Feeling to be on the verge of mental-emotional breakdown, we talked and cried through most of the night in a room in the 'paradise village' of Azogires. The torment was in our minds, rolling over us in heavy waves of regret for decisions made and despair over a projected future. The inner voice spoke to me, 'Focus on what is real. What is real is what is now. I am grateful for what is now.' The next morning, thinking we would make an escape from paradise, I walked from the motel room to the village cafe. On the walk, as I looked around and relaxed into it, I saw and felt the beauty of nature in the vibrant orange trees bursting with bright fruit and the rich diversity of greenery and flowers. Aversion and resistance towards the constructions of man softened in me, and I felt more acceptance towards the caged chickens behind rusty wire walls. It is what it is.... Just outside the 'town center,' we took a nature path off the road to a waterfall and monastery. The further we walked, the more joy sprang up in our hearts. It is magical! I never felt so at home in my life. My cynicism towards the phrase 'paradise village' as being just another slogan to attract tourists turned into a deep respect and realization that it is true. There is so much more to this village than first meets the eyes, and the richness of its beauty is present for those who have the eyes to see.... On our first day, we swept and mopped the Alfa Cafe and cleaned its dirty dishes. Lucky, the hands-on visionary of the town, has his hands full with all the demands on his attention. His priority now seems to be harvesting olives which have fallen from the trees. We haven't yet been to the olive groves, but stayed behind today, to sift and sort the olives gathered by the field crew. It is joyful work, as it is voluntary and with no pressure of obligation or expectation. Today it is planned to go with Lucky in the afternoon to look at longer term residential opportunities....
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November 2023
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