“This is a book for spiritual seekers and all who want to bring a piece of the Italian way of life into their own homes.” —James Martin, SJ, author of Learning to Pray Take a pilgrimage of the heart, a journey toward change that will allow you to approach life with a more contemplative stance and recreate a sense of la dolce vita—the sweet life—wherever you may be. In The Italian Soul, Judith Valente shares personal stories and insights into the Italian way of life that she experienced as she strolled the streets of this charming country. Focusing on the attitudes, traditions, and practices that make the people of Italy role models for experiencing delight amid the demands and distractions of ordinary living, she observed how they have a deep appreciation for quality and aesthetics, value taking the time to savor the little moments in life, show a strong sense of community and make room for leisure and personal care, and honor their dead and have a deep respect for tradition. Additionally, it explores the contemplative practices and attitudes that seem to come naturally to a people who have made an art of living and working joyfully. A cross between a travel dispatch and a spirituality guide for seekers who eschew traditional religious practices but yearn for ways to bring more balance, sanity, and a greater sense of the transcendent into their daily lives. The Italian Soul is a book that will change the way you look at life.