Slow Living Like an Italian
piano, piano
The greater culture around you does not have to define your culture. You can choose to slow it down and live in the moment—live like an Italian.
A Slower Pace
Piano, piano—slowly, slowly
Things in Italy just don't move at the same pace at which they do in America or other countries like it. And it can feel like an inconvenience if you approach it with the wrong mindset. Americans are often obsessed with productivity, volume, and just more. The race can get started before you even realize that you are in it. You are competing for what's next, for more, for what the world tells you need. The plates are spinning, the pressure is intense, and the anxiety closes in. You can feel as if you don't even know why you are running to begin with. Maybe you feel like you are ready to quit and just can't keep up the pace. But, let me tell you, the greater culture around you does not have to define your culture. You can choose to slow it down and live in the moment—live like an Italian.
What does that look like practically? Sure, we've all been told these amazing stories of how the people of Italy can somehow magically capture the day and savor unforgettable moments. We've heard the saying, "dolce far niente." The sweetness of doing nothing. Maybe that seems out of reach not being surrounded by ancient beauty, drop dead gorgeous views, and amazing cuisine like none other. But, it's not. The truth is, there are simple and practical tips from the Italian way of living that can change how you approach your life and live it out. Slow living in Italy changed my life.
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What I Learned Living in Italy
The years I lived in bella italia, I was always amazed at the pace. Sure, in the beginning when I first moved there, I didn't understand why it would take so long to accomplish some simple tasks. A trip to the post office often felt like una spreca—a waste of my time when I could be doing something more productive—or so I thought. If you've been to a posta romana you know what I'm talking about. But with learned patience, I began to see the value in waiting for things. In moving at a slower pace in general, I began to notice beauty all around me that I had missed by being in a hurried rush or consumed with my to-do list.
“In moving at a slower pace, practicing slow living like an Italian, I began to notice beauty all around me that I had missed by being in a hurried rush or consumed with my to-do list.”
My Italian friends taught me so much. When I'd run into one of them after dropping the kids off at school or on my way to the market, the majority of the time, they would insist on walking with me to the nearest bar to grab an espresso (btw "bar" in Italy is your local coffee shop and more). You walk arm in arm and visit about the day. When you go into the bar, you might sit down and linger if you have the extra time or you might just stand at the bar a foot or two away from one another. There are no cell phones interrupting your time because this small, little pausa is sacred. The person in front of you is more important. The person is why you stopped what you were "needing" to do at that moment, so that you could choose the important—people. This time together might be short, but it is always intentional and a value relationally.
Simple Daily Rhythms
While living in Italy, I never had a dryer. Like most of the rest of Italy, washing clothes is a process. During the winter, after the clothes are clean, you have to set them all out to dry. In general, Italian winters are wet. Because of the added moisture in the air, the clothes can take a couple of days to completely dry. Most people hang their clothes on a drying rack and place it near a warm radiator. You just have to be patient for those jeans to dry.
During the summer, you place that same drying rack out on your balcone or terrazzo. If you are blessed to live on the top of your building and your terrace gets a lot of sunlight, those clothes can dry in a matter of hours with that hot, Italian noonday sun.
For me, I learned to love hanging clothes out to dry. It's not that I loved the actual work of it. I loved the rhythm of it. I loved the repetition of taking each item and shaking it out—then, taking a little, wooden clothespin and clipping a shirt to the line so that it could dance under the sunlight.
I still hang many of my clothes out to dry; even though I now have a dryer. It gives me an excuse to go outside and breathe in fresh air, feel the cool wind or sunshine on my face, and be in nature—even if only for a moment. Not to mention, I love how sun-bleaching makes your whites truly white and how it's not as hard on your clothes as the intense heat from the dryer.
Greater Joy & Quality To Life
There really is a beauty to moving through life a bit more slowly, bringing greater joy and quality to life. Maybe, just maybe, if we set our intention on this slower pace, we will come to the end of our lives having actually lived it.
Below you will find a few simple, practical tips for you to live life more slowly—the Italian way.
Tips for Slow Living Like an Italian
SLOW SUPPER
Leave the tv off and skip Netflix. Instead, have aperitivo at 6p and dinner at 7.30p. Make supper the main event of the evening. Enjoy the aperitivo while preparing the meal together. Turn up the music and enjoy the process. Light the candles and linger over good conversation and your favorite vino italiano.
TAKE A DRIVE
Instead of your typical Saturday routine, take a drive to the countryside or visit a nearby town. Find a local restaurant. Take some friends along. It will help you take in the scenery and see the beauty of the area around you that you might have missed.
TAKE A WALK
If you have adequate public transportation, use it. If you have to get around in a car, don't search for the closest parking space. Instead, park far from the entrance to the store and get some exercise. Italians know the value of walking in normal life activities. Walk after dinner, too. Italians love to fare una passeggiata. It's a simple and beautiful way to enjoy the evening strolling with friends or a loved one.
SKIP THE GROCERY PICK UP
There's something about making grocery shopping an event by going to the local farmer's market. It forces you to slow down and appreciate where your food comes from and the hard work it's taken to get it to you. Shop for only a few days worth at a time and make sure you're choosing foods that are in season.
TAKE UNA PAUSA
Instead of rushing back to work after lunch, make yourself a caffè. Not only is it good for your digestion to have a simple espresso after a meal, but it's also a great way to reset for the afternoon.
BUY A CLOTHESLINE
Try out hanging some of your clothes to dry on the clothesline. Simple little changes to your weekly tasks can make a big change in your pace of life.
PICNIC AT THE PARK
When is the last time you packed a picnic? Prepare some simple sandwiches or a rice salad along with some sparkling water or some San Pellegrino Limonata sodas and pack into a cute picnic basket. Bring a blanket and don't forget the soccer ball.
You can also join me for one of my Slow Living Retreats in Italy: