A Mindful Journey

What Hiking in Greece Taught Me About Living in the Moment by Stephanie Contomichalos of Nefeli Nine

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As the founder of a yoga and hiking retreat in Greece, I often marvel at how these two practices—yoga and hiking—perfectly complement one another. Both require presence, both invite a deeper connection with yourself and the world around you, and both teach invaluable lessons about mindfulness. But it wasn’t until I began leading retreats in Greece that I fully understood how these lessons could transform not just moments, but the way we live our lives.

The Mountains as Teachers

The mountains have a way of humbling and teaching us like nothing else. Hiking has taught me that the only way forward is slow and steady—one step at a time. It’s not about rushing to the summit but about finding strength in persistence and focus. Even when the climb doesn’t go as planned, it’s a reminder that life, like the mountain, offers second chances. You can return to the drawing board, prepare better, and try again. These are lessons we carry into everyday life: patience, resilience, and the courage to start over when needed.

I once had a client who doubted herself halfway through a challenging hike. Exhausted and overwhelmed, she felt sure she couldn’t go on. But with gentle encouragement and the reminder to take it step by step, she found her rhythm and pushed through. By the end, she stood at the summit with tears of pride in her eyes, realizing she was far stronger than she had ever believed. Hiking taught her, and me, that mindfulness isn’t about reaching the destination but about being fully present with each step.

Yoga: Grounding in the Now

Yoga, like hiking, invites you to be in the moment. On our retreats, we often start and finish the day with a yoga practice to prepare the body and mind for the hike ahead. The focus is on breath, alignment, and awareness—not on achieving a perfect pose. These small moments of mindfulness—a deep breath, a stretch to release tension, a pause to notice the scent of wildflowers—remind us that we have everything we need to navigate life’s challenges if we just slow down and tune in.

Lessons in Patience

One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned through these retreats is patience. Nature operates on its own timeline. The sun rises and sets without hurry, the seasons change without resistance, and a flower blooms when it’s ready. As someone who used to thrive on deadlines and constant productivity, I’ve found these lessons invaluable.

I remember one retreat where rain unexpectedly delayed our hike. At first, there was disappointment; people had planned their day around the hike and picnic. But as we waited in the shelter of a stone hut, something magical happened. People began to talk, laugh, and share stories. We practiced a short yoga flow and even meditated to the sound of raindrops. By the time the sun emerged, the group felt more connected than ever. The delay taught us to surrender to the moment and embrace what was unfolding, rather than clinging to what we had planned.

The Beauty of Simplicity

Another powerful takeaway from these experiences is the beauty of simplicity. There’s something profoundly satisfying about walking through nature with nothing but the essentials on your back. Similarly, practicing yoga requires only your body, breath, and a willingness to be present. These retreats strip away the distractions of modern life and remind us of what truly matters: connection, movement, and the simple joys of being alive.

Living in the Moment

As I reflect on what hiking in Greece has taught me, I’m reminded that mindfulness isn’t a lofty goal, or a practice reserved for yoga mats and mountain trails. It’s a way of being that can infuse every part of our lives. It’s in the way we enjoy a meal, the way we listen to a friend, or the way we pause to appreciate a sunset. The mountains and the mat are just the starting points. The real journey begins when we take these lessons into our everyday lives.

If you’re seeking a way to reconnect with yourself and the present moment, I invite you to lace up your boots, unroll your mat, and join me on this mindful journey. Greece’s landscapes will welcome you; its trails will challenge you, and its ancient wisdom will remind you: life is happening right now, in this very moment.

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