Where Do Our Roots Truly Lie?

April at Eirene Cafe

Every year, around mid-March, I awaken to a subtle shift in my mood. I find myself strangely calm and open, a feeling that has accompanied me for as long as I can remember. Being born in late April, it's likely that this heightened sense of readiness and pleasant anticipation is ingrained in my physiology.

At the same time, a faint scent of warm, fertile soil begins to permeate the air. My heightened sensitivity picks up on it, especially during the early mornings and late evenings. I breathe it in slowly, savoring the sweet essence of early spring. Amidst the beauty and quiet joy, nostalgic emotions begin to wash over me in waves. It's a longing for moments past, both for what life once held and what might have been. It's not people or places I miss, but rather the times I inhabited long ago, with people and places as they once were.

Many strands of my existence were intricately woven with those of others. These connections formed the roots of my being, intertwining and communicating with the roots of others. They provided a sense of comfort and stability, sustaining both me and the lives I touched. We nurtured and protected each other as we grew and aged together, often unaware of the profound symbiotic exchange at play. Little did we know, this intricate web of connection was not destined to last forever.

When I lost those interconnected ties, I felt unmoored. Ironically, this sensation didn't coincide with my physical move to Italy; I was still in the place of my birth. Looking back, I now realize that I left my homeland because I felt disconnected.

This leads me to reconsider the concept of roots.

Perhaps it's time to view them not merely as a patch of soil somewhere in the world, but as a sense of safety, trust, and inclusive engagement with society—a way of being interconnected with others.

What do roots signify to us? Why are they crucial for our sense of belonging? Do we feel truly rooted in our current living environment? If so, what contributes to this feeling? If not, what factors hinder it? How can we take proactive steps to establish a sense of stability and connection? What elements are essential for us to seamlessly integrate into our social surroundings? How can we assist others in bridging similar gaps? Reflecting on our personal histories, what has facilitated our sense of rootedness, and what has posed challenges?

These are some of the questions we will be trying to answer throughout April. From examining our present circumstances to exploring our past experiences and envisioning our future, we will illuminate the concept of rooting oneself and identify strategies to foster this process within the dimensions of time, space, and interpersonal exchange.

With love,

Natasha Nedelkovska, Founder and Creative Director