I’ve been thinking about joie de vivre. Whenever I find something that is great about living in France, it is somehow linked to this expression. I began to wonder: what is it exactly and why do I want it? Do all French people share this elusive quality? What can I do to get it? Can we bring it back with us to Toronto?
Joie de vivre translates literally as joy of living. The French dictionary Robert calls it “joy that is felt by the whole being”. So it is a comprehensive kind of joy, a joy for anything—the small things and the big events of life. It fits in well with the idea of living in the moment and finding joy in whatever might be happening at the time. I came across a review of a a French book, Point de Lendemain in which the reviewer, Michael Durda wrote:
“. . . look upon the world as a work of art, one that we are allowed to enjoy during our short visit . . . each day in it unique, each person irreplaceable. Given such an outlook, what matters is to respond as fully as possible to those evanescent moments we are offered, whether by chance or design. Some of those experiences should be sipped and savoured, not merely chugged down.” (The Guardian Weekly, 15.01.10).
That is what joie de vivre is—the ability to respond fully to whatever is offered, to savour and sip. And that is what I find so delightful about living in France: French people savour and sip. They take time. There is a difference between a Tiim's drive-through and a La Rochelle cafe.
Why is it that we sit in our cars, talk to a machine and drive away with a paper cup while someone in France takes the time to sit and enjoy coffee in a real cup? Are we really so rushed that we can’t take 15 minutes to relax, savour and enjoy?
Joie de vivre is also about different priorities. We see it in the way people appear to spend their money. They live, apparently quite comfortably, in much smaller living spaces than we do in Canada. Even the houses in the suburbs are much smaller. Is this because they like to have money for other pleasures--meals in good restaurants, nice clothes? We marvel at all the families we see together in restaurants, young children in tow, obviously learning about fine food and restaurant manners.
As well, the idea is reflected in government policies. Do you realize that Canada ranks # 40/41 in the number of statutory and public holiday entitlements. Only China is stingier. France is number three with 40 days in total. Canada’s grand total is 19!! (Mercer, London, 9-10-09). And yet, depending on whose statistics you use, France’s productivity rate is somewhat higher or a great deal higher than Canada's. Maybe because of the extra time off? Last fall, Nicholas Sarkozy released the report of a commission headed by Nobel prize economist Joseph Stiglitz. The report suggested that factors such as vacation time, health care, employment levels, household assets and income, family relationships should be included in the measurement of prosperity. The Joie de Vivre Index!! "What we measure affects what we do," said Mr. Stiglitz, "If we have the wrong measures, we will strive for the wrong things." (Wall Street Journal, 15-09-09).
What is it exactly that we are striving for as we rush, eat at our desks, feel as though there is not enough time for friends and family? Easy for her to say, I hear you grumble, retired, sitting there in France. But I remember vividly feeling that stress when I was working and having it continue when I retired. This time in La Rochelle has given me an opportunity to think about my life differently and, I hope, begin to live it differently too. It is not just La Rochelle that can take credit. Living with wise David, the Toronto School of Philosophy, an insightful therapist, friends and family have all contributed to this new sense of enjoying life more fully. It is an unexpected and precious gift.
Joie de vivre translates literally as joy of living. The French dictionary Robert calls it “joy that is felt by the whole being”. So it is a comprehensive kind of joy, a joy for anything—the small things and the big events of life. It fits in well with the idea of living in the moment and finding joy in whatever might be happening at the time. I came across a review of a a French book, Point de Lendemain in which the reviewer, Michael Durda wrote:
“. . . look upon the world as a work of art, one that we are allowed to enjoy during our short visit . . . each day in it unique, each person irreplaceable. Given such an outlook, what matters is to respond as fully as possible to those evanescent moments we are offered, whether by chance or design. Some of those experiences should be sipped and savoured, not merely chugged down.” (The Guardian Weekly, 15.01.10).
That is what joie de vivre is—the ability to respond fully to whatever is offered, to savour and sip. And that is what I find so delightful about living in France: French people savour and sip. They take time. There is a difference between a Tiim's drive-through and a La Rochelle cafe.
Other lessons in joie de vivre come from salespeople. They have a sense of pride, wanting their product to reflect well on the shop. Throughout the busy Christmas season, purchases were beautifully wrapped. In spite of the crowds waiting in line, time was taken to make their product look nice for you. Those in line behind you waited patiently since they knew that they too would receive this gift of time and skill. I recently bought two bunches of the shop's cheapest flowers. When the salesperson discovered that they were a gift, she immediately pulled the bunches apart and constructed an exquisite bouquet, arranging the flowers one by one, adding greenery and wrapping it in coloured paper, tied with ribbon. Other customers appeared, she greeted them but continued calmly and patiently making my bouquet. As well as a pretty gift, I also had a lesson in taking time, remaining focussed and savouring the task at hand. The same thing happened when I bought some chocolates. The young woman even took time to decide which piece of ribbon would look best on this little package.
Joie de vivre is also about different priorities. We see it in the way people appear to spend their money. They live, apparently quite comfortably, in much smaller living spaces than we do in Canada. Even the houses in the suburbs are much smaller. Is this because they like to have money for other pleasures--meals in good restaurants, nice clothes? We marvel at all the families we see together in restaurants, young children in tow, obviously learning about fine food and restaurant manners.
As well, the idea is reflected in government policies. Do you realize that Canada ranks # 40/41 in the number of statutory and public holiday entitlements. Only China is stingier. France is number three with 40 days in total. Canada’s grand total is 19!! (Mercer, London, 9-10-09). And yet, depending on whose statistics you use, France’s productivity rate is somewhat higher or a great deal higher than Canada's. Maybe because of the extra time off? Last fall, Nicholas Sarkozy released the report of a commission headed by Nobel prize economist Joseph Stiglitz. The report suggested that factors such as vacation time, health care, employment levels, household assets and income, family relationships should be included in the measurement of prosperity. The Joie de Vivre Index!! "What we measure affects what we do," said Mr. Stiglitz, "If we have the wrong measures, we will strive for the wrong things." (Wall Street Journal, 15-09-09).
What is it exactly that we are striving for as we rush, eat at our desks, feel as though there is not enough time for friends and family? Easy for her to say, I hear you grumble, retired, sitting there in France. But I remember vividly feeling that stress when I was working and having it continue when I retired. This time in La Rochelle has given me an opportunity to think about my life differently and, I hope, begin to live it differently too. It is not just La Rochelle that can take credit. Living with wise David, the Toronto School of Philosophy, an insightful therapist, friends and family have all contributed to this new sense of enjoying life more fully. It is an unexpected and precious gift.
