The Sweetness of Doing Nothing: Live Life the Italian Way with Dolce Far Niente

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Truth is, if we wish to be our best and most creative selves, we need to do more of that— be idle and do nothing. We need to shut off the engine, rest, and just be. We need to wind down and re-charge and allow ourselves to daydream. And we need to engage in active procrastination. The problem is that this philosophy blurs the line and spills into our personal life as well. And when it lingers for far too long, it can have damaging consequences on our mental health, well-being, and ultimate creative output. The enduring appeal of “Il dolce far niente” lies in its celebration of life’s simple yet profound pleasures. In today’s hectic world, the concept is a gentle reminder to slow down, unwind, and cherish the beauty of everyday moments that make life worth living.

In the film, Elizabeth embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing, with her time in Italy serving as an opportunity to embrace the art of doing nothing. The body benefits from movement, the mind benefits from stillness” is a quote from a Tibetan Lama and head of the Shambala Lineage, Sakyong Mipham. This quote resonates with me because what I discovered when I finally submitted to doing nothing was exactly how much I needed it. Maybe, in forcing documentable and auditable productiveness, we are stifling creativity and losing our ability to work intuitively—and the end product is suffering as a consequence.Emanuela Aliberti from The Italian Midday Read more: Why Venetians don’t walk between the columns in St Mark’s Square 7 unusual things to do in Sicily 8 philosophies of a happy life from around the world

On one of those days where I did absolutely nothing, I found myself sitting on a bench in front of two large pine trees while sipping an afternoon coffee. I sat there, allowing the sunshine to warm my face, and marveled at how the rays filtered through the branches and dappled the green grass below. It is all about balance and sometimes we need to do nothing. We need to experience the joy of doing nothing and the benefits it brings. How adorable, nice, thoughtful and utterly fantastic it would be if you gave me something handmade. It would surely be a present I would never forget and keep forever. For just the right amount of time, I lost myself in the sounds of my surroundings, let my mind be still, and indulged the period of inactivity—the quiet space I afforded myself. Then, I concluded organically with the burst of creativity that inspired what you are reading now.

Final thoughts on the sweetness of doing nothing

The movie Eat Pray Love, based on Elizabeth Gilbert’s memoir, brought the concept of “dolce far niente” to the forefront of popular culture, exposing international audiences to the charms of Italian leisure. They tell her that in Italy, it’s dubbed, “dolce far niente,” which is translated in English to “the sweetness of doing nothing.” Generally speaking, our working culture does not promote idleness. It’s so frowned upon that we now associate “doing nothing” with irresponsibility and laziness. That’s exactly why if we’re not busy running around, getting stuff done, we feel saddled with anxiety and guilt. It’s also why we keep pushing ourselves to do more, regardless of whether our body and mind are trying to tell us to slow down and take a break. But while ‘flow’ is an experience we all seek, and one that is imperative for our creative success, Csikszentmihalyi himself warns us of its harmful addictive implications: In Italy, the “Il dolce far niente” concept is not merely a saying but a way of life. Italians prioritize leisure and relaxation, making ample time for activities that allow them to revel in life’s simple pleasures.