Happify - Meeting My Victorious Self

Yesterday I was contacted by HAPPIFY and asked if I would be interested in trying out their Happify Pioneer Program. (Happify is a NYC based company with a vision to bring the science of happiness to mass market in an entirely new way, led by a group of proven serial entrepreneurs who have teamed up with the leading scientists and coaches in happiness research and training.) Naturally I said YES!

This morning I began my first exercise - Meeting My “Victorious Self” – I was asked to imagine what my future self and life will look like and write it down. This got me thinking about future goals, hopes and dreams. About where I wanted to be and what I hoped to accomplish, so I decided to share one of those goals with you...

For as long as I can remember I have dreamed of owning a home in the Tuscan countryside; a place with history that I could restore to escape the stresses of life to find refuge in an oasis of calm. A place others could visit to share in this utopia of organic living. So universe, if you’re listening – help!

Over time that vision has slightly changed. I want to turn my haven into a small B&B, a place where people going through hardships can stay to nurture their spiritual and emotional growth, perhaps work with a not-for-profit organization. I want to provide guests with a locale that is committed to sustainable and environmentally-sound practices where they can pick fresh herbs and vegetables from a garden to help prepare our meals. A place they can enjoy bike rides along the countryside, picnic lunches and a glass of local wine, as well as other therapeutic activities like yoga, spa treatments, cooking classes, and excursions to local vineyards, villages and artisan shops.

You may ask yourself, why would you want to share a private paradise with others, in particular strangers? The answer is rather simple, because I believe there is no delight in owning something unshared. How great would it be to experience magical moments with people from all walks of life. To share life stories and experiences, and one day write a book about these encounters to help and inspire others.

My ultimate dream is to one day have B&B’s in Provence, Marrakesh, Seville and South Africa; a network of homes dedicated to providing love and care to those in need. Why away? Because when people are removed from their environment they experience an awakening of the senses and are able to see things with greater clarity and peace of mind. That spark of excitement and adventure is ignited by new sights and sounds. It’s amazing what a change of pace and space can do for someone’s morale, but not everyone has the resources to afford such a luxury. That’s where I step in… to offer them a place to stay. So this is my dream, my fuel, my wish to the universe.

Most importantly, I want to share this dream with those I love and with those in need. Now I ask you, what do you envision your future to look like?

Cheers to dreams and making them come true!

(These images are of Agrifuturismo)

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Yoga on the Italian Island of Ischia

The fun began the moment I arrived on the Italian island of Ischia and was greeted by my driver, Giovanni, a charismatic man who sang old Neapolitan love songs with all the passion he could muster while simultaneously maneuvering his way through winding dirt roads, past vibrant bougainvillea, and endless views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. We were knee deep in our impromptu duet when we reached the unassuming gates of Villa Lina, the place I would call home for the next week.

As I entered the gateway I was transported to another time and place. My thoughts filled with childhood memories of my grandmother’s home in southern Italy until the enthusiastic barking of Vito, the property’s friendly mascot, got my attention. What lies beyond the gates of Villa Lina can only be described as a utopia of organic living with its lush vegetation, olive groves and earthen paths lined with rosemary bushes perched above the Mediterranean.

Family owned and operated, the villa is run by Nicola, a kind soul who affectionately cares for the property and his guests with the same love a Shepard cares for his flock.  He is committed to sustainable and environmentally-sound practices and picks fresh herbs and vegetables from his garden to prepare the daily meals - some of the best I’ve ever had!

The original rustic style of the villa and the land is honored throughout the property. My room had all the necessary amenities; a bathroom, queen size bed, wooden desk, armoire and a terrace with beautiful vistas. The one thing it did not have is a TV, phone or any of the other technological wonders we are accustomed too. I questioned how I would ever survive an entire week without them, but what I later discovered was that letting go of all distractions gifted me with heightened self-awareness and a sense of serenity.    

The main house is made up of a kitchen, where we often found Nicola and Magdalena preparing our daily meals, and a great room lined with family photographs, old books, magazines and the only TV on the property. Adjacent to this is a large dining room with wall to wall glass panels to not obstruct the panoramic views that lead onto the deck where we would relax, read, meditate and enjoy gorgeous sunsets. There are two yoga areas; one a room with sliding glass doors and views of the sea where we would practise our morning yoga, and the other an open pavilion where we enjoyed evening restorative yoga while looking out onto the endless horizon. The property also boasts two pools, an outdoor one filled with the island’s famous healing thermal waters, and an indoor pool in a cave of pumice filled with warm sea water. This was the location of our late night gatherings to relax and discuss the trials and tribulations of life. There is great solace in discovering how different yet similar our lives are; each of us bearing our sadness and joys with a smile and positive outlook on the future.

Our host and Yoga instructor, Erin, is a beautiful woman with delicate bone structure and a subtle elegance that reminded me of a modern day Audrey Hepburn, and from that day forward I would refer to her as just that. Her love and passion for yoga is evident in the caring way in which she guides each guest, beginner or intermediate, into the day’s poses and practise. She made each experience a pure delight.

The retreat is open to both men and women, though we had a group of 9 extraordinary women. Each unique in their own way with complex lives and experiences, qualities that would make for a fine wine to be savored slowly to capture the rich complexities, beauty and flavors. Our group varied in ages from 24 to 69, all from different cultures, professional backgrounds and walks of life. It was an eclectic array of women that lit up every room with their laughter and joy. And together, every day was a new lesson in discovery of ourselves and each other, as we challenged one another to new heights, to embrace change, and to appreciate life in all its glorious hues.

Each day began with morning yoga and a delicious breakfast before embarking on a new and exciting adventure. We hiked to the top of Monte Epomeo (789 metres high) to enjoy breathtaking views of the island and ocean beyond. We spent a day at the Thermal Spa Negombo where we sunbathed and swam, had spa treatments and enjoyed the many thermal pools. We explored Castello Aragonese, a medieval castle built on a rock near the island in 474 BC.  We enjoyed wine tasting at Casa D’Ambra, the island’s oldest vineyard, as well as shopping, delicious meals, and everyone’s favorite excursion – boating around the island, diving into the Mediterranean, and swimming into a grotto.

What I discovered during my week long Yoga Retreat is that no matter how successful, beautiful, smart, funny, young or old, we are all sisters in our quest for a happier life, and if we are open to the possibilities of change, we will continue to evolve. I have learned that we are only limited by the limits we set upon ourselves and hence been given renewed hope that the best truly is yet to come!

As one guest stated, “Something changed in all of us that week. I don't think I'll be able to find the words to describe it. It was so subtle, yet so strong. Like Woodstock, it was an event that cannot be replicated. But there can be many more happy times, each wonderful in their own uniqueness.” And it is with this thought in mind that I look forward to the next retreat.

For information on attending a Yoga Retreat in Ischia, Tuscany, Marrakech or Provence, please visit www.eatpraymove.com and mention Travelista73 or email me at travelista73@hotmail.com. 

A special thank you to the lovely Gina at www.warmpears.com for providing many of the images in this post.