IL DOLCE FAR NIENTE
Guilt is so “American”. If you have ever watched the movie Eat, Pray, Love, you will know what I mean in reference to the Italian phrase dolce far niente, or the “sweetness of doing nothing.” In the movie, an Italian explains to Liz (played by Julia Roberts) that the difference between Americans and Europeans is that Americans live plagued by constant guilt, whereas Europeans relish in pleasure. They enjoy the dolce far niente, they feel no guilt in simply enjoying life, and they enjoy the beauty that can be found in doing nothing.
Too many of us are in “surivival” mode – trying to make it through the ruins of our choatic daily lives in order to make it to the weekend. Or, we forbid ourselves treats and pleasures throughout the day, only to “allow” ourselves to splurge at the end of the day if (and only if) we “deserve” it. Stop thinking so black-and-white about life and start realizing that you do deserve pleasure, kindness and, as the French would say, joie de vivre (the joyful things in life). Remember, ruin is the road to transformation, — it is a gift. It is when we are able to see the challenges in our lives as gifts that we truly transform as human beings.
Enjoy the dolce far niente of your day today.
Related Posts
-
LET YOUR OWN STYLE SHINE.
Posted on Oct 5, 2012
-
CLOUD SURFING.
Posted on Sep 30, 2012
-
KINDNESS: SUGAR FOR THE SOUL.
Posted on Sep 26, 2012
-
SWELLS OF FREEDOM.
Posted on Sep 13, 2012
Tags
Random Posts
-
NO SHORTCUTS.
Posted on Feb 5, 2013
-
REDEFINE POSSIBLE.
Posted on Nov 19, 2012
-
BIG SCARY.
Posted on Feb 25, 2012
-
FACE VALUE.
Posted on Mar 2, 2012
-
FREE YOUR BODY.
Posted on Mar 10, 2012
Is it possible to get a “dolce far niente” t-shirt?!
I don’t know, I would love one too actually! Let me know if you find one!
I think it’s wonderful you drew so much from the movie. You know, I once read on this same topic a man posting “Why do women flock so to movies like Eat Pray Love?”. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. With such a strong message, how couldn’t we? Not only did Julia Robert’s character face the same thing all women in America do, but more importantly she led the way in showing the journey to finding ourselves. Which I think I speak for all women when I say, that’s all one could ask for. The ability to know yourself.
Love it Pinky! I think I’ll take a lunch break today.
So proud of you! I hope lunch was wonderfully sweet.