I D L E: spend time doing nothing
“ Flaneur” is a French word meaning a person who strolls and wanders without a destination in urban spaces—taking the time to observe the everyday.
The act of “flaneurie” has also been described as an idler, often with the connotation of wasting time.
In an age that favors the hustle over the pause, and the doing over the being, cultivating a balance between these two things could bring us a better sense of well-being. It is easy to get absorbed by our busy lives and the never-ending to-do’s—losing sight of savoring the simple things and the act of just being here.
Take a moment now to ask yourself, when was the last time you IDLED and did nothing? Where you took a moment or a day to linger to find a little joy and comfort in just being rather than “doing”.
Perhaps it’s on a slow walk around the neighborhood paying attention to what is around you, or taking an afternoon nap and truly resting and enjoying the soft sheets, or maybe just sitting on a bench in stillness tuning into the moment through each of your senses. Whatever it is, instead of yearning for what is next or what has passed, you begin to settle into what is and IDLE in the now.
Taking on the role of an idler can become a mindful act in paying attention and noticing yourself, others, and your surroundings.
Summertime is the perfect season for flaneurie / idling. The days are longer, the weather is warmer and schedules are flexible inspiring a slower pace.
Imagine on a given day if you made it a priority to incorporate moments to idle—in the same way as you would run errands or complete tasks. How might this change your sense of well-being and richness in your daily life?
This very action of idling has inspired the Flaneur Way’s wellness collection.
Through a thoughtful curation of artful objects, rituals, essentials, and souvenirs, we hope to inspire you this season to IDLE to discover and connect to the senses, the inner and outer worlds, and the present moment. To fully savor and live in each moment.
Each offering hopes to awaken your senses to find joy, ease, comfort, and pleasure in your every day. Encouraging moments to savour the ordinary that becomes extraordinary when you take the time to notice it.
Within this theme, in the shop, we are excited to launch our new olfactory experience called I D L E. An essential oil roll-on that transports you through time and space to evoke memories and feelings of joy, ease, and pleasure from our journey. Scents that help ground, elevate, relax, and invite a sense of comfort.
This portable holistic companion is great to take with you on the road, savor at home, or offer as a gift to others
As we enter the dog days of summer, The Flaneur Way encourages you to slow down and tune in to the moments, at your own pace. Take the longer way home, sleep in a little longer, lie in the hammock, and enjoy the present and what it means to be just be here NOW
Check out all the summer offerings in the SUITCASE SHOP here and enjoy the rest of your summer season