming immensely peaceful.
THE SWEETNESS OF DOING NOTHING made me feel good during a very challenging time and I brought this little piece of Italy home with me to savour and enjoy when I need it.
Do you practice THE SWEETNESS OF DOING NOTHING?
Do you think THE SWEETNESS OF DOING NOTHING would support you to slow down and eliminate overwhelm?
Eat, Pray, Love was made into a film and this clip is where Il Dolce Far Niente is explained to Julia Roberts, Il Dolce Far Niente .
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Thanks for reading,
Siobhain
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