4 minute read
By the Sea
My name is Taru, I am a Holistic Health Coach living on the Greek island of Paros.
The sea inspires me endlessly. Having it near me on a visual distance gives me both a feeling of calm and also a sense of that anything is possible and achievable. It helps me being creative. The constant movement of the sea reminds me that everything moves and flows. And that there is no reason to hold back or push things in life. Everything is in motion, every thing, being, energy field - it’s all under constant progress. We should move and flow with it like the waves move at sea. Nothing is the same forever and there’s a lot of beauty in that.
Q: What does your perfect island day look like?
A: Waking up with the sun. Meditating in bed for some time, 10-60 min depending on mood. Walking out barefoot in the garden, checking the plants progress and watering them. Admiring nature never gets old. Making breakfast consisting of a fruit salad with at least a couple pomegranates in it, and a cup of fresh lemon/ginger tea. Going out for a 30-45 min run or bike ride. Shower, sun drying on the terrace. Reading for an hour or two. Answering emails and letting the computer be for the rest of the day. I’d take the scooter to the beach, windsurf for a bit and afterwards chilling out underneath an umbrella with good friends, listening to good tunes, having a beer or a glass of wine. Going home, putting on more good beats, showering again. Either making dinner for friends or getting prepared to go for dinner at someone's home or in town. With good people, only good vibes. Enjoying life in every simple little detail. I am happy to realise I have at least a day like this each week, and every other day is fairly similar. I don’t really need much else that this in life.
Q: In your blog you wrote that while you weren't feeling comfortable in Miami you were dreaming of tiny little islands. Why are those a happy place for you?
A: Because too much superficiality and the many disturbing events and ideas of a commercial society puts my mood and energy levels off balance. It breaks the flow of my creativity. I like being free in my mind and also I often enjoy being alone with my thoughts. That gives me inspiration. Not feeling stressed. Not having too much noise around me. Being free, feeling free is happiness to me.
Q: Do you think islands are better suited for a more holistic life?
A: Any place natural and in/close to nature help you lead a holistically healthy life. I can’t live without the closeness to nature and the sea with warm weather and sunshine, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be an island. Although you’ll receive a very special sort of energy by being closely surrounded by water.
Q: How did you choose Paros as a home for yourself and a location for your retreats and vacation homes?
A: It really just was a coincidence. One day I had enough and jumped onto good friend Google, looking for an escape. There it was with its magical photos, a not too exploited island which I had never heard anything about before. I booked a one-way ticket and loved the island from the very first second I stepped my foot on it. I cried as I walked off the ferry. Felt right in every possible conscious and subconscious way. That’s the short story.
Q: How are island people and their lifestyle different from the rest of us? Do you have some tips on how can we incorporate some island vibes into our own everyday life?
A: I think people who live on small islands stay on/move to small islands because they appreciate the slower natural rhythm of life. They enjoy nature and the simplicity and quietness of being cut off from a busier society. It’s easier to appreciate the moment when distractions are less. And that’s what we all want more of in the end of the day, right? Learning the art of being more present. Island life and nature teaches me more of that every single day.
Spending more time in nature, less time on things and people that stress you are good ways to incorporate such vibes into a city life. Being close to trees, parks and bodies of water will help you feel grounded. Walk barefoot as much as you can. Take a few more moments in the day to truly be, turn the phone on silent, lay down outdoors/in a park/on the beach and let the mind run free. Those are the things islanders do daily.
Text und Photos: Taru Tuomi
