| THE EPISTOLARIAN |
As I sit here in my home office, surrounded by the comforts of my curated space, I am struck by how much this room has become a sanctuary for me. It is not a place where I come to toil away at my taxes or catch up on emails. No, this is a space where I come to find solace and beauty in the midst of the chaos of daily life.
On the 1 Sealed Letter Podcast, I shared how I think we need to rename the home office. Office connotes work and productivity, which aren’t necessarily bad but stand at odds with the feeling of leisure, beauty and pleasure.
Other spaces in our homes have a designated purpose. The living room is for lounging, entertainment and community. The dining room for eating and deep conversation. The bedroom for rest, etc… but the office? The office could be for paperwork or it could be something more romantic, something more beautiful…
I came up with the term “Otiumsanctum” for my home office space.
The term “Otiumsanctum” is Latin for “sacred leisure” or “leisure sanctuary.” Time spent in leisure and relaxation is essential for one’s well-being and personal growth. In a world that often prioritizes productivity and busyness, the concept of “sacred leisure” emphasizes the importance of taking time to rest and recharge.
A few questions for you…
- Do you have a space for sacred leisure in your home?
- What changes do you need to make to your living space to have an otiumsanctum?
- Which parts of your office can you clean to feel more like a sanctuary?
- Any other ideas for the name of the Otiumsanctum?
You can listen to the episode here. (Also content warning 🙉, I swear a bit when talking about productivity).
Ah, chi sa se mai ti sovverrai di me!
Ah, chi sa se mai ti sovverrai di me! (Who knows if you will ever remember me)! The line "Chi sa se mai Ti sovverrai di me!" has become an expressiona of the universal pain of separation and the desire to be remembered by those we love. It originated from Pietro Metastasio's "Partenza" (Departure), a poem he penned in 1730, which bemoans the anguish of leaving a loved one behind. The line conveys the speaker's doubt about whether their loved one will remember them in the future. Metastasio's works were wildly popular in the 18th century and many composers set his poetry and libretti to music. The line "Chi sa se mai Ti sovverrai di me!" has been featured in numerous musical compositions, including Handel's "Giulio Cesare" and Gluck's "Il trionfo di Clelia." This famous line has become an emblem of the human experience of parting ways, and the hope that those we leave behind will cherish our memory. The sentiment expressed in these words continues to resonate with audiences, reminding us of the transience of our lives and the enduring power of love. Do ever wonder about being remembered? |
Your's Truly,