Dolce far niente - the meaning of the Italian concept explained by Italians

But first, discover its meaning as explained by Italians...

When I first arrived in Italy more than 10 years ago, the first two expressions my Italian friends taught me were piano, piano ('little by little') and dolce far niente (literally 'sweet doing nothing'). But the latter phrase made famous by the Eat, Pray, Love book and movie franchise means much more than its literal translation.

Here's what a few Italians shared about the saying's deeper significance, as well as some advice about how exactly you can steal this beautiful concept and incorporate it into your life.

***

Dolce far niente... dolce = sweet || far(e) = do || niente = nothing > literally: the essence of doing nothing and enjoying it. Nothingness is that pleasant experience of enjoying time going by, letting your thoughts taking over... I guess it's very much in our mentality as Italians. We are lucky enough to have the beauty of amazing landscapes, from the coasts and seasides to the highest mountains. That is where dolce far niente is at its best, where all that matters is living the moment. No stress, no pressure, nothing matters; just live in the moment, a 'doing nothing' moment.

Tessy Morelli from Meet Your Mood


Coffee is a good 'dolce far niente' ingredient | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

***