Dolce Far Niente
Delicious idleness: the well known Italian expression and concept of “dolce far niente”. We know it as the sweetness, pleasure and carefree feeling of doing nothing. The enjoyment of sheer indulgent relaxation and blissful laziness. Not needing to do anything. Be anywhere.
And then there’s Sacred Idleness, perhaps its more serious cousin.
Sacred Idleness
I first came across the term with my work with physicians helping them develop their emotional intelligence. Epstein used the term to encourage medical practitioners to take time out. In order to cultivate habits of mind, such as attentiveness, curiosity and presence. So as to enhance their own wellbeing and be more effective in their medical practice. I know through introducing the concept to leaders across sectors, that they intuitively recognise it is critical for their resilience and evolution. And they know this idleness takes some work!
It is the commitment to self-care. The discipline of self-inquiry and self-responsibility. Of learning. We don’t just stumble across Sacred Idleness, but intentionally dedicate time and space for it. A time of rest, reflection, restoration and rejuvenation.
When there are so many things out of our control, our first priority needs to be our own physical and emotional wellbeing. We cannot look after each other and the earth well, if we do not look after ourselves.
And sacred idleness nurtures us and develops our wisdom along the way. We honour and relish it through our attention to the present moment. Earnest in its purposefulness, it is more about suppleness and emptiness than control and activity. We set off with an intention and are open hearted and open minded to what emerges from the not-doing.
As some leaders experience on the solos and retreats we run, to be idle in this way, can be deliciously sweet and blissful. For others it can feel anything but. At least at the start, especially for those not used to not-doing, or contemplating who they are and what they do.
Its limitless forms
Sacred Idleness can take unlimited forms. There is no prescription. You will discover what is right for you. Ultimately it is about being fully with your own true nature. Embracing all of you, with whatever arises. Observing yourself with compassion.
You may be drawn to go to a nearby park or to the mountains. To regulate. To gain perspective in the glory of nature.
Maybe it will involve sitting silently in front of the fire. Encompassed by its warmth and security. Seeing the reflection of your mind in the changing, dancing flames.
You literally may go on a retreat. Or digital detox. To reflect on what the year has meant to you. And what you would like to let go of. And what you wish to manifest.
Maybe you just want to hang out at your favourite spot. And to contemplate resilience. Or to sit in joy. To feel the sensations of the sun and air on your skin. And give gratitude to all who and what you love.
For some, you will want to meditate. Others will draw inspiration and solace from a book. Or a podcast. A conversation with the more-than-human world.
Or it may be a dedicated 10 minutes to yourself. Between dinner courses or between juggling demands of the dog, children and Zoom calls with relatives. To not only ‘catch your breath’, but to sit there with it.
The wish
To use a line from a Johnny Clegg and Savuka song. “It is a cruel crazy beautiful world’.
May you gift yourself sacred idleness this festive season. And carry on this conscious practice as an ongoing commitment to your health and wellbeing.
And may you gift yourself delicious idleness for the same reasons.
Sources:
- A term coined by George MacDonald as quoted in Poor Man’s College Quotations, 1994. in Epstein, R.M. (2003b) “Mindful Practice in Action (II): Cultivating Habits of Mind”, Families, Systems & Health, 21(1): 11-17.
- This article was first created in 2012 and has had a few iterations since. It was also gifted to www.impactinternational.com
- Of course, you must check out the #earthconversepodcast which explores our conversations and relationships with the earth, all in the hope of deepening the connection with ourselves, each other and the earth that is our home.
- Sign up for the Earth Converse Spring Reset in March 2025 which offers the perfect sacred idleness opportunity. Details here.
- Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
I LOVE It! THANKS Penélope
oh I love that you love it! I first wrote it back in 2012 and I keep reposting it. Timeless advice yes!
Lovely, being idle is so underrated. It makes space for ideas and creativity and gives us a rest from the noise of life.
you are so right Susan – it is underrated. Sometimes we have to put in the effort to be idle!
Ah… sacred idleness is something that’s arriving much more often for me as I’m without electricity or internet in Lady M, my caravan. Thank you!
total immersion Lizzie-kin!