“I’ve found a new phrase,” my sister said, practising her Italian: “Il dolce far niente”.
“That’s funny…” I replied. “I watched a movie last night, Il Dolce. I think it’s about the same thing—the sweetness of doing nothing.”
Jane and I realised we’d both been drawn to the same idea: doing nothing!
Just say it out loud—"The sweetness of doing nothing - il dolce far niente.” Doesn’t it feel delicious? Enticing?
And yet, it hasn’t sat easily on our minds. As beautiful as a pause can be, we feel the constant pull to remain present—in our families, our community and the world. How do we remain engaged but at ease?
As our Australian Mission Centre Conference and World Conference approach, I reflect on the important legislation we’ll consider, the community we’ll intentionally create, and my small part in the broader tapestry of the church.
Jesus calls us to engage with the world, but to do so from a place of kindness and grace, where our hearts are at rest, even in the midst of activity. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” This rest is not about withdrawing or being passive; it’s about being present with God in all things—trusting God to carry our burdens as we engage in life. Jesus invites us to lay down our heavy burdens and receive peace. It’s not about doing nothing—it’s about trusting and embracing a new way of living. It’s about moving from a place formed by grace.
Last Sunday at Drummoyne Church, Lisa Godwin helped us practice the deep indigenous listening practise of Dadirri. We took time in pairs to listen to each other for five minutes without interrupting. Lisa shared with us these words of Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr: “To know me is to breathe with me. To breathe with me is to listen deeply. To listen deeply is to connect. Dadirri is the deep inner spring inside us. We call on it and it calls on us.”
Link - to Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr
So, I’ve decided to let the lessons from Il Dolce far niente and Dadirri guide how we can approach life in a spiritually grounded way. These practices are more than just about slowing down—they are about cultivating a deep, sacred presence with God, others, and the world around us. Both the sweetness of doing nothing and the deep listening of Dadirri help us tune into a rhythm of life where we can rest while still remaining engaged.
Here’s what I’ve come up with for approaching life with this balance:
Guarding the Heart: Set boundaries on news consumption and community commitments so they don’t overwhelm you.
Slow Conversations: Bringing the spirit of dolce far niente and Dadirri into your interactions—enjoying conversations without rushing, being fully present with others, listening, and allowing moments of stillness even in your busy world.
Balancing Work and Rest: Alternate between engagement and rest. It might look like a morning deeply involved in community and work, and an afternoon simply watching the waves or sipping tea—and honouring both experiences.
Choosing the Deeper Flow: Be selective with how you engage with world events by choosing sources that provide depth rather than sensationalism.
To Slow the Dance: Take time for silence, prayer, or just a deep breath between tasks to keep the sweetness alive. It’s not about withdrawing or overcommitting—it’s about presence.
I am constantly looking for balance in my life. As I play my Japanese Shakuhachi flute, I’m reminded to ‘allow what is’ and take time for prayer and inner reflection. As I walk along the ocean pathway, with the city on one side and the expanse of the ocean on the other, I’m reminded to integrate my inner and outer life. As I study the scriptures, I’m reminded to connect with the ‘deep flow’ of the God of Creation throughout time.
Dolce far Niente is a way to unwind, creating space to see life more holistically. Dadirri is about cultivating a receptive heart, open to the Creator’s presence in our lives. Together, they invite us into the deeper flow of life.
Where do you feel the ‘deeper flow’ in your life, in your work and rest? How do you tune into the rhythm that brings peace? What practices help you slow down and remain present with God, even amidst the rush of life?
Anne Bonnefin
Communications Co-ordinator
Australia Mission Centre