I’ve always heard of the term ‘Il dolce far niente.’ It’s all over social media, and it’s something that stayed with me long after falling in love with Eat Pray Love.

If you’re unfamiliar with the phrase, ‘Il dolce far niente’ is Italian and means ‘the sweetness of doing nothing.’

For those of us who live a busy life, doing nothing might sound like torture.

Who has time to slow down these days?

Won’t this make me lazy?

But I have too damn much to get done to simply slow down.

These are things I hear all too often (and think about regularly) when people tell me I need to stop stressing and ‘just chill,’ all the while not slowing down themselves.

Stress, being switched on 24/7, working overtime, and trying to cram a million things into each day are things that the Italians don’t seem to be plagued by, and this is what we witnessed when the entire team was on their team retreat in April 2023.

Instead of stressing out, the Italians choose to live at a slower pace, savoring the sweetness of doing nothing.

Here are a few things our team retreat to Tuscany taught our team about this way of life and why we’re adopting this mindset into all of our vacations moving forward.

The Authenteco team after meeting in Florence for the first time

It’s okay to indulge a little

Wine with every meal? Pasta for lunch and dinner? Cheese?

The Italians know a little about indulging, but this kind of diet is a way of life for them.

Living in the US, eating these kinds of meals with a glass of wine several times a day would constitute an unhealthy lifestyle. For many of us, it would make you feel unwell and would be frowned upon by health professionals.

On top of this, those among us who prioritize our health would feel downright guilty for choosing to dine like this.

But when the team was traveling around Tuscany on their team retreat in April 2023, we were oddly surprised by the sheer lack of guilt around eating and drinking for joy. These things just don’t exist in Italian culture.

Eating is a simple pleasure. Drinking wine is a joy that is enjoyed by everyone – a right of passage that is as much a part of the culture as water.

It’s not uncommon for old friends to chat on a bench or make one drink at a bar last for several hours.

It’s not uncommon to eat a meal slowly, savoring every taste while sitting at a table for hours.

It’s not uncommon for locals to close shop for several hours in the middle of the day to go home, rest, spend time with their families, cook, and enjoy a decent meal.

Most importantly, we learned that it isn’t uncommon to enjoy several plates of food within one sitting. Bruchetta, bread, pasta, and wine, and then dessert with an espresso – all while dining with a slow and peaceful enjoyment.

We’re not saying this is a diet everyone should adopt. Absolutely not. We’re saying that living a guilt-free lifestyle when it comes to food and drink is a lesson we can all learn from Italian culture. It's a reminder that sometimes, it's not just about what's on your plate or in your glass but the experience of sharing a meal, savoring each bite, and cherishing the moments spent with loved ones. It's a valuable perspective in a world that often places so much emphasis on diets, restrictions, eating quickly between meetings or activities, and guilt associated with food choices.

While adopting a full Italian-style diet may not be practical or suitable for everyone, incorporating some of these principles into our lives can bring more joy and balance to our relationship with food. Embracing the idea that eating should be a simple pleasure rather than a source of guilt can lead to a healthier mindset and a more fulfilling dining experience, no matter where you are in the world.

Book a vacation to Italy

The Authenteco team enjoying the 3-course meals they cooked in the Tuscan countryside

Nature can be healing

The Tuscan countryside offers a unique opportunity to embrace the art of doing nothing, or as the Italians call it, "il dolce far niente." It's a chance to slow down, breathe in the fresh country air, and soak in the beauty of the landscape. When you find yourself perched on a centuries-old stone wall, gazing at the picturesque vistas, or enjoying a leisurely picnic under the shade of a centuries-old olive tree, you begin to understand the therapeutic power of nature and the Italian way of life.

In a world where the hustle and bustle of daily life can often lead to stress and burnout, Tuscany's serene countryside provides a sanctuary for rejuvenation. Here, the harmony of nature, history, and sunlight creates an atmosphere that nurtures the soul and encourages a sense of peace. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most profound moments of contentment come from simply being, appreciating the present moment, and allowing the beauty of the surroundings to wash over you.

So, while not everyone may have the opportunity to experience the Tuscan countryside, the lesson it imparts is universal: the value of slowing down, connecting with nature, and finding solace in the simplicity of life. It's a timeless reminder that in the midst of our busy lives, taking moments to do nothing can be the key to finding true tranquility and well-being.

Book a vacation to italy

The Authenteco team enjoying a small local winery tour together

Generosity and connecting with others

Our intrinsic connections with fellow humans are a fundamental aspect of our lives, and their absence can create profound challenges, as we all realized by the stark reality of the COVID-19 pandemic, which demonstrated the difficulties of isolation.

The power of social connections extends far beyond mere companionship; it possesses the remarkable ability to elevate our spirits and help us navigate the turbulent seas of our emotions. It is these connections that have propelled humanity forward, transforming us from primitive hunter-gatherers to modern grocery store shoppers.

Yet, the digital age, while affording us unprecedented connectivity, has paradoxically contributed to a rise in loneliness. Gone are the days of post-work drinks and evenings spent with friends indulging in games or movies. In today's world, meetings and social gatherings often transpire in the virtual realm, and even our most joyous occasions are commemorated with heart or thumbs-up emojis.

The Italians, renowned for their sociable nature, epitomize the warmth of human connection. An unforgettable instance from our team retreat in Tuscany springs to mind: a family-run farm overseen by a welcoming patriarch who greeted us with open arms, inviting us to explore his farm and share in a meal featuring his bountiful produce. He was warm, kind, and loving, offering the entire team a warm and personable experience they won’t forget.

While dining in someone's home may not be a novel experience, it possesses a unique power to foster a sense of closeness to humanity. This lesson extends beyond Italy's borders; travel is an instructive teacher. Engaging with locals, delving into their narratives, savoring their culinary delights, and learning about their lives gives us a profound sense of purpose and self-discovery.

In essence, human connection is a cornerstone of our existence. Bonding with others, both physically and emotionally, has the transformative potential to enhance our overall health and well-being.

Book a vacation to italy