Having finished Italy discuss what the first phase of the journey has been like. Something fun could be that in Chapter 33 while sitting in an outdoor café in Rome, Gilbert’s friend declares that every city—and every person—has a word. Rome’s is “sex,” the Vatican’s “power”; Gilbert declares New York’s to be “achieve,” but only later stumbles upon her own word, antevasin, Sanskrit for “one who lives at the border.” What is your word? Is it possible to choose a word that retains its truth for a lifetime?
Italians view life so differently than Americans. Americans insist on working all the time and we feel guilty if we aren’t in the process of accomplishing SOMETHING, anything. Italians understand the importance of taking time out to experience things and take pleasure from them, rather than rushing from one thing to the next.
Sometimes I feel as though I rush from one item on my “to-do” list to the next. Work, sports practices, school, home to make dinner, etc. It is “estenuante”. This book has helped me to realize I have earned some time to enjoy some simple life pleasures without feeling guilty for putting my feet up, meaning more time for reading and doing absolutely nothing.
Deciding on a word to represent the meaning of my life is not something I could do without some serious thought, however, it would probably be something like “purpose” or “pursue”. I always feel as though I am searching for something bigger, something more meaningful to which I can dedicate my time and energy. I hope “pursue” is not my word when I’m 80, because I plan to be good and worn out by then from living a wonderful, passionate life. “Purpose” wouldn’t be a bad word at 80, because everyone needs something to live for.
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4 comments:
I totally understand the "never doing nothing" us Americans are prone to. It's always go-go-go. And I do feel guilty, right now, for blogging instead of doing laundry. :) And I love your word(s), I think always pursuing something bigger is great, but also agree that eventually there has to be a purpose. Happy Reading!
Oh, I'm feeling guilty, too, for catching up on my blog scroll instead of doing my freelance stuff. It's so culturally ingrained in us to be constantly moving and productive that we forget all the small things.
Your words are great. I don't think that pursuit always has to be after something bigger and better, but simply the pursuit—and thus continuation—of your happiness would still be apt when you're 80. :)
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