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| Dolce far niente at Grado: a seaside Italian town |
I’ve been away from this space for a while, traveling, recuperating, coping.
But mostly, meditating.
Practicing being in the moment, trying to experience the fullness, and the sweetness of doing nothing ( Il dolce far niente, a very Italian pastime) even as I absorb myself in writing, or cooking, or gardening. Cleaning, even.
The Internet has seemed like a faraway space in the last few weeks. Only now that I’m back home, I’m beginning to spend some time online.
What have you been up to, in my absence? Busy, relaxed, overwhelmed, happy, upset?
Have you tried practicing il dolce far niente in your mind–a sort of emptying, of watching thoughts till they all disappear, leaving only a lazy stillness behind?
Oh yes, I do that only I don't call it 'il dolce far niente' because I wasn't aware of the term (thank you, I know now!) I just announce to all and sundry (even at work, when I was working) that I was on "auto pilot."
Ah I can't live without practising il dolce far nienta…. I don't feel complete and satisfied if I don't wash away my mind of thoughts for a few hours everyday..
Had posted about it in my blog a long time ago..
http://chinkslounge.wordpress.com/2013/07/23/sweetness-of-doing-nothing/
Good to see you back:)
Sometimes it's really good to take some break..away from internet and virtual world..hope you've enjoyed your vacation… 🙂 nice to see you back..
Nice reminder for people to catch up with oneself….glad you had a refreshing time…
Glad you found some time to refresh your spirit. That's always so necessary in our fast-paced, totally connected world. I'm looking forward to doing exactly that in November, but this month I'm launching a book, so no being in the moment for a while. I'm all about blog tours and lists.
It's always good to get away from the daily routine and unwind. I've also been absent from blogging, spending more time on reviewing assignments. The rush period for these should be over soon, and hopefully I'll be able to write more blog content.
Hi Damyanti,
It's nice to see you do a post. I've been eagerly waiting for you to do another post. I'm also glad that you have taken some time out to immerse yourself in distractions that I hope refreshed your spirit. It can be a rather delicious idleness, dear lady.
As usual, during your absence, I've been discreetly supporting folks in the background. It's what I do and it makes me feel good. I might be overwhelmed by doing everything by myself. Yet, it makes me even more satisfied when projects get finished.
A peaceful, hopeful week ahead to you, my kind friend.
Gary
I've gotten to the point of being so overwhelmed in my life, I'm going to have to (for my own sanity) step back and practice a little of "doing nothing". It's pretty bad when something a person used to enjoy–in my case, writing–becomes just another chore, something to get done and move on to the next in a long line of their "have to do" list.
It sounds like you had a wonderful time. Doing nothing can be a lot harder than people think. I have been hard on myself this week, but by the weekend it was all forgotten.
Time away freshens the return.
Doing nothing body and mind. I'm frighteningly good at that.