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Dolce Far Niente

Dolce Far Niente
“Will you be attending tomorrow’s lunch with the ladies?” 

“Nah. I am busy. Perhaps next time.”


The next morning, I find myself waking up by the bright sunshine on our bedroom window and hearing the loud chirping of birds nestling on the tree next to our front porch. 

I could smell the fresh breakfast toasts that hubby usually prepared, paired with the long-black morning coffee, just the way I like it.  It is such a gorgeous day and would be a shame not to enjoy it.

So yeah, I skipped the ladies’ lunch and decided to take my time and enjoy the time doing nothing.


Il Dolce Far Niente
Perhaps you’ve heard this Italian phrase before, most recently from one of Julie Robert’s Eat, Pray, Love. In my case, I learned the phrase from my previous Italian lover many years ago when he noticed what I’d been doing all along. 

For some people, dolce far niente or the sweetness of doing nothing is such a waste of time, a very absurd kind of word and philosophy, totally rubbish. But not to me, in fact, it is the total opposite. 
The moments that I’m not doing anything are in fact the moments that make me productive.

For years, I was part of the hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle, working 9-to-5 (on papers) and over 12 hours IRL, while patiently waiting for the arrival of the end of the fourth night for the menial pay, which I’ll be thankful the good grace if I’m lucky enough to treat myself with a pasta bolognese. Then rushing to a hectic commute home, tired and exhausted, both mind, and body, including spiritually knowing that I have to do it again the next morning, and the next 5 working days, leading to years until I found the courage to tell myself ‘Enough’ on a one bright morning, just like this. 

Fast forward and gratefully survived the pandemic, here I am standing outside our bedroom porch in my white cotton dressing robe with embroidered WIFE on it, sipping the morning coffee (yes, I use teacups for my coffee), soaking at the moment while doing nothing. 

Dolce Far Niente


Being idle for hours makes me appreciate little things around me such as how fast the leaves grow back in our tree after being dormant last winter, a simple wave to dog walkers, and even admiring the relaxing scent of the lavender flowers coming from my neighbor’s front yard. 

Instead of spending my time scroll on Tiktok and being consumed by toxic contents, I prefer staring at my plants and observing the pattern of their leaves, while I am caressing my cat. 

Overall, idleness gives me an awareness of my surroundings, making my mind relax and at peace, opening doors for fresh ideas. By doing nothing, I became a happier, more intellectual, and more creative person. A happier wife and partner – as my husband described it, coz ‘a happy wife, means a happy life.’

Dolce far niente also means doing nothing for yourself, and giving yourself a chance to pause, and freedom to do whatever you want even if it means daydreaming of your next adventure.

It is good for the overall mind, and wellness-being, also you'll feel much younger. 

You’ll be surprised!


Dolce Far Niente

Dolce Far Niente




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6 comments :

  1. Yes to skipping lunch for some me time! I wish I have the luxury to do that here but so much dramaness transpires whenever I say no. People tend to take it personally here.

    Anyway, the wife embroidery is the first thing I saw in your pic. Very nice robe!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I understand what you mean. However, in my case, I learned not to care anymore. Life is too short to give pettiness and drama overrule our lives. Might as well enjoy it while it lasts.

      Delete
  2. I guess I'm familiar with the situation you were describing. I'm currently in the hustle culture and I guess that's just how it is when you're in your twenties and poor. Wish a better life will come soon so that I could actually afford to rest. huhu

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Eventually you will get there. Set a goal and focus on reaching it.

      Delete
  3. I agree! May mga moments ako na super idle for hours or even a day just appreciate things or just to rest and enjoy lang ng moments lalo na after ng productive and stressful week of working.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Everyone deserves a break, and you should not feel guilty about it.

      Delete

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