[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_letter_spacing=”3px” text_line_height=”1.5em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Have you ever taken a walk in nature and felt “reborn” or at least re-energized?<\/p>\n
The more we are able to focus entirely on an activity and distance ourselves from our worries, the more revitalized we feel.<\/p>\n
Salina<\/strong>\u2014the central island in the Aeolian archipelago\u2014has been a place that reminded me that, despite our \u201cnatural\u201d 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. Nature<\/strong>, 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\u2019s uncertainties while helping me to live more authentically, be present in the moment, and find beauty even in challenges. <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_letter_spacing=”3px” text_line_height=”1.5em” background_enable_color=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Alda Merini eloquently captured the state of mind I was in before my arrival in Salina.<\/strong><\/p>\n “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. [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/extramiles.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Salina-Nature-and-Sailing.jpg” title_text=”Salina-Nature and Sailing” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/extramiles.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Extra-Miles-Nature-and-Sailing-Salina.jpg” title_text=”Extra Miles – Nature and Sailing – Salina” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_letter_spacing=”3px” text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_letter_spacing=”3px” header_2_line_height=”1.5em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Salina<\/strong>: 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. <\/p>\n Of course, this happens only if one is willing to listen and has the chance to truly immerse themselves into the island experience\u2014not just by visiting it.<\/p>\n In this land, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n It\u2019s no coincidence that I\u2019ve always felt a strong attraction to the Aeolian Islands, even when I lived thousands of miles away and haven\u2019t had the opportunity yet discovered them. Long before my first visit in 2022, arriving by sailboat while fulfilling a dream. <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/extramiles.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Salina-Nature-and-Sailing-Extra-Miles.jpg” title_text=”Salina – Nature and Sailing – Extra Miles” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/extramiles.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Nature-and-Sailing-Extra-Miles-Salina.jpg” title_text=”Nature and Sailing – Extra Miles – Salina” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_letter_spacing=”3px” text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_letter_spacing=”3px” header_2_line_height=”1.5em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Apparently, there wasn\u2019t a precise reason, but I felt an inner attraction and chose to follow my instinct. I asked myself \u201cWhy not moving there?\u201d 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\u2014to protect my dreams, even if it means swimming against the current.<\/strong> <\/p>\n Salina is a land full of energy<\/strong>, 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. <\/p>\n 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\u2014helping 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 am always looking for the exceptional, even though travelling. I wish you the same courage to let yourself being surprised. <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Take a moment to reflect on what rejuvenates you” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”$||divi||400″ icon_color=”#000000″ icon_placement=”left” content_max_width=”761px” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|||on|||||” header_font_size=”15px” header_letter_spacing=”3px” header_line_height=”1.5em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n If you\u2019d like, share in the comments your most transformative travel experience or a moment when you listened to your instinct and let yourself be surprised.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
There is a tiredness, that of the heart, which needs embraces that bring the gift of spring when it\u2019s 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.”<\/em><\/p>\nWhy Salina in the Aeolian Islands, then?<\/h2>\n
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. <\/p>\n