. Dolce Far Niente

This is one of my favorite scenes in " Eat,Pray,Love". Julia Roberts admits to feeling guilty for not being productive while being in Italy, and her Italian friend tells her that she feels guilty because she is American. He continues to scold that Americans feel like they have to work hard to know pleasure, but Italians dont need a reason to experience pleasure, its their birthright. They call this " Dolce Far Niente" in Italy which means "the sweetness of doing nothing". Americans can learn so much from European culture about enjoying life and sensuality for no reason at all. When I was living in France dancing for Disney there was such a notable difference in the work ethic of the Europeans and the Americans. The Americans worked hard to be present and consistent while the Europeans would call out if they had a slight cough or hangover. In retrospect I admire this commitment for living a life well lived in pleasure and not occupation. I want you to cook that meal and have that glass of wine. Take that yoga class and buy those heels. Receive pleasure from oral sex, masturbation, and smoking weed. Write yourself love letters and affirmations. Burn those candles, incense, and sage. You are entitled to the life created by honoring feminine energy which is less active and more passive. Create your pleasure. Create your Dolce Far Niente!!