otium

it's been a great week for so many reasons, one of which i've learned several new words!  you'll see them here, but first--my favorite:  otium.  this is so me!

otium is an ancient latin term for dedicated free time or restorative leisure used for intellectual growth, contemplation, and self-improvement.  not the same as laziness, this concept is rather a purposeful, virtuous activity that enriched the mind and spirit. 

in ancient rome, otium was the necessary balance when a person stepped away from their important business, work, and public duty to focus on philosophy, art, and writing!

used in this popular phrase coined by cicero, otium cum dignitate, it means leisure with dignity, referring to a peaceful, productive private life. 

in the medieval period, the word otium came to be used primarily to indicate peace of mind--a leisure that is internal more than an external circumstance.  petrarch, writing in the 13th centure, says otium is ideally spent on nature appreciation, serious research, meditation, contemplation, writing, and friendship!

so the next time you are caught in pensive thought and someone thinks you're not being the epitome of western culture's productivity, you can simply say with all the authority of ancient civilizations and history in your corner, "au contrairie, i'm practicing deep otium."

let me know how it goes?