Il dolce far niente!

…contd….

“Everything that you did today is termed as ‘Il Dolce far Niente’ by Italians. It’s in their character and way of life. It means “the sweet joy of doing nothing!”.

“And in our country we call it laziness” I blurted out and everyone burst out laughing. She couldn’t continue as others joined me “And we are experts in doing nothing!”

“Yes and we wear laziness as our identity badge. We are proud of it too!”

“We get away with this attitude saying ‘chaltha hai’ (it happens) and ‘light lo’ (take it easy). Everyone were in splits. Some of us were still giggling when she continued her explanation.

“No.no. Il dolce far niente is not about ‘doing nothing’ as we mean. It is not being lazy or complacent. It is about ‘living the moment’. Italians and Romans did not believe that Time is something that can be spent, wasted or passed. Every moment holds the possibility of Goodness, Sweetness and   Pleasure.  Not because of how much we squeeze into it, but because of the beauty that fills life itself.  Goodness, blessings and pleasure are in every moment, we just need to pause long enough to notice. In fact Romans have taken this apparent non activity to the level of art form. To a Roman to see and be seen, to experience life to the fullest, to love and be loved is the very essence of living. They were experts in that. They knew life is not about running behind something or achievement. They knew that ‘life comprises of moments lived’ – moments as simple as watching sun-set, playing with the kid, feel the grass under your feet or let the food tease your eyes and nose before you eat. That doesn’t mean they were any less of achievers. Infact they were great artists, rulers, scientists, lovers and what not. But that didn’t stop them from ‘living the moment’ as they live through their routine. Infact no act was performed – no is performed as a routine. They savour ‘every moment’ thereby bringing joy and play into their every act. 

Great Artists of Italy

Considered One of the most beautiful paintings of all times 'Monalisa' by The genius 'Leonardo da vinci'

Shastha said “but Guruji, give us examples as to its’ application. You just now said they apply while eating. How? This seems more Greek and Latin than Italian” everyone laughed. I liked the way she used the words Greek, Latin and Italian in that phrase. Good word play!

“Fine! How do most of us eat our food?” asked our Guruji.

“We gulp it as we walk, drive, while watching TV, checking whatsapp and “got it” she cut our phrase. “See you are doing something else while eating. You are not with the food. Why I see people checking their mails etc over phone even in the restaurants. Even there, they don’t savour their food. No doubt we have dumped our system with food but haven’t ‘enjoyed eating’”.

“oh” so many voices gave it out that it was obvious they got the point.

“When you eat, first eat with your eyes. Look at the food. Admire its’ colour, texture etc about it and then smell it. let its smell intoxicate your senses. This way saliva has already started forming and this aids digestion and good digestion means ‘less ill-health’. Got it?

Now eat it don’t gulp it. Let your tongue enjoy the taste melting into t it. Then chew consciously and by now you are already happy to eat (just practice this and observe the look on your face at this point). Enjoy your food. See it’s a routine – a must in everyone’s life and how it’s turned into an enjoyable experience. Don’t wait to go to some ‘fancy live the moment class’ in fancy 5-star hotels paying thousands of rupees to appreciate doing this. Do it daily. Increase your joyful moments.

...contd.....