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Eunoia in Paros, Greece

Words by Carolene Méli, follow her on her WebsiteInstagram

The sun cheekily slips through the curtains gently flapping against the calm, sea breeze. It catches my skin and a warm sensation rushes over me. It really does know all the slick moves to get me out of bed. As does the sea - with its fresh winds and distant sounds. A seasoned team they both are. 

What is it about the sea breeze that elicits tranquility? Is it the way its soft touch brushes past you? Is it the stories it brings you from afar? Have you felt its unpretentious power? How it wraps you up and even for just a second embraces you like a long-lost friend. And what about the sun? Equally as powerful and healing. Its outstretched arms tickling your skin. May I remind you what a seasoned team they both are?

You might be wondering where I am. Shall I give you a clue? I am where the sun always shines, where whitewashed houses illuminate the landscape and where the sea glistens no matter what mood it’s in. I am on the island of Paros. Do you know it? One of the charming Greek islands dotting the Aegean Sea. This place really is my oasis. My paradise. My home when I need to evade grey cities, polluted air and average mindsets. Things are simple here and simplicity is where the abundance of my potential is realised. A minimalistic approach to a life I have grown so fond of. It all starts with that sun cheekily slipping through the curtains gently flapping against the calm sea breeze. 

Kalimera. Good morning. Shall we go for a stroll? The sea has invited us to walk on its shore. You’re coming right? Come to think of it, the sea might as well be my master the way I consistently oblige. We walk past white villas with striking blue doors. A stray cat mounts a rock wall in search of today’s adventure. Good luck my friend! The sea is sparkling. It is glorious. Does it even have any idea how amazing it is? How wondrous it is? How magical it is? I bet it knows full well. Why else would it beckon us the way it does?

Our feet touch the sand. You can feel it too right? The cool sensation before the sun has had a chance to warm up each grain. The soft crunch under our weight. Look at the sea and how it sparkles! Its spell is just exquisite. Don’t you agree? Our day has barely begun and what magic we have already been exposed to. 

There is a greek word that cannot be translated in any other language - Eunoia. Simply put, it means ‘beautiful thinking’ and there really is no other way to describe the switch my brain makes when I am in Paros. Eunoia envelopes me and watches me dream each day into a beautiful existence.