Take a deep breath.
In. And out.
What do you feel?
Body. Earth. Mind.
These are your three homes. Take care of them. No matter where you are.
When you are away from those you know, far but not ever too far, in Barcelona, reconnect with your three homes. They will guide you to peace. They will ground you and remind you that as long as they are in harmony, so are you.
Step out onto the cobbles and feel the warmth of sun-soaked walls reflect onto your skin. Touch the culture with your eyes, see how you can walk to anywhere, from anywhere [1]. Pass by Gaudí’s signature fingerprinted around the city centre and the curved stone that grasps your vision. Embody unknown lives through second hand clothing, you have plentiful choice within the whole of Spain [2].
Reuse what already exists and consume with conscience [3].
Direct yourself to the myriads of olive-green lands found in the Catalan capital and inhale vicariously through the “green lungs” of the Parc Natural de la Serra de Collserola and Montjuïc [4]. All throughout the city, you will find hundreds of emerald pockets of parks [5] that will return you to peace, despite the chaotic cultural overwhelm that surrounds.
Reduce the harshness of dim, burning fuel on this alluring region and move your body [6].
On the same level, reduce inequalities [7] and recognise the strength of the Catalan citizen. Throughout history they have been suppressed but yet they still stand, strong and proud. Respect them like you respect yourself and familiarise yourself with their tongue and tradition. Maybe by the end you will feel ‘una mica catalana’ (a bit Catalan) too. It is through your engagement and curiosity that their vitality is ensured [8].
Another way to give is to give up what you no longer need. Letting go is necessary for personal reconnection. Just like you source out the energy of the other through their clothing, surrender your own through the Roba Amiga containers [9] scattered throughout Barcelona. Clear your body of unwanted fabrics and clear your mind of unwanted thoughts.
Recycle the energy and transform it into something stronger.
Take another deep breath.
In. And out.
How do you feel?
More connected, I am sure. Not only to yourself, but to this enchanting city that, despite what may expose her weaknesses, will always remind you to breathe.
References:
[1] https://www.barcelona.cat/barcelonacultura/es/recomanem/mil-una-maneras-pasear-barcelona
[2] https://www.humana-spain.org/quienes-somos/comunicacion/noticias/espana-cuenta-con-800-tiendas-de-moda-de-segunda-mano-la-mitad-en-manos-de-entidades-sociales/es
[3] UN Sustainable Development Goal: 12
[4] https://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/en/page/3447/green-barcelona.html
[5] UN Sustainable Development Goal: 11
[6] UN Sustainable Development Goal: 3
[7] UN Sustainable Development Goal: 10
[8] https://catalunyaplural.cat/es/la-catalanidad-pertenencia-e-identidad/
[9] https://ajuntament.barcelona.cat/neteja-i-residus/es/recogida-domestica/sistemas-de-recogida-de-otros-tipos-de-residuos/recogida-de-ropa
