La dolce far niente. The sweetness of doing nothing.

Lying on a beach and listening to the water, to the laughter of those around you. Watching the sun change the world around you, lighting up the landscape in pinks and purples, or bright gold. Feeling the peace of the world before it has had time to wake up.

One of my favourite feelings is the electricity in the air right before a thunderstorm. 

I’ve just returned from a trip to Spain, where la dolce far niente was heavily indulged. As was sobremesa: time spent chatting, digesting and enjoying one another’s company after a meal; certainly not to be rushed.

Wallowing in the laughter, and there was lots of laughter, games and conversation of those around you has the effect of refilling you. Revitalising you. Relaxing and replenishing your soul. When you don’t think too hard, you just act. You just are.

Pleasure is doing something that brings you joy. Entertainment is something that keeps you occupied. Somethings are both, but they are not the same.

Back in the real world, where I landed a few days ago, I wish to continue to search out the different between pleasure and entertainment. It’s far too easy to flick through Facebook or Twitter or Netflix, never really latching on to anything, just continuously moving. But what can I do to bring pleasure, joy, delight and amusement into my life?