Italians as Teachers of Living a Fullfilling Life

The outside world is loud and getting louder. I don’t see that changing anytime soon. We, as a society, are on information overload. It’s fatiguing if there’s no space to shut out the noise. No one is going to give you permission to step away. Peace will require your setting boundaries – often with yourself.

We are the ones who need to prioritize carving out dedicated space for stillness…to quiet our mind and reconnect with our true selves. To focus on the present moment and the gifts presence inherently contains.

You know who does this really well? Italians!

Italians are often seen as Masters of Presence because their culture explicitly prioritizes leisure, connection, and sensory appreciation over the relentless pursuit of productivity. This mindset, rooted in centuries of tradition, treats "being" as a birthright rather than a reward for "doing."

There are Italian sayings that epitomize this philosophy on living life:

Il Dolce Far Niente, which translates to “The Sweetness of Doing Nothing.” It’s an intentional and conscious decision to savor idleness…not as laziness, but to be present to the life that is being lived right now. Such as watching the world go by from a piazza, without guilt or a focused “goal.”

La Dolce Vita, which translates to “The Sweet Life.” A mindset that focuses on finding beauty and pleasure in simple, everyday experiences. It’s a slowing down to savor what you have (rather than chasing what you don’t have).

Festina Lente, which translates to “Make Haste, Slowly.” This sentiment is about moving about your day with mindfulness, intention, and consistency rather than rushing through life or chasing multiple goals simultaneously.

Italians have everyday rituals for enjoyment, such as La Passeggiata, which is a nightly evening stroll with family and friends designed for digestion, connection, and “seeing and being seen.” It’s a form of moving meditation that encourages being part of the world.

They treat mealtimes, like lunch and dinner, as sacred. Italians prioritize long, unhurried meals with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Meals are a source of pride and communal connection. Even coffee is typically sipped and savored while socializing, rather than taken to drink ‘on-the-go.’

Have you heard the term Riposo? It’s their afternoon break, believed to be a necessity, to pause, recharge, and ensure one has the energy to remain present the rest of the day.

They value community and family as well as quality over quantity.

This all is exactly why I’ve chosen Italy for this year’s retreat destination. It’s exactly the vibe, environment, and culture that we’ll immerse ourselves in to support the theme of tuning into the wisdom, freedom, joy, and peace of the present moment and of our inner wisdom and true nature.

We’ll enjoy the simple pleasures of the area…food…wine…art…nature sights and sounds…farm animals…leisure time at the pool…hiking…resting…communing with each other…

Are you ready to cultivate a practice of setting regular time to “BE” instead of “DO?” Of taking time away from the onslaught of information and noise?

Then join us in Tuscany this Fall! Details about this retreat can be found here.

Or message me to ask questions!