It is seen in the way that whole families go outside to play during the weekend.
A tradition begins when people keep doing the same activities that others did before them. In Italy, there has been a long tradition of slowing down in life that can be traced to Roman times. Roman statues often depict people lying down, eating grapes and relaxing with smiles on their faces. The mentality of slowing down to enjoy life can be seen in the architecture of the city, which has many places to sit down outside, and there are many parks with benches. Also, during the 1980s, there was a movement that was against fast food, called the Slow Food movement. This movement encouraged people to take their time when eating. Overall, the tradition of vita lenta can be seen in many different parts of Italian life.
The tradition of vita lenta is directly connected to the environment. To live a slow life means taking the time to enjoy your environment around you by looking at all the pretty things surrounding you and appreciating the people and friends around you. Vita lenta is also about enjoying your food slowly with other people. Taking more time to appreciate your food and eat it slowly connects you to the land where the food comes from. The mentality of vita lenta encourages you to look more closely at your environment and appreciate and be grateful for what you have. This tradition is not about being lazy, but is rather like the American expression, "to stop and smell the roses," meaning that you should slow down and look around you.
