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Expression: My Second Art of Self-Healing

Forget about how it looks. Just be free.
Forget about how it looks. Just be free.

After simply being with and in nature, my second art of self-healing is Creative Expression.


For a long time, I carried a deep wound—the feeling of not being truly seen. Not the polished, pleasing version of me, but the raw, unfiltered, authentic self.


As a child, I grew up believing I was loved—because I was—but under many layers of conditioning. I was loved as long as I remained “the good, easy girl.” This taught me to shape-shift, to please, to smooth out my own edges until I forgot where my needs and limits even began.


Greece has been, and still is, a huge part of my healing journey. Here, I somehow allowed myself to peel off the masks and offer others a small window into my real self. Or maybe it was the other way around—meeting deep, soulful individuals on my first steps in this land, people who could see right through me. That kind of seeing makes all guarding feel pointless.


I believe both factors matter: our personal willingness to open up, to get vulnerable, to lead with emotion instead of thought—and the gift of meeting others who hold space for us to do so.



Living Expressively


A wide spectrum of who we are shows up in how we express ourselves—in relationships, and, of course, with ourselves.


Looking back, I realize I probably carried what people call social anxiety. I couldn’t relax outside my four walls; being “out there” felt exhausting. But lately, another layer has been peeled away.


Now I sing. I dance. I let myself be seen in public—with no shame when I get it “wrong” and no guilt for all the parts where I absolutely rock and roll.


I realize now there’s no one to impress but my own heart, my own vision, my own joy. Creative expression isn’t about becoming a professional painter or sculptor. It’s about allowing whatever I do to become a way of expressing my preferences, my style, my taste.


Sometimes, just the act of expressing anything at all is the beginning.



Breaking Free from Suppression


Modern society suppresses our natural expressions in ways we don’t even notice. As children, we were told “sit still, don’t fidget, stop crying, quiet down, don’t rock your legs, don’t twirl your hair, don’t make noise.” And if we didn’t comply, they labeled us—ADHD, hyperactive, emotional, too much.


But what if these impulses—the sighing, shaking, crying, moving—are not “wrong” but deeply human? What if they are natural releases of energy, emotions, and life force trying to flow?


Instead, we were pushed through an educational system designed not to nurture our uniqueness, but to mold us into small parts of a massive mechanical organism. A system that demands obedience, productivity, and “fitting in” over authenticity.


It takes years—sometimes a lifetime—to unlearn these constraints, heal the wounds, and remember our wild, unstructured selves.


For me, creative expression has become an act of rebellion, of liberation, of festiveness. It’s a way of reclaiming what was silenced and forgotten. It’s about being real humans again—not just quiet, efficient, predictable cogs in the machine. Its our right to live fully, and we are the only ones who can grant this freedom to ourself.

WHEN YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH YOUSELF, EVERYONE FEELS COMFORTABLE WITH YOU

A Simple, Spontaneous Afternoon


The photos in this post weren’t planned. They were taken yesterday during a spontaneous trip with friends to a beach on the Aegean side—a place that feels like traveling to another island.


We didn’t pack much. No food, no fancy plans. Just a small speaker, four people of different ages (three guys and me), a young family with kids we met there, and my dog.


We swam, ran, danced, improvised handstands, played ball, laughed with strangers, felt the music, snapped photos, watched birds fly past the moonlit sky.


There was no numb “sit down, eat, drink, leave” script. Just living. Alive. Open. Heartful. Human.


This is what creative expression feels like to me. A way of being—unashamed, unguarded, connected.


It’s letting life move through you.


It’s loosening tight hips on the dance floor, laughing with your whole chest, following the tug of curiosity, playing like a kid.


It’s the wild, joyful art of simply being here.

ALL PHOTOS BY VAGGELIS FAFOUTIS

 
 
 

Yoga and meditation are no longer just practices—they’ve become vital tools for cultivating balance, clarity, and inner peace in a fast-paced world. One of the most transformative ways to deepen your connection with these practices is by stepping away from daily life and immersing yourself in a retreat.


Nestled in serene natural settings like the Greek islands, these retreats offer space to reconnect with yourself, restore your energy, and open to profound personal growth.


Wide angle view of a tranquil outdoor yoga space

Why Choose a Yoga Retreat in Greece?


Greece’s landscapes—wild mountains, turquoise seas, and quiet olive groves—create a sanctuary for the soul. Imagine practicing yoga at sunrise with the Aegean breeze on your skin or meditating at sunset as waves lap gently at the shore.


Retreat centers across Greece (especially in lesser-known gems like North Evia) combine yoga, meditation, and holistic wellness practices to meet you exactly where you are—whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned practitioner.


Surrounded by natural beauty and timeless tranquility, it becomes easier to let go of stress, tune into your inner world, and awaken a sense of coherence between body, mind, and spirit.


High angle view of the Dead Sea's serene landscape

The Benefits of a Yoga and Meditation Retreat


Attending a retreat isn’t just a getaway—it’s an investment in your whole being. Here’s what you can expect:



1. Clarity and Focus

Daily yoga and meditation quiet the noise of modern life, helping you cultivate inner stillness and mental clarity.


2. Deep Stress Relief

Immersing yourself in restorative practices and nature lowers stress hormones, restores balance, and replenishes your nervous system.


3. Meaningful Connections

Share the journey with like-minded souls. Group practices and shared meals often spark lasting friendships and a sense of community.


4. Personalized Guidance

Experienced teachers provide support tailored to your needs—whether you’re refining your practice or discovering it for the first time.


5. Holistic Wellness

Many retreats include nourishing meals, sound healing, and mindfulness workshops that complement your physical practice with emotional and energetic balance.

What to Expect at Our Retreats

Each retreat offers its own rhythm, but most blend movement, stillness, and soulful connection:


  • 🧘‍♀️ Yoga & Meditation: Daily practices that align body and mind, from energizing Vinyasa to deeply restorative Yin.

  • 🌿 Nature Immersion: Outdoor sessions by the sea, in the forest, or near healing springs.

  • 🥗 Nourishing Meals: Wholesome, seasonal cuisine to support your energy and vitality.

  • 🛏 Tranquil Accommodation: Cozy stays designed for rest and reflection, surrounded by nature’s healing presence.


How to Choose the Right Retreat

With so many options, finding the right fit can feel overwhelming. Here’s how to refine your choice:


  1. Clarify Your Intention – Are you seeking rest, inner work, or a physical reset?

  2. Explore Teacher Profiles – Make sure their approach resonates with your heart.

  3. Read Reviews & Stories – Past participants often share insights that reveal the retreat’s atmosphere.

  4. Tune into the Location – A serene environment magnifies the healing potential.

  5. Honor Your Budget – Balance what’s included with what you need most for your journey.



Begin Your Journey of Transformation



A yoga and meditation retreat is more than a pause from routine—it’s a doorway into a more authentic, spacious, and vibrant way of being.


When you gift yourself this time, you return not just relaxed but transformed. With clearer insight, a calmer nervous system, and a deep sense of connection, you carry the retreat’s magic back into your everyday life.



Ready to Say Yes to Yourself?



Our retreats in Greece invite you to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover the joy of simply being. Whether you’re longing for deep rest, soulful connection, or a spark of transformation, there’s a place for you here.

🕊 Your journey to balance and vitality starts now!

 
 
 

I owe much of this awareness to Teal Swan’s guidance and wisdom..


Teal Swan is a spiritual teacher and author whose work focuses on emotional healing, shadow work, and guiding people toward living in alignment with their authentic selves.


Understanding the Burden of Unseen Emotional Scars


So often, we move through life feeling a low hum of stress, dissatisfaction, or longing for “something more.” On the surface, it might look like a tough job, a difficult relationship, or simply the demands of daily life. But underneath, there are quiet wounds—old pains, unspoken hurts, and layers of conditioning—that shape how we see ourselves and the world.


For many, the word “trauma” feels too heavy. “I haven’t been through anything extreme,” we tell ourselves — and I used to as well. Until my early 20s, I couldn’t grasp what all the drama was about. So we had some stuff going on… some parents divorced, some single-parenting reality checks. No big deal, right?


Well, it is a big deal — if you’re heading for your Best Life Ever. It wasn’t a big deal as long as I was living in mediocrity.


So first thing is to acknowlege - trauma isn’t only about catastrophic events. It can also come from subtle, repeated experiences:

• Not feeling fully seen or heard as a child

• Growing up in a home where emotions weren’t safe to express

• Being criticized or shamed for being “too much” or “not enough”

• Feeling unsupported during vulnerable moments

Any of these feel familiar? :)

Over time, even these “small” wounds shape our nervous system, our beliefs, and our ability to trust ourselves and others.


We don’t recognize these patterns because they’ve been normalized. But they often show up later in life as:

  • Overreacting to small triggers

  • Difficulty setting boundaries

  • A sense of disconnection from joy, purpose, or self-worth


Triggers Are Invitations


When we feel an emotional charge—anger, fear, withdrawal—it’s not a failure. It’s a signal. These intense reactions are like arrows pointing us toward places that need care.


The questions become;

  • Can you hug the trigger closer inwards?

Even if you did react upon it; (and ‘fail’ to manage your ‘persona’)

  • Can you grab the Gift of awareness behind it all?

They say the real you is the awareness that shines right after a non aware action/reaction, and i find it so true..

  • Can we pause and listen to what’s really asking for our attention (aka - healing) ?

  • Can we ask our inner selves - why did this touch you so deep / make you reach out of bounce, far from center, far from peace..



The Healing Journey


True healing isn’t about “fixing” ourselves. It’s about gently uncovering, witnessing, and integrating what has been hidden. It begins with:


  1. Awareness

Notice your patterns. Where do you feel resistance? What makes you overreact? What stories do you carry about yourself?


  1. Compassion

Meet these parts of yourself with kindness. Imagine speaking to a younger version of you who felt this pain—how would you hold them?


  1. Support

Healing doesn’t have to be done alone. Therapies, spiritual practices, and community can offer mirrors and guidance.


  1. Integration

As we heal, our responses change. Life feels lighter, relationships deepen, and we rediscover authentic joy.



You Are Already Whole


The truth is, healing isn’t about becoming someone new. It’s about remembering who you were before the wounds and returning home to yourself.


Every step you take—no matter how small—is sacred. Think that every step you do not allow - not only you turn your back on your own life, you do so as a part of a collective consciousness that asks for expansion and growth..

My final thoughts…

Life does not happen to us, it happens for us, if we can embrace this understanding, every challenge becomes a great chance for more authentic expression of pure energy, love, abundance, health and joy - and when this state is integrated into our daily ways of navigating through life - this is where we enjoy the fruits of healing..and there is no sweeter taste than this.

Life is fantastic!

I have been honored to walk through great challenges, heartbreaks, and sufferings—born from my own perception of reality and hidden coping mechanisms. And I have been blessed to love and be loved, to sense coherence, connection, grounding, and the vitality of spirit. It is through touching the full polarity of the human experience that profound questions arise—a seeking of truth, the cultivation of inner authority. No outer pursuit can ever satisfy the inner bird of freedom—unchained from all the shoulds and could haves—authentic in heart, open in mind… a northern star for humanity.


 
 
 

Undina; Originated in Latin.

Undina means ״from the waves״.

In European folklore;

Undina is a water spirit or a sea nymph that

lives at sea and owns its treasures.

Content on site is a kind, loving, friendly gesture of collaborative spirit by various friends who are colleagues and artists. Read more 

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