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Amrita Roy's avatar

I too, come from a part of India where "slow living" is the way of life. In fact, till date, when I go back, I am awestruck how the entire city shuts down post lunch as businesses shut shops for a couple of hours in the afternoon to get a nap, a "siesta" if you will. While, such a concept of lifestyle, is looked down upon in the US, indicating a lack of motivation or ambition, there is an underlying simplicity and groundedness to this lifestyle.

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Alex D.'s avatar

Which part of India is that? Sounds like I should probably visit!

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Amrita Roy's avatar

It's the eastern part of India. I am originally from a city called Kolkata, which is in the state of West Bengal, there are lots of small states in the east, which are just adorable and kind of does their own thing in their own way and are basically super chill. You absolutely should visit. Have you ever been to India?

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Alex D.'s avatar

I've never been to India, but it's on my ever-increasing list of countries that I should visit. Now I know which part I should go to first. Thanks for sharing :)

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Dylan Muggleton's avatar

Great post Alejandro covering so many topics I’m interested in. Having “enough”, having few desires, delaying instant gratification, and minimalism. Brilliant post and thank you for writing it.

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Alex D.'s avatar

Happy that you enjoyed it Dylan. Thank you for your continued support!

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William Larry Groves's avatar

My favorite form of doing nothing is sharing a few adult beverages with friends of over 55 years. It's like we are 18 again, nothing gets solved or accomplished, and there is no pressure to do either thing. As one of them always says: Just BE.

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Alex D.'s avatar

That sounds like your particular version of our Spanish ‘sobremesa’, pure bliss! Thanks for the comment William.

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Marianne O, CFA's avatar

Well said and I love the joy of being idle - we are too used to productivity and speed and forget the joy of romance, philosophy, music, etc.

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Alex D.'s avatar

Exactly, Marianne! We should always try and find some time for all those ‘useless’ things. The Greeks called it ‘contemplative life’.

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Elaine R. Frieman's avatar

Even though I consider myself a highly productive person, I love a good lazy day of reading, walking, lounging around, spending time with loved ones, etc. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

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Alex D.'s avatar

I think we can’t be highly productive for too long without those lazy days. Thanks for your comment!

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Elaine R. Frieman's avatar

Definitely! Too much high productivity all the time just leads to burnout. I listen to my body and brain energy each day. 😅

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Yolanda M.'s avatar

¡En la sobremesa se gestan las mejores ideas!

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Alex D.'s avatar

Mientras tu tío intenta arreglar el mundo, carajillo en mano.

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Yolanda M.'s avatar

Jaja... ¡exacto!... Es genial.

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Paul Millerd's avatar

Great stuff

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Alex D.'s avatar

Glad you liked it Paul!

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Manish Gvalani's avatar

I could resonate with your piece.. I wrap up work by 4 pm and spend the remaining 4-5 hrs with my family, till I crash at 8:30/9 pm.. I feel blessed to have this time to build quality relationships, enjoy a nice sunset from my balcony, or read something esoteric.. none making me money, but all making me happy.. Gotto keep at it in all the times ahead..

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Alex D.'s avatar

It sounds like you're living an amazing life, Manish. I wish you enjoy it for a long time to come :)

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Arman Khodadoost's avatar

I need to find a way to make sobremesas a thing here in the states! Great essay Alejandro.

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Alex D.'s avatar

If siestas are a thing, sobremesas could be, too. That's a great vision there!

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Dec 21, 2023
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Alex D.'s avatar

I'll never have 'trupti' of learning new things. Thanks for sharing Aswanth!

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Dec 19, 2023
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Alex D.'s avatar

My parents usually tell me "never forget where you come from", and I think it's great advice. Thanks for your comment!

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