La Dolce Far Niente -The Sweetness of Doing Nothing

We’ve just returned from another beautiful trip to Italy and once again, Italy reminded me of something I think we all desperately need to remember sometimes…

We don’t always have to be doing something.

The Italians have this beautiful way of slowing down that I think we could all learn from.

I remember when the phrase la dolce far niente was made famous through the book and film Eat Pray Love. It was described as “the sweetness of doing nothing” and I remember thinking how beautiful that idea was. But having spent more time in Italy, I realise there is so much truth behind it. It isn't really about doing nothing at all. It is about not feeling guilty for simply being. It is about allowing yourself to enjoy the moment without needing it to be productive.

And perhaps it is one of the greatest lessons Italy continues to teach me.

In our busy lives, we are constantly rushing. Working, planning, achieving, answering messages, making lists, thinking about what comes next. Somehow, we have convinced ourselves that being busy means we are being productive, and that resting needs to be earned.

But in Italy, there seems to be a different rhythm.

A coffee can take an hour. Lunch isn't something to rush through. People sit, talk, laugh, watch the world go by. There is time to enjoy fresh food, sunshine, a beautiful view and simply being together.

And there is something incredibly soothing about it.

I also think there is something to learn from the traditional Italian approach to food and nutrition. Italy is home to some of the world's longest-lived communities, particularly in areas where traditional Mediterranean eating is still part of everyday life. There is a simplicity to the way many older generations have always eaten, fresh, seasonal ingredients, home-cooked meals, vegetables, fruit, olive oil, beans, grains and good food made from scratch.

There is less reliance on highly processed foods and complicated ingredients and more connection to where food actually comes from. Many families still grow their own vegetables, shop locally and cook food that is nourishing rather than heavily packaged and processed.

The old Italians really did have something right.

And honestly, this is how I try to live my life as much as possible too. I believe food should nourish us, not just fill us. I love simple, fresh, wholesome foo and there is something very grounding about preparing a meal yourself and knowing exactly what has gone into it.

Perhaps this is another part of the Italian lifestyle that feels so natural to me.

Because Italy has always been my happy place.

I have Italian heritage and whenever I am there, I feel something I can't quite explain. I feel at home. There is a familiarity in the food, the landscape, the language, the way people interact, but more than anything, it is the warmth and kindness of the people.

The Italians have such big hearts.

There is a generosity and openness that I find incredibly beautiful. Even simple interactions can feel genuine and heartfelt. And, of course, they absolutely love dogs!

Which meant Bailey was, as always, the star of the show!!

Everywhere we went, he seemed to make friends. People stopped to say hello, give him attention and tell me how beautiful he was. He somehow manages to bring people together wherever we go, although I suspect he thought the entire trip was actually about him!

There is something so restorative about being in Italy. The slower pace. The fresh food. The sunshine. The mountains and countryside. Sitting outside. Walking without needing to rush somewhere. Enjoying a simple meal.

And perhaps most importantly, less stress.

It reminded me how much our nervous systems need moments where we aren't constantly stimulated or thinking about the next thing.

There is nothing wrong with ambition. There is nothing wrong with having goals and dreams. But I think we have forgotten that life isn't meant to be one long to-do list.

Sometimes the most beautiful moments are the ones where we aren't doing anything at all.

Just sitting.

Breathing.

Eating something delicious.

Having a coffee.

Watching the world go by.

Being with someone we love.

Or walking with our dog with absolutely nowhere we need to be.

That is la dolce far niente.

The sweetness of simply being.

And now we’ve returned home, I want to carry a little piece of that Italian way of living with me.

Because my days can be busy. Sometimes it feels as though there are never enough hours in the day and I can so easily fall back into rushing, doing and thinking about everything that needs to happen next.

But I don't want to forget what Italy reminded me of.

Slow down.

Take the longer lunch.

Sit with your coffee.

Go for the walk.

Eat the fresh food.

Put your phone down.

Watch the sunset.

Spend time with the people you love.

Let Bailey sniff every tree he wants to sniff.

And sometimes…

do absolutely nothing.

Because perhaps doing nothing isn't wasted time at all.

Perhaps it is where we finally have the space to feel, breathe, reconnect and remember what really matters.

Italy will always hold a special place in my heart. Maybe because of my heritage, maybe because of the people, maybe because of the food and beautiful landscapes….or perhaps because every time I go there, it reminds me of the woman I have become.

A little slower.

A little softer.

A little more present.

And a lot more at peace.

La dolce far niente.

I think I'll be taking that lesson with me for a very long time.

I hope that you can remember to bring this lovely way of living into your daily lives and remember, it is ok to slow down, to rest and to just be.

So much love, Serina Sunshine xx