Have you ever taken a walk in nature and felt “reborn” or at least re-energized?
The more we are able to focus entirely on an activity and distance ourselves from our worries, the more revitalized we feel.
Salina—the central island in the Aeolian archipelago—has been a place that reminded me that, despite our “natural” desire for controlling and planning, there are forces far greater than us. This self-awareness became even stronger when I stood before Iddu after a few hours of climbing up Stromboli volcano.
It was a profound lesson in humility, forcing me to acknowledge my limits and recognize that we are part of a much larger and more intricate universe.
Nature, with its majesty and untamable power, teaches us resilience, how to find strength in vulnerability, and to grow through challenges. These moments are an invitation to letting go the illusion of total control and embrace life’s uncertainties while helping me to live more authentically, be present in the moment, and find beauty even in challenges.
Alda Merini eloquently captured the state of mind I was in before my arrival in Salina.
“There is a tiredness, that of the soul, for which physical rest is not enough. It needs the sea, silence, few words, the purity of actions, and the absence of people’s foolishness. It needs deep breaths while gazing at the sky, reading a book, sipping coffee, smiling at a thought, and crying without embarrassment.
There is a tiredness, that of the heart, which needs embraces that bring the gift of spring when it’s late to arrive. An embrace that feels like a kiss on the forehead while you sleep, while you are fighting your fears with eyes closed. One that banishes nightmares, battles monsters, and gifts you a dawn, even when the sun is absent. From heart to heart.”
Salina: a powerful land of intense and vibrant colors that acted as a natural accelerators of my creative and intuitive side. Here, every shade, every detail of the landscape stimulates the mind, awakening deep and often forgotten sensations. It feels as though these bright, vivid, energy-laden colors have the power to touch that part of us that usually remains silent, awakening our instinct, imagination, and intuition.
Of course, this happens only if one is willing to listen and has the chance to truly immerse themselves into the island experience—not just by visiting it.
In this land, it’s not only about seeing the world differently but about feeling it more intensely, perceiving every experience with enhanced sensitivity. It nurtures that part of us often dulled by the routine of daily life.
It’s no coincidence that I’ve always felt a strong attraction to the Aeolian Islands, even when I lived thousands of miles away and haven’t had the opportunity yet discovered them. Long before my first visit in 2022, arriving by sailboat while fulfilling a dream.
Why Salina in the Aeolian Islands, then?
Apparently, there wasn’t a precise reason, but I felt an inner attraction and chose to follow my instinct. I asked myself “Why not moving there?” when I recognize the (perhaps once-in-a-lifetime) opportunity to pause, listen to myself, and understand what I truly desire. With discipline – perceived as the highest form of self-love—to protect my dreams, even if it means swimming against the current.
Salina is a land full of energy, palpable in the air and even more intensely at sea, next to rocky cliffs sculpted by volcanic lava or amidst the geysers off Lisca Bianca. This area, part of an ancient volcanic crater formed millions of years ago by underwater eruptions near Panarea, is famous for the surface fizz created by volcanic fumaroles and gas-rich waters. A unique environment hosting extraordinary marine biodiversity.
I thank myself for having respected my instinct, for acting (at least this time) with my gut, my heart, and my intuition, allowing myself to let be surprised. And I thank Salina for the immense gift it gave me—helping me regain the value of my time, to help me restoring though small and invisible moments that taught me to better listen to myself, opportunities to reflect and being more sensible in noticing what might have otherwise slipped by, and the awareness of choosing to be the architect of my own life.
I thank its colors and emotions, and all the people who welcomed me in ways I could never have expected. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
I am always looking for the exceptional, even though travelling. I wish you the same courage to let yourself being surprised.
Take a moment to reflect on what rejuvenates you
What activities make you feel centered? Simple things that pull you away from daily challenges. Identify them, because these activities are your “medicine,” helping to block stressful thoughts and worries.
If you’d like, share in the comments your most transformative travel experience or a moment when you listened to your instinct and let yourself be surprised.
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