I am sitting on my sunny rooftop patio in Riomaggiore. My freshly washed laundry swaying lightly on the line as I nibble on toast with camenbert from France and vine ripened tomatoes. I look out beyond the terrace dotted with flowerpots spilling over with pink and purple blooms and notice a lemon tree with what seems like hundreds of plump neon yellow lemons.
I wonder how many species of birds are around here as their singing sounds like an orchestra playing a melodious symphony. Again the sun is out and the air is warm and humid carressing my skin. I look over to the aqua green Ligurian Sea and watch the fishing boats bobbing hypnotically in the distance.
Riomaggiore is one of five coastal fishing villages that make up Cinque Terre. It is incredibly peaceful here and my heart feels happy. Everything closes between 1 and 4pm while people go home to eat and siesta...this is my kind of place.
There is a group of small children playing football in the square. Their laughter reminds me of how simple happiness can be achieved. As adults, we forget how to live in the moment, forever planning and anaylsing the future and the past. The present is a present that many dont allow themselves to enjoy.
In the past, I have been so caught up in trying to anticipate the next moment that I have forgotten to breathe in this one. I take a deep breath and my spine tingles, my heart giggles and my mind is excitedly content that finally, I am discovering peace. It's times like these that bring grateful tears to my eyes because I am receieving the gift of tranquility. The best part is that I now know that you dont need to travel halfway accross the world to exotic locales to find it. Just close your eyes, take a slow deliberate breath and smile. Peace is the casing that envelopes our heart and soul.
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