I received a lovely e-mail from Christina that describes her memories and experiences of her Greece. I would like to share this with you, because her words contained the healing feminine properties of our connection to the earth and its elements, the security and peacefulness of home and the restorative quality of escaping the busyness of life. She helped remind me to consider how I find these same qualities in my everyday life. I hope that her words will bring you the same peace that they brought me and transport you to a very special place. She writes:
I am in complete agreement with you, Doctor, Greece itself, is a linear suspension of time. If one is open to her and anything she has to offer, Greece both amazes and heals. Our beloved second home is filled with such memes. Images, smells, sounds and tastes so primal they sustain one even in the most crowded and cluttered moments of our busy lives. Often when I have reached a limit to my stamina, the memory of the panoramic view of my mother’s village (Rizes – Arcadia) from a neighboring mountain top or memory of a once in life time taste of a lovingly crafted moustokoulouro (Dimitsana) can tame even the most challenging of days or situations. For reassurance one can reflect upon Limpovisi the mountain home of, at once the most heralded and persecuted hero of all of Greece and the base camp for the Filiki Eteria. A place that exudes a sense of perseverance and if one is quiet enough one can hear the hooves of the Heros’ horses as they approach the nearby church carrying their hurried masters to where a Priest prayerfully and dutifully awaits to administer Holy Communion.
For inspiration I can tap back into the electrifying state one can experience in the sea between the Islands of Hydra and Spetses, if one is quiet enough you can still hear Boumboulina’s orders rising from the waves and the sound of the ancient sails flapping in the breeze in harmony with the new ones. There is a spot in this sea whispers the chants of continued hope and gratitude for freedom, but also cries out for humanity to awaken from their conscious / unconscious slumber.
Regards,
Christina
In response to Barbara's story, Cara brought up an important point about Greek men and how women are treated in Greece. I am posting it here, along with my response, for all to see, because it is a common topic of conversation. How can a place that has so many feminine qualities also be home to male chauvinism? I have observed a change for the better in the last twenty years, but it is true that foreign women are not necessarily treated with the utmost respect. The Feminine is expressed in varying degrees and in different ways within each culture. Barbara, an English woman, moved to Greece and has reconnected with her Feminine there. She has allowed me to share her written comments with you: |
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