But, after recieving it for my birthday, I've jumped in wholeheartedly- stealing moments here & there to read. I'm only on page 56 but am finding an abundance of inspiration in this memoir - the author's year long journey to three different countries to find essentially everything she's been looking for.
I am totally absorbed by her mention of "Il bel far niente" - the Italian expression, "the beauty of doing nothing." The ideal of not being just entertained or amused but simply being content in the moment...perhaps finding & holding onto a bit of peace & happiness.
It prompted me to consider how I used to find so much enjoyment in doing "nothing" ...and would like to reclaim a bit of that:
1. Sit. I used to drive over an hour, alone, to sit by myself along side one of my favorite Oregon rivers. I shudder now, thinking of both my brazen riskiness & power.
2. Star Gaze. If you knew me in high school & college you knew this about me; I loved sitting near a friend & gazing into the night sky for hours....
3. Watch My Sleeping Baby. During his naps, late at night, or the rare times he sleeps with me holding him- I can't resist or let go of watching him sleep....the stolen moments
4. Walk. It makes me feel free....and quite literally, grounded.
5. Sew. Not for my shop or for an order. But delighting in the idea that I can put two pieces of fabric together...and make something.
6. Drive. Yet another reason I've at times felt like an old lady in a young(ish!) body. As far back I can remember, I love Sunday drives. Either alone or in the company of a friend...preferably with old time country music playing & sunshine dripping in - absorbing rows in the fields, the dance of the wheat, the bends in the road....
7. Hold my Cat. Nothing beats his purr and the realization (that I have over & over) -this little creature loves me!
8. Think. I love interpreting just how I fit into this world...
There it is-- my list of nothing-ness. Which really feels like something-ness. I'd love to hear how you take hold of and find beauty in the moment.
Now, off to find nothing to do......
11 comments :
I read your blog :)
It's fascinating to me that I was thinking the exact same thing AND I have yet to crack open my copy of the book "Eat, Pray, Love". So you're not the last woman on earth to read it :)
Great book!
It's been challenging ever since I became a mom to have the luxury of nothing to do and just enjoying the moment. I need to practice this more often. Thanks for the reminder :D
You are not the last woman in the universe. I have a copy of the book. My husband has read it; I have not.
But last night I did read. Just for enjoyment which I usually only find stolen minutes here and there. I read a novel for three solid hours with classical music playing softly in the background. It was pure heaven...
I still haven't read the book, though I'm tempted to, now. Would you really recommend it?
I love taking time for myself, and one of the things I prefer is reading... just sitting and enjoying the fact that I can simply read, and listen to music...
So I'm not the last woman on Earth? Great to hear!
Yes, I would recommend this book...at least as far as I've read. If for nothing else, it just makes me think a bit.
I think the star gazing goes back to elementary school backyard slumber parties :)
Ok, no... I am the last woman to read this book. I have been meaning to get to it! ;)
Love the book! Love your blog. Thanks!
*raised hand* haven't read it either..have the book, sitting on my bookshelf, waiting for me to dust it off. but, my wonderful sis took me to see the movie for my birthday last month and LOVED it! now, that is incentive to read the book!
Hello Jen! You're right the star-gazing goes far back to elementary days. How could I forget our backyard (front yard??!!) camp-outs?!
xoxo
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