The soul often knows where it needs to go in order to restore. I recently had the opportunity to go to the countryside (la campagna) in Italy. I felt pulled to la campagna not only to experience more authentic interactions with the locals, but also because its been a really challenging life season for me.
The picture above was captured in one of the small villages of Umbria called Orvieto. Whilst I saw the most epic mountains and dramatic beauty throughout the trip, it was the simplicity and peacefulness of Orvieto that captured my heart the most. It evoked a gentle hush of my mind and spirit as the nature awakened my senses.
In Umbria, the air envelops you. The gentle breeze breathes you in. There was something humbling, yet so deeply moving, about the tranquility of this place. From the vast spaciousness of the wide open fields—with the contrast of the many hues of green painted in the hills and trees and mountains—to the sound of birds chirping in the silence and soaring freely in the sky. The simplicity of the countryside reminded me that the only way to live deeply is by slowing down.
Oftentimes we let these experiences pass us by; in fact, it’s easy to do so. But when we take a moment to admire the beauty around us, we are also invited to draw our attention inward, to observe from that place of deep inner presence. Nature touches on this abiding stillness within each one of us and in these sacred moments life becomes less overwhelming, and it’s replaced with the simplicity of what is truly important. This moment. This breath. There is nothing more important to be doing than to admire the view and let it all sink in. To breathe in the stillness. Truly, this is the remedy for the soul: it revives the spirit, refreshes the heart, and settles the mind.
Whilst escaping to the countryside cannot resolve the challenges I’m currently working through, it reminds me that, when I become still, I connect with the part of me that can overcome any challenge. That deep inner presence is indomitable. Nature teaches us that equilibrium is a balance of both storms and stillness. Isn’t that the same for us? We have the full spectrum of the human experience: both the peaks and valleys. We can take moments of reprieve by visiting dear Mother Nature and she will always whisper her wisdom to us if we but let her. As the wind gently caressed my skin on that hilltop, I heard her whisper: Everything will be ok. She continues to remind me that taking a deep breath and slowing down will always revive new strength and healing even if it doesn’t take away all of the pain. It is only by slowing down, and embracing simplicity, that are we able to experience peace. It reminds me of the quote by Lao Tzu:
”Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.”
In addition to the breathtaking views, the richness of Italian culture in the humble hills also inspired me. Their simple approach to life reaffirmed: there’s another way to live that’s not frantically rushed and robotic. Here are a few take aways I learned throughout the trip:
1.Take time for each person:
There was not one interaction where a storekeeper didn’t stop what they were doing to engage with the people around them. Merely walking by a salumi shop I’d be greeted on the streets with a friendly voice: “Want to try some salumi?” they’d offer. Umbria in particular is known for their meat. Every time I went into one of the shops, they wouldn’t just offer me a taste handing me a fresh slice of salumi, they wanted to give it to me. Their resources were their offering, and they were delighted to be generous with it. The locals were never too busy to pass us by. They always engaged with me like it was the most important thing to be doing. They value each interaction and they make sure that you know it. It seems so innate for them, but as an American, it stood out to me.
The takeaway: No matter what you’re doing, stop and take time for each person. Even if it’s the short correspondence with the cashier at the grocery store. Everyone deserves to be acknowledged and each interaction is an opportunity to celebrate one another, just like the Italians do.
2. Take pride in what you do.
Gian Luco, one of the locals I met, owned a shop that sold “prodotti tipici di l’italia” (typical Italian products) made me a sandwich with the best cheese I’ve ever tasted. His business went back 5 generations. He not only loved what he did, but he was proud of the history behind it all and the connection it gave him to the generations that came before. Everything the Italians do is about quality, tradition, and being generous with one’s resources.
Takeaway: Take pride in what you do. Put your heart into your work and put a smile on your face while you do it!
3. Plan in pause throughout the day.
I can attest that every single stereotype I’ve heard regarding Italians seems to be true! I swear their entire life is a party.
They do, indeed, start their morning standing at il bar (their equivalent to a cafe in the US) to enjoy an espresso, most often mingling with those around them. This is their first ritual for joy and it starts first thing in the morning. What a great way to start the day. Oh, I shouldn’t forget the buttery pastry-perfection, their cornetto, that often goes alongside their caffeine kick. Very different from an American standard of health, but if you look at the data, the Italians are much healthier than the average American!
Pause part two: Midday, many restaurants close for hours in order to rejuvenate and prepare their own homemade lunch. Can you imagine not having to count down the hours to your workday because there is already a set time of reprieve woven throughout each day? In addition to the pasta and wine, I think the Italians are on to something! Side note: I swear if there were more than 3 designated meal times, the Italians would, indeed, eat pasta at each one of them (I’m not complaining!).
The last moment of pause is how intentional their dinner ritual (it’s serious business): pasta cooked to perfection, fresh, seasonal and delicious produce, often times a little bit of meat, and of course, il vino. While I consumed enough carbs daily to fuel a marathon, I found each meal to be far more satiating than the ones I rush through back home. I didn’t finish each meal wanting more. The quality of the food, the savoring of each dish coming out one at a time, and the sips of wine between bites, naturally allows one to eat slower. This reinforces truly paying attention to what is in front of you and it feels deeply nourishing for both the mind and body: yet another built in pause.
Take away: Weave in moments of pause throughout each day. Bonus points: start each morning with something that brings joy! Create meals with intention and eat them to savor and satiate. Food isn’t just fuel; it’s a form of meditation, a shared experience with others, an opportunity for gratitude and connection. Honor your meals rather than treating them as a means to an end. You’ll be happier and healthier for it!
I hope these reflections inspire you to cherish the wisdom of simplicity, like they did for me. I hope you take the opportunity to stop, slow down, and admire a beautiful panoramic view. Or perhaps even just a budding flower along the side walk. Your life is worth slowing down for in order to truly live. A reminder to honor each breath as the gift it is. To take moments of pause and to remember that you are only one good plate of pasta away from feeling a little bit better.
Serenity and love,
Colleen