The Sweetness of Doing Nothing

The Italians have a term dolce far niente which translates roughly as the sweetness of doing nothing. I wonder if this appreciation for rest is what is (at least partially) responsible for some of the most artistic and beautiful clothes, cars, architecture, and food. Creative excellence seems to just grow naturally in the soil of Italian culture. My wife Deb, an Italian-American (her mother’s maiden name is Perfetti), with a family history rooted in the hills of Tuscany, takes to it so naturally every Saturday.

How can a simple pasta dish made of the most basic of ingredients produce the exhilaration I experienced in Florence at a non-Michelin-star, perfectly basic Italian restaurant?

Way beyond the limits of our five senses, how does a Sabbath culture of integrated physical, spiritual, emotional rest transform how I live all seven days?

We discuss the nuances and messiness of developing a Sabbath practice with Elias Deleault in this episode of the Tribe Exchange podcast. I am very American in my tendency to overwork. If you are like me and have experienced the slow corrosion of connection, peace, creativity, and delight in life as you ambitiously pursue your dreams, you should watch this episode in its entirety.

Send me your thoughts and questions in the comment section. Pay it forward and send this to a friend who needs to slow way down.

Enjoy.