Ein Leben ohne Plan auf Kreta… und es funktioniert trotzdem 😄

00:00:09: Welcome to Working with Sea View, Crete & BEYOND.

00:00:13: I am Lydia Mitterlehner and in this podcast it's all about people who have built a life for themselves on Crete or are currently in the process of doing so.

00:00:24: My guests are People who work here for example as Freelancers, Entrepreneurs, Employees or Remote Workers.

00:00:30: We talk About Opportunities & Challenges, About Bureaucracy , About Courage and Lessons.

00:00:36: Learn and about what it really takes to work in Greece, And build a life here.

00:00:42: So let's dive into working with Sea View, Crete & BEYOND!

00:01:06: Right so we start... Alright!

00:01:08: Welcome to another

00:01:10: episode of

00:01:11: Working

00:01:11: With Sea View, Crete & Beyond.

00:01:14: My name is Lydia and today I have the lovely Arna as my guest.

00:01:20: I'm actually very happy to have you here.

00:01:22: It´s my second interview.

00:01:24: The rest what I did before were solo episodes and i'm very happy to have you here because You're actually one of the first persons, I know Here Because when I moved here.

00:01:36: I can remember we started this Facebook group Of the house

00:01:40: tenants

00:01:41: And then I remember your wrote that Your bicycle broke down.

00:01:44: That's right!

00:01:46: The bicycle brought us together.

00:01:50: Yes exactly Lend my bicycle to him so we got to know each other.

00:01:54: Oh, you

00:01:55: see?

00:01:56: So this is how I got to go.

00:01:57: You're the very happy-to have here because i know that your not this outgoing poison.

00:02:02: uh haha, poison... This out going.

00:02:05: I hope I am not poisonous

00:02:06: jesus... Because I know That Your Not this Outgoing Person And sometimes also a little bit shy and a Little Bit Introverted.

00:02:17: So Im Very Happy That You Said Yes To Be My Guest In My Podcast.

00:02:22: Thanks so much for being here!

00:02:23: Thank you, thank you for having me.

00:02:26: And yes I am very shy and introvert not just a little introvert i would say a lot.

00:02:34: So yeah but I'm happy to do this with you.

00:02:39: bring it on.

00:02:40: Perfect!

00:02:42: So before you change your mind, I say we just start and yeah let's dive in pretty openly.

00:02:49: tell us a little bit about yourself like

00:02:51: where

00:02:51: are you from?

00:02:52: what are your hobbies?

00:02:54: What do you like to do here?

00:02:55: things like this just what you want to say.

00:02:59: well i come from Iceland which is also an island for those who don't know...I guess everybody knows.

00:03:08: And yeah, I grew up there.

00:03:13: But about twenty years old... ...I disappeared from that island and now i'm ending here on another Island.

00:03:25: So it seems like im an island girl because.. ..i always kind of need to stay where the sea is and nature!

00:03:35: I don't do very well in cities but sometimes I joke think I was just dropped on a wrong island.

00:03:44: Like the stork brought me to the world, he dropped off at the wrong Island because when i ended here...I felt immediately like I was home.

00:03:56: so yeah that's where I'm from and you mentioned hobbies.

00:04:04: no what were you

00:04:05: or whatever you want to tell about yourself?

00:04:09: Yeah As a child I was always very introvert also, i've been.

00:04:16: I played alot on my own and didn't want to play with kids or animals for sure like I had a cat.

00:04:25: instead of dressing up as a dolly bear or something.. I just dressed the cats playing with them.

00:04:34: Was he happy about it?

00:04:35: Actually yes!

00:04:37: His name is Morgan Kane.

00:04:40: He was named after the director, Morgan Kane.

00:04:43: Actually it was my aunt's cat but I took over and he kind of decided that i would be the owner... ...of him!

00:04:50: And yeah so I was always very introvert.. ..and kind-of a weird child especially because this is like forty something years back and if you were not like normal with whatever that meant in Iceland then you were weird.

00:05:08: So I felt

00:05:10: right

00:05:10: in the beginning that i wasn't really meant to be there somehow.

00:05:14: um so yeah, it was a lot on my own and trying to find my way all up to high school basically like job-wise what I wanted to study And...I started..and finished something.

00:05:29: then no this is not me!

00:05:31: I want do something else.

00:05:33: So I always had this in me, like searching and looking for something else.

00:05:37: And be never stopping kind of the journey of me somehow finding who i am what i want.

00:05:46: so i don't really have any hobby sort of.

00:05:49: my hobby is maybe just being on a journey Like seeing what comes up because sometimes i get interest In something that i never thought i would describes me pretty, pretty well.

00:06:04: And sometimes I get like obsessed with something for a period and then no this is no longer fun i leave it and do something else.

00:06:14: so yeah!

00:06:15: So its basically just being kind of in the flow and seeing what comes and pick out what you know makes me grow but doesn't how I spent life.

00:06:34: Yeah, so you spend it in the flow and the flow brought your somehow here to Greece because he said that they were dropped on a wrong island?

00:06:42: So when did actually find their way to Greece?

00:06:47: Well...that's another kind of twist for my journey!

00:06:53: Because ...so i was in India.

00:06:58: We will get back to India probably later on the podcast, but it's part of my yoga journey... ...to go into India every year and study there.

00:07:08: And then in two thousand nineteen up till twenty-twenty I was staying in India!

00:07:15: All of a sudden everybody heard about this Wuhan virus that is going on in China.

00:07:22: I don't know, i somehow felt like oh this is weird how all the world is kind of freaking out about some virus when you're in India.

00:07:31: You see so many viruses and diseases and nobody's talking about it but... This was blowing up!

00:07:39: And yeah..I had just a bad feeling.

00:07:42: So maybe I should start to look for flight earlier back to Europe because ...yeah ..don't what happening?

00:07:51: And I had really never seen Indians.

00:07:54: I mean, have been traveling to India for twelve years and... ...I've never seen them so unsettled with something!

00:08:01: Then slowly-slowly we started to hear that the flights were being cancelled.. ..and countries were closing….

00:08:09: …and then they started talking about coronavirus.

00:08:14: Anyway – I don't want talk about Covid because it's like….

00:08:21: Yeah, not my cup of tea.

00:08:23: But it was about the same time that you started this both viruses?

00:08:26: Yes.

00:08:27: So I kind of got into a rescue flight to Frankfurt Germany from India and at the time I was based in Berlin but i couldn't fly to berlin.

00:08:39: so I Was flying to frankfort And I have an aunt there.

00:08:42: their sister of my mother lives there actually.

00:08:46: And yeah, so I called her and said look can i stay with you for a couple of days then?

00:08:50: I'm gonna go to Berlin.

00:08:52: She said yes sure no problem!

00:08:55: These couples ended up being couple weeks or months because everything got shut down in Germany as well Because of Covid.

00:09:05: Then In May completely like losing hope in ever getting away from Germany because the world was upside down and I mean, i was pretty calm myself.

00:09:22: It didn't really affect me so much except of course that I couldn't go to work Because my previous years had just been a suitcase traveling teaching you know doing all what I wanted but also Charming to kind of just stop and pause for a while.

00:09:42: And just be, observe the world... ...and see what's happening.

00:09:48: where is the world taking me now?

00:09:51: Then my friend contacted me and said that she was on her way to Greece To Crete.

00:09:57: She lived in Cyprus.

00:09:59: I had already been at her yoga studio for teaching In Cyprus.

00:10:06: Siza do you want come over Do a workshop here or retreat, we can do something here.

00:10:12: Everything is going to be open in Greece and you know the Greeks are not so nervous about this like they say everything will be fine.

00:10:21: That was what I could beginning?

00:10:22: So

00:10:23: that's when it started!

00:10:26: So i get a flight and i'm just happy to kind of go from display.

00:10:31: Not my aunt who was amazing with her husband you know, I was with one suitcase that i brought me from India and all my stuff were in Berlin.

00:10:42: And didn't have anything.

00:10:44: so talking about completely being without everything.

00:10:48: just where am I going?

00:10:50: Can't go home to get my clothes.

00:10:55: Shops are even closed!

00:10:56: So couldn't really go the shops buy stuff... ...and wasn't vaccinated.. ..so couldn't come here for this.

00:11:04: It was really like, yeah interesting time.

00:11:08: Anyway I took the plane to Crete and... ...I had been here Like i said for one or two days And it just felt that I have been on this island forever!

00:11:17: Like.. ..I was completely home.

00:11:22: Yeah That's how I came Here because I'm going teach here.

00:11:26: So you must have come a little bit before me, because I came also while COVID time.

00:11:31: Yeah we are COVID

00:11:32: refugees!

00:11:33: Exactly.

00:11:35: but when you came to Crete then did you directly come to Kalamaki?

00:11:40: No

00:11:41: no... Well i took the flight to Heraklion which is the capital of Crete And I knew some people already here, like my friend from Cyprus and then found out there was actually another Icelander living here which is quite amazing that you would find an other Icelandic person in the area where are heading to.

00:12:08: So yeah so i just came to Heroklion.

00:12:14: The mountains, Rothfia is the name of village and I stayed there for first two years here.

00:12:20: So i was in a village

00:12:22: And how did you finally end up here?

00:12:24: In Kalamaki?

00:12:25: That's because I got a job Here For a tourist guide.

00:12:31: It was for travel agency in Iceland.

00:12:33: They needed someone to... Yeah A second tourist guide and I had never done that before talking about not knowing what to do where i'm going, What am I gonna?

00:12:45: Do.

00:12:46: I just go in the flow And I thought it was very interesting like being a tourist guide and you know Go on trips

00:12:53: and

00:12:54: Going through the airport then pick up groups of people and help them here To settle in and seeing this beautiful island.

00:13:02: I mean what could be better?

00:13:04: so yeah said yes went to Hania and I stayed first in Agia Marina just then on hotel because when i was working, I still like here for the season basically.

00:13:20: And then I'm gonna go back to Heraklion which I did but it felt so good here at Kalamaki and Agia marina this area by sea...I had been mountains more than two years ago.

00:13:34: now it's time to go somewhere else.

00:13:36: and just yeah.

00:13:38: so I found the room here in Kalamaki, like a studio apartment.

00:13:42: And just packed my suitcase which i had already taken with me from Germany!

00:13:50: I still didn't have more than just one suitcase.

00:13:53: after two years here...and uh yeah..I moved here started my day here on zero not knowing really what am I going to do?

00:14:04: Yeah, and Matthew yeah my bike broke so I didn't have a Have a proper bike.

00:14:11: So I was like well but anyway everything works out.

00:14:15: so

00:14:17: Interesting how it goes?

00:14:18: Yeah.

00:14:19: Yeah.

00:14:19: I mean, I know maybe it's a cliche to say that I Mean personally, I don't believe in coincidence.

00:14:27: I think Everything is lined up And if you are on your wrong way to something, Something will happen that we'll shift it.

00:14:37: You know?

00:14:37: If you really are connected with YOU first of all like who you are and the flow... ...and you're open!

00:14:46: Like its so important just be open to whatever.

00:14:50: I mean.

00:14:50: there is fear that comes.

00:14:52: Of course i have sometimes not known even where im sleeping next week You know, where's my next job?

00:14:59: Where am I going to teach?

00:15:01: and there are so many uncertainties.

00:15:03: but that is also what is fascinating about being in the flow.

00:15:09: When you look back it always says hey!

00:15:12: It all worked out And if bike breaks i'm sure it will work out.

00:15:17: If my work doesn't get my bills paid something else comes.

00:15:23: So i can do this.

00:15:25: My bills would be on time Yeah, but it needs a lot of courage and you have to really be curious also.

00:15:33: And nothing... No bliss will come without any little suffering like.

00:15:38: You have to get uncomfortable to experience something comfortable Like

00:15:44: the podcast now!

00:15:47: And this is actually one thing that's interesting for many listeners because when somebody hears your story You are moving from India, you're actually from Iceland.

00:15:57: Then you go to Germany and Berlin then come to Greece.

00:16:00: it feels like... ...you just go with the flow without having fears or doubts because this is what life brings for us!

00:16:09: I think that self-doubts & fear they are with you.

00:16:14: Just have to handle them Because always when we live in a comfort zone It's not comfortable.

00:16:22: You could fail, you could... I don't know whatever but there are these fears and these doubts.

00:16:27: And so many people think that they're sitting now maybe in Germany or Austria doing their job.

00:16:33: They think ah yes those people!

00:16:36: They can talk so easy because for them it's easy.They have much better start opportunities.

00:16:42: They can do this ,they can do that .

00:16:43: They dont'have the brain fucks.

00:16:45: But its not true !You just have to go through it Isn't?

00:16:48: is way?

00:16:49: Yeah..and fear It comes beacause It's something that is unknown.

00:16:54: Like if you know what is in front of you, If You Know What Your Opening Up To Then There Is No Fear.

00:17:02: So The Fear Comes Because You Don't Know How Its Going to Be.

00:17:07: Put Your Life Upside Down And Move Somewhere Or Follow What You Really Want To Do Because Maybe You Don'T Know If It'S Gonna Work Out?

00:17:15: Like You Want To Move From Another Country To Another Country And you don't know, will I get a job?

00:17:21: Will i get a place?

00:17:22: Will I meet people.

00:17:23: Will I be supported?

00:17:24: blah blah blah and that's the fear.

00:17:27: so The Fear is talking but not your heart and Your passion.

00:17:35: So all these fears doubts this negative thing in life.

00:17:40: if You are yeah focusing on That whatever you resist we'll persist If you Know what I mean like.

00:17:47: So if you put that aside and start to just think about, oh I'm gonna move on a country.

00:17:53: It's going be great!

00:17:54: And i know will be supported by the universe... ...I am going to be good person so.. ..i know that If do good in world then it'll bring me something good.

00:18:04: If you start focussing on that....it WILL

00:18:08: come!!

00:18:08: I have been in shoes of not having money Not knowing where to stay But I feel SO fulfilled and happy that I mean, i am just wow meeting all these amazing people new cultures uh New countries.

00:18:25: New smell!

00:18:26: I've been traveling for twenty years now.

00:18:28: um...I moved first in two thousand six to Sweden And then from there to Danmark..and it just continued.

00:18:38: Then all of a sudden I was in Japan.

00:18:40: ..I was in Kyoto.

00:18:42: ...I have been in Canada living with All kinds of people, both roommates or with families.

00:18:49: And then I went to Italy... ...I lived in Sardinia and I was in New York as well, Arizona like the world has brought me so many different places and mostly because my work yeah teaching yoga.

00:19:06: it's universal.

00:19:07: you can go everywhere.

00:19:08: but even if your not having a universal job If you are sitting in your apartment unhappy doing your job and You want something, you want to move?

00:19:21: To a country where there is more bright.

00:19:23: More light Even if you have to work on the bar.

00:19:28: I mean...I have had to work- I remember one time i was working In a car like a van that Was moving from places to places And selling fish Like..i mean bachelor degree from the university.

00:19:45: But hey, why not sell a fish in a van and just live some adventure?

00:19:50: I don't want to be stuck in an apartment or job because my University Degree brought me there.

00:19:59: I mean degrees up-to-a point are good yes but if it's not nurturing you laughter and joy.

00:20:08: And you're looking back, oh my God!

00:20:10: I remember the smell in that van was awful like but i'm so thankful for that van today.

00:20:17: Like because that van brought me to another country That I experienced something completely different where it was living with a rich family who had a pool In the yard.

00:20:28: You know what?

00:20:28: I mean...like..you never know.

00:20:31: Yes When I am talking now telling this what I've been doing, i'm sometimes surprised myself like wow okay really?

00:20:41: I have been doing a lot of crazy things and yeah.I think you have to be also connecting with the craziness inside you.

00:20:48: life is crazy.

00:20:50: who said that you were put on this earth?

00:20:52: just walk...like walk and work and sleep eat work from eight to four?

00:20:59: no for me it's the opposite.

00:21:02: I work a lot, but try to work so you don't really feel that you are working.

00:21:08: And thats...I never planned on being a yoga teacher!

00:21:11: Oh my god i mean..i started very late practicing even yoga.

00:21:16: I was what?

00:21:17: Twenty..I think twenty seven or twenty eight yeah.

00:21:20: and now im forty-seven You

00:21:22: know?!

00:21:23: And then I did bachelors and all kinds of stuff before.

00:21:28: Then all the sudden Im just in India studying, I went on my own to India just decided hey i'm gonna go this place in south india where the teacher is who's head of this ashtanga yoga which i do and had no idea like what was going into it.

00:21:48: And didn't even have health insurance when i went to India.

00:21:52: now look back and travel for all these years without any insurance or anything buying my flight ticket because that's what I could afford and the rest was just gonna see how it goes.

00:22:08: And i know for many listening to this, what I'm saying.

00:22:12: they might say oh yeah okay you know but I can't do this!

00:22:17: You don't have to go extreme like me and just pack in a backpack and go to India...you start by small things.

00:22:27: Start by cutting out for example people that you don't like job, but do You know want to downsize and find something else too?

00:22:38: That interests you studying or yeah And just see trust.

00:22:45: even if you cut down your work from ten hours two six hours.

00:22:49: And you give yourself four hours more You know of the day for yourself You will find and you feel that things are shifting.

00:23:02: And then slowly, all of a sudden... ...you just have quit the job that you don't like.. ..and started to do something else because you're making space for finding out what you want to do and finding out there is more than this.

00:23:16: So I'm not saying everybody has to do me or someone else but YOU DO YOU!

00:23:26: But for the mainstream of people, I think well many have responsibilities which okay i don't have a husband.I don't Have kids but that's also A decision That i made.

00:23:38: you have a dog?But

00:23:39: now i have a dogs.

00:23:41: and thats another interesting thing Which since You mentioned that as you know And Thats Also Another Common Thing We Have not Just The Bike is the story Of Doing Animal Work.

00:23:54: And yeah, like I said in the beginning when i was a child my best friend Was A cat.

00:23:59: Yes

00:24:00: and he was The one I played with!

00:24:03: There are letters That I was writing When I was five six years old To My aunt that I'm saving a bird... ...that was found In the yard dead.. ..I came home With worms from the mold.

00:24:18: I was always bringing animals Home to save or I don't know, live with me even.

00:24:24: But not too very... Very good for like my mother was sometimes no thank you this arat is not coming in but yeah Even a mouse or an arat are life for me.

00:24:37: so anyway.

00:24:39: So here when i moved to Greece of course In India we also have a lot of strays.

00:24:43: everywhere there's strays but.. When i came to greece it almost felt overwhelming.

00:24:52: just to take your trash out is like you walk by at least three four cats crying for food and I thought oh my god, i cannot stay here in this place without doing something.

00:25:06: And I started just to feed some of the cats here... ...and then I started to find kichtens!

00:25:12: Yeah it's very strange because when the locals here, it's not that they don't like animals.

00:25:21: It's just that they have so different up-growing of raising an animal and how they live... I mean we in Iceland would never just have so many outdoor cats And no food stations or whatever.

00:25:35: Like you know when a cat is found for example in Iceland he goes to a place where He gets boiled fish You know?

00:25:44: Yeah, then you come here and the cats have just so many fleas and ticks and diseases And skinny.

00:25:52: Their fur is just... Some are injured.

00:25:56: So I started to volunteer and I felt like it came To a closed door.

00:26:02: everywhere You know?

00:26:03: You found a box with maybe five kittens.

00:26:05: You went to the vet.

00:26:06: He said no i cannot take these cats And you couldn't understand Why.

00:26:12: what do I do?

00:26:13: Well, if everybody would bring this the box we would be full So slowly after I stayed here.

00:26:21: Because in the mountain when I was there for the first two years.

00:26:24: Yes We had strays but i didn't really see them so much because you know When you are on a mountain it's more distributed somehow.

00:26:31: But when I move here It's like wow they're so everywhere and puppies and dogs Yeah, so I've been doing also animal work But i have felt lately that you know.

00:26:44: I had to...I felt like it was draining me because I can't help everybody and I Felt almost like I made a choice.

00:26:54: Will I stop helping animals all together?

00:26:57: Or am I gonna pick who is going to get help And who- I mean..i just feel like Who am I to judge?

00:27:04: Am I taking this cat in or that cat, and oh who is more sick?

00:27:08: And it's so hard when you love animals so much.

00:27:11: You just want to take them all!

00:27:13: Yes yes i understand.

00:27:15: I can't completely relate to that...

00:27:17: You probably understand more than me because you are next level animal..I mean ,i could do little at the time but When working as a tourist guide we often got tips when we were selling in trips, we get like a bonus from selling trips and stuff.

00:27:36: And all this I put to the site for the animals!

00:27:41: And then... When you've been doing these for awhile here You start know how things are working here.

00:27:48: What needs be done?

00:27:49: Like muturing..and that Then i started also to foster puppies that were going to be adopted and they just needed a place for A couple of weeks or something too while They were waiting to get a flight with their new owner, Or Something.

00:28:09: so That's how I got into also.

00:28:11: Just the fostering part because i felt oh i can help So many With that.

00:28:17: You know if i don't keep any For myself?

00:28:20: I mean they just come And go more are being rescued yeah and then found a puppy and tried to find the home, didn't succeed.

00:28:33: And maybe actually she came into my life.

00:28:35: or maybe I mean...I think she honestly came to my life to make me grow into the next journey because you know being alone is easy!

00:28:47: You don't have any responsibilities except yourself and for me it's always been very hard to commit.

00:28:54: I mean, I hardly want to have a credit card or anything that i need to be committed.

00:29:01: My credit card needs to be paid at this day and... That's like too much commitment for me!

00:29:07: Having phone contract?

00:29:09: Can't not just get a prepaid car because it is easier than I don´t have to commit.

00:29:14: Yeah Because I want the space of packing down and going Like..I dont'want any thing which keeps in one place And that can also be just as challenging, being stuck in one place.

00:29:31: You know what I mean?

00:29:33: Sometimes you have to go against your nature In some ways To grow.

00:29:40: So when she came into my life...I am stuck!

00:29:44: and i'm on routine.

00:29:46: It's like Every day needs out for pee and poo and walk and train.

00:29:54: and not only a dog, it's a big dog which is like working dog.

00:29:59: Like Greek shepherd or mountain dog And they actually are very intelligent.

00:30:07: They're super difficult to train them.

00:30:09: I mean...I am just a floater An omet who lives in the suitcase.

00:30:15: i'm not person that has dogs all of sudden.

00:30:19: this routine responsibility Yeah, and now more than a year later.

00:30:26: She's still with me And I can say that you know after teaching yoga for fifteen years?

00:30:35: I thought it was very sad.

00:30:36: You know like oh everything is so calm in my life.

00:30:40: I am completely in control.

00:30:44: Nope This

00:30:46: she showed you.

00:30:47: no this

00:30:47: little girl which is big now she Completely showed me That Nothing was really working that I had already been working on.

00:31:01: It sounds crazy, but all of a sudden

00:31:04: this

00:31:05: sometimes frustration and anger And like ah just wanted to scream.

00:31:11: Like i cannot do This!

00:31:13: I have never experienced the side Of me.

00:31:16: so she's really showing Me what need work more Even I mean, the couple of months before i found her.

00:31:28: I was actually planning to go to Africa because one my friend just moved there and...

00:31:33: And remember when you told me?

00:31:35: Yeah!

00:31:35: And I was planning in a school teaching for homeless kids.

00:31:43: That's another adventure that I was like.

00:31:45: oh my god so exciting.

00:31:47: And then she came into my life, and I had to make a decision.

00:31:51: Am i gonna rescue this puppy or am I going to Africa?

00:31:55: And I just couldn't walk from alive!

00:31:58: I don't know...I just thought that I have to try to save the puppy and THEN I go to Africa.

00:32:05: No..i'm still here not going to africa ..and can see now looking back.

00:32:10: it would be mistake because After my friend has been there now, I just see that it's not the time for me.

00:32:22: And what has happened after My dog came to life Has been amazing!

00:32:27: i mean...i am in a new job That is online.

00:32:32: It´s like teaching and doing wellness and all kinds of different stuff..and im so loving somehow To be at one place.

00:32:47: There's someone there that really rely on me.

00:32:52: It is not just the stray cats and suffering, which sometimes comes with it to take care of strays because they are so much suffering from them.

00:33:03: you get suffered by watching them.

00:33:06: but actually this dog she was all inscrambled when found She had cuts in her face infested worms and stuff, so it was horrible.

00:33:19: And now she has even scars in her face after that.

00:33:23: but these scars always somehow bring smile on my face because I'm so glad that i decided to pick up and help her.

00:33:34: She's very spoiled and difficult

00:33:37: Very

00:33:39: friendly and sweet Yes!

00:33:41: But you can also be Yeah, quite demanding but It's perfect like I said.

00:33:48: I'm forty seven You know?

00:33:49: I will be fifty with a blink of an eye and it's about time.

00:33:55: yeah stop And just...it seems like this island also Just wants me to be here because i never plan To stay here so long But always something happened to keep Me Here and when I was About to go to Africa she comes.

00:34:09: So now Im just Surrendering once again to whatever is and as we know animals can go if they're one year or ten years Or fifteen years.

00:34:19: We don't know how long time we have with them.

00:34:25: So, but I'm also very lucky because i have a wonderful friends that live in the mountains here nearby.

00:34:32: They are also animal lovers and rescuers And so many animals like you next-level animal rescuer And they sometimes take her up to the mountain and let us stay there for a couple of days.

00:34:45: So she's like really in her nature, you know?

00:34:47: It is because I can see taking her on an hour walk here... No!

00:34:54: She just coming home like okay so when are we gonna do

00:34:57: something?!

00:34:58: Like..I am dead walking fifteen kilometers per day or something and shes just like...

00:35:04: Come one lets go!

00:35:06: I mean, she needs to be running after goats and something for eight hours a day.

00:35:11: So so for her i'm doing this mostly And also for me because I do work and I need that space Also that I talked about earlier too.

00:35:22: You know if you work eight hours Please try to make two-hour space For only you just To Be always kind of connecting.

00:35:31: Who am I?

00:35:32: What do i

00:35:33: want?".

00:35:33: Because, at a time with her... ...I was so maybe obsessed about training her right.

00:35:41: Doing everything for her It's always she and I forgot myself.

00:35:45: So.. ..I felt that I wasn't happy or isolated.

00:35:49: And now you go to the mountains For three days!

00:35:53: I have my break and what ever I wanted.

00:35:57: it is perfect.

00:36:00: But good thing you realized.

00:36:01: and then you go back to your middle and try to find yourself.

00:36:05: But what would be very interesting now for me is because I know of course that you're doing yoga, i know that you do the traveling guide...I know that last year I think you were even a receptionist!

00:36:16: Then you did some sport teaching in another hotel

00:36:20: yeah?

00:36:20: And when we bumped into At the street a few days ago.

00:36:25: You told me that you're into a new job and you just told about it little bit.

00:36:28: But yeah, can you describe?

00:36:29: A little bit more what your doing And is in like self-employed or isn't employed?

00:36:34: and are you working for Greek people of four Icelandic People?

00:36:38: just a little information about it.

00:36:40: Yeah So I worked both for Greeks and for Iceland so The Greeks our mostly here on the season.

00:36:52: That's what I do as a tourist guide or go to hotels and teach yoga, fitness all kinds of wellness so i pay my greek taxes also.

00:37:05: then this new job is also yoga but it´s online only its group with different kind of history.

00:37:18: some have maybe been diagnosed with something like a disease or ADHD, being Asperger or Parkinson's.

00:37:32: It can be very different cases and it is both from teenagers up to sixty-seventy years old people.

00:37:45: so its very interesting because I I design kind of the program for these people, what they need.

00:37:53: So it's very much individual work but at the same time we are doing in groups and its just a new kind of adventure to me because like i mentioned im an astanga yoga teacher originally which is...and ive been doing that for fifteen years around world in fancy yoga studios.

00:38:14: not so fancy yoga studio have students all over the world and it's been amazing really.

00:38:22: but I also felt now when i get older,I kind of wanted to use this method of yoga too.

00:38:31: And combine maybe with some kind of not social work more like therapy you know.

00:38:38: so not just crazy yoga like Astanga can be.

00:38:41: no

00:38:44: I saw some pictures and videos, yes.

00:38:46: It looks pretty crazy to me what you're

00:38:47: doing!

00:38:49: Yeah even for me to look back i'm like wow why was i so crazy in this?

00:38:56: yeah but it comes also with how you matured... ...with this practice?

00:39:01: You are so enthusiastic when you start then.. ..you want follow the method , you wanna follow everything do this go into India And then you get older and just mature.

00:39:13: You feel like, okay I need something different now... ...I'm in a different place in my life.. ..and i want it!

00:39:18: Because basically im basing everything on what I've learned through Astanga Yoga What Im doing right now with the new job.

00:39:27: But its just a different approach to it.

00:39:31: I am no longer traveling or teaching in yoga studios or workshops.

00:39:36: It's over for me somehow.

00:39:40: It's giving, like the job I do it has to be giving me something for me to be inspiring.

00:39:48: Like now i work with people who can see that they need a different approach and its making me also develop in a different way.

00:39:57: And thats...like said at the beginning..I always kind of have to be exploring and developing going into flow.

00:40:04: so im doing same With this.

00:40:07: So yeah

00:40:08: This sounds very much like you actually.

00:40:11: But I'm wondering now, is this.

00:40:14: what your doing?

00:40:15: Like for an organization or... Is it just freelancing...?

00:40:20: Ah yeah

00:40:20: no no!

00:40:20: What form

00:40:21: is

00:40:21: that?!

00:40:22: It's-I have a contract with the company in Iceland That i do and this company is focusing on all kinds of also wellness stuff Yeah And these kind things.

00:40:33: so.. I was just hired by the owner of this company, the CEO to take care of this part.

00:40:42: The yoga part And then there are other fields that you know and departments.

00:40:50: but we kind of try to work together like a wholeness.

00:40:56: Yoga means union of body mind soul.

00:41:00: This is so perfect because I'm working with the body who affects the mind and then someone else like a psychologist or some one takes over, works with the mind.

00:41:11: And it just links... One link from another.

00:41:16: We are few people working for this company each doing their part.

00:41:22: That's The Union!

00:41:23: Together we're

00:41:24: a holistic programme.

00:41:25: Actually that is very good

00:41:27: And now i can do whatever in my world.

00:41:30: I just need to have power, not power

00:41:34: cuts.

00:41:34: Not like now!

00:41:35: And i was wondering

00:41:37: what is this alarm outside?

00:41:38: Hopefully it's not covering our voices.

00:41:41: Uh...I was actually thinking maybe if there is the power coming back because sometimes it hears like

00:41:46: the power comes back.

00:41:47: Well we see its'nt true

00:41:50: but

00:41:51: Chris always has surprises concerning power cut and whatever water cut.

00:41:56: We are sitting here right now so perfect.

00:41:58: It's so describing for our life are here scheduled with Ntuil and there's no power.

00:42:05: Without

00:42:05: light, we

00:42:06: would have wished we had some.

00:42:07: Exactly!

00:42:09: But it is perfect.

00:42:10: so... Yeah

00:42:11: that what I am doing now And i can't say if will be do this for next years.

00:42:19: Now im just doing it now.

00:42:21: It´s good because the dog has to be here.

00:42:25: I cannot go anywhere Because Im not gonna move with forty kilo dogs Just in a suitcase, you know I'm traveling

00:42:33: that's maybe a second.

00:42:34: That's a little bit too much for me and But

00:42:38: it's also not impossible.

00:42:40: if you decide to go off course do ever

00:42:43: of course.

00:42:43: So

00:42:44: at the moment It may be takes a little but what?

00:42:47: I have two feeling with your telling a Little bit of euro flexibility

00:42:50: yeah, but

00:42:52: She also gives her lot of things.

00:42:54: And now you have this job and your good feeling here.

00:42:57: As long as it's like that, enjoy!

00:43:00: The thing is also I think last summer for example... It was my first summer because i work mostly crazy in the summer Like winters are more calm Because season isn't here And I thought how am i gonna do this with a dog?

00:43:18: Like, How Am I Gonna Work So Much With A Dog?

00:43:20: and then I just okay inhale exhale no.

00:43:23: Then when you're on tourist guide we also offer like a phone service twenty four hours.

00:43:32: so I got a phone call in the evening from hotel.

00:43:35: look We Have Problems With The Guests And I took her with me!

00:43:41: I Just Took This Forty Kilo Of Dog Just on a leash, let's go.

00:43:45: We are going to this hotel and I showed up And i was working...I took her with me.

00:43:51: she loved it.

00:43:53: She is very friendly so human centric..she loves everyone!

00:43:57: She isn't like an anxious dog who has to be with his owner all the time outside the supermarket and go in shopping for half an hour.

00:44:09: She's just looking at people, enjoying life like she is teaching me so much anyway.

00:44:17: So I managed!

00:44:19: I still don't really understand The work that you are doing now.

00:44:24: Is this... You said to have a contract?

00:44:27: But Are you employed right now in Iceland?

00:44:29: Yes

00:44:31: They hired me as company And pay taxes there too.

00:44:34: So,

00:44:36: I work here half of the year basically because this season is maybe six or seven months and then i'm doing a job in Iceland.

00:44:44: Interesting!

00:44:49: have the insurance then here because you said before when you were traveling to India, for example.

00:44:53: You didn't even have an insurance but here your normally insured and pay your taxes?

00:44:58: Yeah I mean... When you come here and want work in Greece ...you need to get a tax number and AMCA and all these things.

00:45:07: yes i had that so.. But im not like ..i don´t have special insurance.

00:45:13: It's just if I need to go to a doctor or hospital, like anyone here.

00:45:20: If i don't want to wait the whole day for help... ...I have to pay more for our service but

00:45:29: yeah.. Yeah so it is just obligatory when you have to live like me.

00:45:33: and can you remember?

00:45:34: When were registering in your self-employment.

00:45:39: was that kind of easy?

00:45:42: Was it not easy for you to do?

00:45:43: No, nothing is easy when it comes to bureaucracy in Greece.

00:45:49: Sorry I love this country but sometimes i came home like really...I have to go three places get stamp for one small thing okay.

00:46:01: and also because Iceland isn't in the EU we just are having Schengen agreements and stuff.

00:46:09: So it took me quite a while to get all the papers, but if you just stuffed things will come together in the end.

00:46:22: It took almost two years.

00:46:24: I wasn't in a rush or anything The first few year there was Covid here so everything is closed.

00:46:33: But you did everything your own all these papers or?

00:46:35: Did you have yeah, somebody like an account?

00:46:37: and no no on your own.

00:46:39: Yeah Wow

00:46:42: Yeah

00:46:44: me and Google translate that we were best buddies when it came to know I after I started working here, I got like inside of Greece.

00:46:55: I Got helped You know from an accountant just to do my tax reports

00:47:00: then anything

00:47:02: One, actually one of the owner of Yoka Studio that I was teaching here.

00:47:07: He also helped me a little bit with this Amka thing but no...I mean i didn't hire an accountant or anything.

00:47:15: just you know asked local people how to do it and went into office waited for many hours too.

00:47:25: yeah so Wow

00:47:31: Brave girl brave woman

00:47:33: or crazy or craziest

00:47:35: as I'm saying.

00:47:36: It's only a little

00:47:37: the mix

00:47:38: in the middle.

00:47:38: Yeah

00:47:40: And

00:47:41: now that we're still talking about your job and bureaucracy what is surely also interesting for the listeners this How you found these jobs because your word.

00:47:51: Okay, we know about the yogurt.

00:47:52: You can do it online.

00:47:54: Your a teacher but all that drops that you had here and now in Iceland.

00:47:58: did you find this job's just?

00:48:00: Mouse to mouse or did you look on platforms.

00:48:03: Or how did you make it go that these jobs came to you?

00:48:07: I mean the yoga jobs in hotels.

00:48:09: Here they just came mouth by mouth, you know for no work-by-work.

00:48:17: I mean, it's not... Hania is like a huge place.

00:48:19: So yeah so the yoga jobs came word from world because you know i was teaching in the yoga studio when i wanted to teach at the yoga studios..i just had seen the yoga Studio and walked-in!

00:48:34: And said hi my name is Arna are you looking for a yoga teacher?

00:48:39: That´s how i did that.

00:48:41: I just fearlessly went into For yeah for a job Not that anybody was advertising or I just asked around The tourist guiding with the travel agency.

00:48:55: Yeah, that just came.

00:48:56: how did That actually came?

00:48:58: Yeah, I met some people who were traveling here i think and And I Just had this idea of emailing them and saying like hey I'm from Iceland then do you need a tourist guide?

00:49:11: So yeah, I just reached out myself for all the jobs, also the job that I'm in now.

00:49:17: I asked if they needed some online yoga teacher at this company and uh... They said yeah why not try it?

00:49:23: And mm-hmm Yeah

00:49:26: Okay!

00:49:27: For all these jobs you did here locally Did you need a Greek language?

00:49:31: No Not at all.

00:49:32: Because you work so much on tourist season and actually require English speaking because people who speak English to tourists

00:49:43: but I remember you were also receptionist and not even there.

00:49:46: No,

00:49:47: okay

00:49:48: because most of the guests at hotel who come to their reception are English speaking And it wasn't a require.

00:49:57: But of course It was very good that i could say few words Because some people work in the kitchen for example The cleaning lady.

00:50:09: They don´t speak so good English.

00:50:11: So I had to learn a little bit, but God...I am SO embarrassed that i don't fully speak Greek yet because it's such difficult language which is not an excuse!

00:50:23: You can totally go on lots of online classes and have a tutor or everything But just haven't given myself enough time for it.

00:50:32: And this also something.. I think now after I saved the dog for unknown time, I really have to get into the language.

00:50:43: So that's my next thing!

00:50:46: Okay

00:50:47: yeah

00:50:47: so but it is good actually know you can find jobs just by walking around and asking because i think many people are very complicated in their head about finding something they had no idea how and of course also the language barrier, so it's good to know when you're working in seasonal jobs maybe.

00:51:07: You don't even need them!

00:51:09: So that is a good start.

00:51:11: And now what I would be interested because you did some different job and have different experiences.

00:51:19: What do say if compare reality with your dream life or imagine How is it to really work here concerning flexibility of ours or about finances, what you earn?

00:51:34: Is it okay?

00:51:35: can you live from it?

00:51:36: things like this.

00:51:40: Wow!

00:51:40: Okay first of all I don't have any fixed dream life because for me maybe the dream is just not having a fixed dream.

00:51:52: do

00:51:54: Like you said before, go with the flow.

00:51:56: Yeah

00:51:57: I think also because if not that i'm saying people shouldn't dream of something You know?

00:52:03: I am just saying for me If I have too much fixed in my head how do want things to be?

00:52:10: and it doesn´t go this way... ...I feel disappointed And get attached to something That I don't like.. ..I really think the less you have expectations and attachments, you were more succeeding in just wow.

00:52:30: okay this is awesome.

00:52:33: And about financing my life I mean of course...I think that the universe sorry i have to speak some spiritual things also..i just think that The Universe will provide what You need.

00:52:47: if You earn More the expenses Will be More.

00:52:52: That's kind of my philosophy.

00:52:53: So if I have food on the table, roof over in my head just these basic needs you know...I don't even want to own anything so i'm not so concerned about earning so much.

00:53:05: If I would want to earn more it'd be save more animals or something..so ...I mean ..i spent money rather than going and buying stuff.

00:53:16: You understand

00:53:18: that?

00:53:18: You know, I'm just opening my clothes closet and i am like wow!

00:53:23: I haven't bought clothes for three years or something.

00:53:31: That's how I want to live.

00:53:35: there is no destination For me it´s the journey And maybe that´s a dream.

00:53:42: Just have no destination.

00:53:46: So that means to me actually also, this is your way of life.

00:53:51: What brings you into the next question?

00:53:53: Actually because it's my... The questions I love most are asking you what freedom mean for us!

00:54:00: How do we live our whole lives and how does it feel

00:54:05: correct

00:54:06: when it comes from your inner feelings?

00:54:10: or do you want to explain a little bit more about

00:54:14: yourself?

00:54:16: Before, like when I was living in Iceland... ...I always felt very trapped.

00:54:24: And maybe searching for freedom.

00:54:26: actually and For me the only way to- I mean i moved first to Sweden.

00:54:33: Like I said then I wasn't a relationship with A man who is playing football.

00:54:38: He's professional footballer and he plays for Swedish team.

00:54:44: And you know, he had money and we have an apartment... ...and everything.

00:54:48: Lots of stuff!

00:54:50: Then I broke up in this backpack and went to Denmark In the train on my way to Denmark without any savings.. ..I just had some money from my bank account that i didn't even know how much I had because it was kind of breaking into a rush To say the least.

00:55:15: And for me the only way, and now I just speak from personal experience to know freedom.

00:55:23: To know how it can be awesome is to own nothing like strip everything out of your life Like...I felt in train that universe was giving me opportunity.

00:55:42: start on zero.

00:55:44: It would mean a lot of like work and effort, an unknownness in fear.

00:55:49: But I was just ready to do it!

00:55:55: And...I slept on the couch at my friend's place in Denmark.

00:56:01: I knew that I wasn't going back to Iceland.

00:56:04: Iceland is amazing country but i felt trapped I felt stuck.

00:56:11: This is not me, i never fit it in anywhere.

00:56:15: yeah so for me freedom Is that...I don't have attachment to anything like..i try to own as little possible but can also say at the same time because I had a dog.

00:56:29: now if and you know world going sometimes upside down and this is like, okay are we going into a war now?

00:56:40: Are we going in to

00:56:40: this?".

00:56:42: But I know that if i had to leave.

00:56:46: I would never leave her you know she She would always come with me or I would stay.

00:56:51: You know yeah, I'm not going too Because We talked about earlier That I wanted To live the life that I could just pack In one bag And Leave.

00:57:00: Now I have A dog so it's Not Just Packing & Leaving.

00:57:05: Make sure that, you know I take her with me or stay and Maybe it's not as much freedom.

00:57:12: That I Feel having a dog in the sense of I cannot just go.

00:57:17: I mean if I want to go I have to think about more than just packing.

00:57:21: And Yeah so...I don't know.. I Just- I Don't really dream anything.

00:57:31: I just live.

00:57:32: i'm more afraid You know, I'm not afraid of dying.

00:57:36: I'm more afraid of not living and that's just the way I go.

00:57:42: So if i want to do something?

00:57:44: I will do it.

00:57:46: And Yeah

00:57:49: Yes they can really relate with this and then understand is completely with these animals thing That yeah you're not so flexible anymore But on the other hand you love to do It.

00:57:58: yes for me its also a kind of expressing my freedom to have the freedom,to do it.

00:58:05: To help them?To work with them?

00:58:07: To have them around

00:58:07: me?".

00:58:10: Yeah and I think maybe...it's part of whole thing.

00:58:15: like we say you know..you had day or night black-and white sun & moon.

00:58:20: You have to....like if you are only no responsibilities Only in air It gets too much air!You need something to be the yin&yang.

00:58:31: I know if i want to go somewhere,I can't.

00:58:36: It's not that it just takes more effort or more organization.

00:58:41: like If i wanna travel ,i will have either put her in a dog home Or somebody can doxit for me.

00:58:51: but its all possible.

00:58:54: Even you have responsibilities.

00:58:56: doesn't mean that is not possible

00:58:58: Exactly!

00:58:59: Its something else with thing on your head That you say to me, it's not possible.

00:59:03: But as I said before if you want to go You can

00:59:06: take her.

00:59:07: Yeah yeah and like i said It may be more complicated And that is exactly where people... What do u say?

00:59:22: The things stop people from doing what they want because They think its going too complicated Too much effort and they have too many responsibilities, but like I said earlier if you start just cutting out some You know people in your life things that you're doing That it's not giving you anything And cut that out.

00:59:45: then all of a sudden.

00:59:47: You have these two three hours more Of the day for yourself?

00:59:50: Then slowly slowly just like with the Greek papers i mean i just knew that i had to bike To this office show my face.

00:59:59: Okay, what's the next step?

01:00:01: And it took me almost two years and maybe

01:00:03: It will take

01:00:04: Two years for someone to shift their lives To something different.

01:00:09: That's okay.

01:00:10: The shift doesn't have to be one hundred and eighty degrees in One week you know.

01:00:15: But like I said i am more afraid of not living than dying.

01:00:20: Yes, I Have no fear of dying really Like if I die or die.

01:00:25: but If I'm here and I'm not happy, enjoying living.

01:00:29: Of course I'm not old days like every day.

01:00:32: oh i'm so happy.

01:00:33: you know there are days that i'm just like.

01:00:35: okay this day is gonna be a challenge That's normal!

01:00:39: And we need again the suffering to feel the bliss.

01:00:43: and yeah So...and I remember actually Lydia when I was starting this uh swimming in the sea in the winter God it was so hard and painful to go into the ice-cold sea.

01:01:00: And I remember you were always like, oh my God!

01:01:03: Why am not going when i was trying to drag you?

01:01:06: Maybe

01:01:06: tomorrow!

01:01:07: Yeah...

01:01:08: I was trying too drag you in your life.

01:01:10: nooo I don't think so..and I thought Oh My God is this a part of masochism or something?

01:01:17: because The bliss that came after I had been in the sea for two, three minutes.

01:01:23: Ice cold!

01:01:24: Oh it was so good

01:01:25: It

01:01:25: can be.

01:01:26: Yeah So...I really think you have to.

01:01:31: You cannot experience happy days and awesome life unless you have the crappy days And suffering of not having what do want How it is.

01:01:44: Yes, and then when you have the good times You really appreciate It because you know The other sides.

01:01:48: but generally seen as a whole would you say?

01:01:51: Your happy now in your life

01:01:55: I mean what Is being happy like?

01:01:58: It's Happy has A feeling its Like.

01:02:00: for me it's like the wind you Know if you know it there you know If you're not unhappy.

01:02:06: But it's Not like i wake up And am like oh so happy!

01:02:10: We Have some pictures.

01:02:12: happy feeling, you know it's just Different things give me good feelings different feet.

01:02:18: Good feelings.

01:02:19: like some of It gives me this kind of good and happy feeling.

01:02:22: the other I mean saving animals is very happy and blissful feeling And also after even suffering in the sea?

01:02:31: It gives you this happiness an endorphin and have like a happy life.

01:02:35: But i don't know if that's like.

01:02:38: am i happy?

01:02:38: i mean i'm not.

01:02:40: Is there so much?

01:02:44: Words can be so delusional in my head somehow.

01:02:47: I have hard time of like Identifying everything for me, it's just about that if i'm content kind of Like i'm enjoying what i'm doing?

01:02:57: I am you know having the day That I wish to have when I wake up in the morning and I have my coffee.

01:03:06: Okay, we have power cut and we can't make coffee.

01:03:09: What

01:03:09: am I gonna do?

01:03:11: No!

01:03:11: I mean...I'm saying what am i going to

01:03:12: do?!

01:03:13: I'm not happy now because I didn't get my

01:03:14: coffee!!

01:03:15: I mean it's just yeah.. I mean I Am very satisfied where I am and happy yes, I guess if That word is in.

01:03:26: Oh Now listeners are going to be like this woman.

01:03:28: she does NOT know what you're saying.

01:03:31: What I'm Just Saying Is that If We Have Because the language can so be a barrier for us sometimes, you know we make all these conditions into words Just like a dream.

01:03:44: A dream doesn't have to be a destination It can be The journey.

01:03:48: happy being happy it doesn't Have To Be a Destination.

01:03:51: I'm Happy!

01:03:53: It Can Be The Journey of Like Feeling Good feeling like You Know Supported You Have Connections and that gives you pleasure, but you don't always have to be happy.

01:04:07: But obviously I think if i didn't like being here and this was not nurturing me or giving the life which is satisfied with now then I would do something else Yes And move on.

01:04:25: Would it be doing so?

01:04:26: So I'd be more happy?

01:04:28: The grass is greener on the other side.

01:04:30: You take your problems with you wherever you go, so it doesn't matter where you're based but having a little sunshine and sea can maybe help to kind of.

01:04:40: ah!

01:04:40: Go into that see-and feeling something different than helping... Do you know what I mean?

01:04:45: Yes i do

01:04:46: yeah

01:04:46: And to me It does not sound weird.

01:04:48: What are you saying?

01:04:48: To Me its sounds more like youre very reflected and..you have realized alot things and you just not the person who says yes or no.

01:04:57: No

01:04:58: You have to explain it more because you feel this way and that is actually perfect.

01:05:03: And I can totally relate with that, Because sometimes... ...I work up like I'm exploding happily!

01:05:10: It just opens my door.

01:05:11: when i look outside The sun is shining the cats are sleeping in my bed.

01:05:14: Yeah..

01:05:14: I had a feeling of being happy.

01:05:16: Then two hours later let's say something stupid happens.

01:05:21: I am angry.

01:05:22: inside There are so many different nuances of what you feel and it's sometimes really hard to explain in words because its a feeling, And It can change very fast.

01:05:35: Yeah like I said the people who say oh i'm so unhappy ,I am so this & that If your mindset is in that You will draw with where ever you go.

01:05:54: You even have to be happy in a suitcase, not knowing where you're happy or just feel that I'm satisfied.

01:06:03: I am dealing with who i am and all my demons and the darkness on different airports.

01:06:12: sometimes I had layover for like fifteen hours... ...you know?

01:06:19: Nothing to do.

01:06:20: and I mean who are you like?

01:06:22: Are you going to be like, oh This is all I got that or are you just gonna like?

01:06:27: okay.

01:06:27: I'm going to Be very silly now And just roll out my yoga mat here and do some yoga exercises at the airport lie down for a nap and You know people are looking at you.

01:06:39: Oh this poor girl She's probably almost like homeless Or something because i'm Just sleeping there on On A yoga mat At an Airport.

01:06:49: But I don't care, because... ...I know where i'm going.

01:06:54: You know?

01:06:54: I am going to this country and.. ..and it's also we humans!

01:06:59: I think a lot of us are human beings.

01:07:04: We need a lot acknowledgement that people aren´t judging us.

01:07:10: So yeah That is also barrier for you To really do.

01:07:16: you is because you're always thinking about what other things, and I mean...I got vegetarian when i was ten years old.

01:07:25: Nobody in Iceland was vegetarian.

01:07:28: like my mother sent me to a psychiatrist.

01:07:31: there's something wrong with my child.

01:07:33: she doesn't want to eat meat or fish but i just didn't wanna eat my friends And that was a weird, I already was out of the box and there's something wrong.

01:07:45: In the place

01:07:45: you were?

01:07:46: Yeah!

01:07:47: But now being vegan is so normal.

01:07:53: sometimes it just takes people time to acknowledge things what they feel are right If it's being vegan or going and living the life you want to live, but if I never listened...I didn't start eating meat because everybody was yelling at me.

01:08:16: What is wrong with you?

01:08:17: Why don't you eat

01:08:18: fish?!

01:08:19: Every Icelandic kid should eat fish & meat!

01:08:22: And i'm like..i ain't putting this in my mouth.

01:08:26: Alright, I go to a psychiatrist No problem.

01:08:31: So you

01:08:32: were actually already as a child, very strong to resist against all these voices and do what felt right for you?

01:08:39: Yeah.

01:08:42: I think it was... And this is also why i didn't have a lot of friends or seek out-to be with people because i just really satisfied being with me.

01:09:00: And I remember when my mother was dragging me to some family, maybe dinners or birthdays.

01:09:07: Or even a funeral and i'm like why am I going?

01:09:11: I never met this person!

01:09:13: Like Why do I have to go and do

01:09:15: this?!

01:09:16: I don't know these people...like...and she dragged me.

01:09:19: Oh it's an obligation It is a family application.

01:09:22: What you think will the people would think of if they didn´t do that which we all had typically?

01:09:29: But I said, okay.I'll go but i will stay for thirty minutes.

01:09:33: then im gone and did it And had to fight a lot of being.

01:09:40: who am now like when me & my mother talk about it?

01:09:44: she says to know that Im so proud.

01:09:47: be your mother because you are what have done Because never felt good enough as daughter only child with mom.

01:09:58: go the normal way like find a man, get children house this job live a comfortable stable life.

01:10:09: do the this and that you know.

01:10:11: And even today I haven't told my mother all the craziness i had to go through in India You know?

01:10:17: I'm just slowly kind of telling her yeah..I have to kinda do it once in india.

01:10:23: oh god!

01:10:24: Im so glad I didn't know When you were there, I can imagine.

01:10:29: But now she's like... Yeah!

01:10:32: She says that everything i've been doing and how was is just wow There are not many who actually go this path.

01:10:46: You have to be having a little bit of craziness.

01:10:49: Independence Being stubborn Stand with yourself.

01:10:54: And another thing just maybe a little side note, because we are always so afraid of being judged how who we are what we're doing.

01:11:03: How do you look?

01:11:04: And I remember when i was a kid You know...I was called an elf Because..i had such huge ears like standing out Like an elf and in Iceland We have elves and trolls!

01:11:16: And I remembered When it's eight or nine My mother said Okay....I'm gonna take to a surgeon and fix your ears Do what?

01:11:26: Yeah, you're going to be cut here.

01:11:29: Oh my god!

01:11:29: And they are gonna glue your ears back and I just remember looking at her like... What is she talking

01:11:36: about?!

01:11:37: ...and i got bullied in school for-for My Ears..I was called Jumbo You know Like the Elephant ..And then there was another guy Famous Singer In Iceland who had a name And I Was Called That Name But Still I did not go for the surgery.

01:11:56: Even when i got bullied, it was just like no... ...I am NOT going to do this on my body and.. ..i don't want to do it!

01:12:05: I DON'T CARE IF I HAVE THESE BIG

01:12:08: EARS!!

01:12:09: I mean.... Don´t care of course you care but you are trying to stand for something.

01:12:15: so yeah... I still have my big ears.

01:12:19: What is that before?

01:12:20: You were already as a child very strong Living this confirmity that everybody does because it's normal and its... It has to be done.

01:12:32: So, yep anyway You got a very strong character already from childhood.

01:12:38: Yeah which is kind of a blessing when you look back right?

01:12:42: Wasn't always easy to be this Strong-minded When I was kid?

01:12:47: Definitely not..I can understand That.

01:12:49: yeah

01:12:50: And talking about being strong and going through challenges or whatever, what you should do but don't want to because it doesn´t feel like you.

01:13:02: Did your also have such situations here in Greece that would say this was one of the biggest challenge?

01:13:09: To stay there?

01:13:10: Yes during staying and working here living generally Something that challenged you.

01:13:16: here

01:13:16: I mean daily life challenge for you here in greece Because Greece is I mean, especially Crete.

01:13:24: I've traveled to Thessaloniki and Athens And they are a little bit more sort of big city.

01:13:32: Here is sometimes your fifty year back Just the challenge that you can't flush toilet paper.

01:13:38: That's a daily struggle for many.

01:13:41: You know what i mean?

01:13:43: So all this like yeah but was used in India so maybe it wasn't hard.

01:13:50: Yeah, I mean first of all the language.

01:13:52: You know?

01:13:53: But that's on me!

01:13:54: That is not in Greece for giving time to study more greece.

01:14:01: The animals...that a huge challenge and i've often thought like..I cannot live here because this animal situation.

01:14:08: just want to leave but at the same time okay ..i'm given an opportunity to stay there helping.

01:14:18: So why not switch this negative thought that I want to go and run away from the situation instead of staying, doing what i can.

01:14:30: But as i said earlier sometimes it gets just so overwhelming.

01:14:36: you get burned out then find some boundaries too with humans or animals.

01:14:45: Save everybody, but you can do a little and you do what you can.

01:14:49: So while I'm here... ...I try to look at all these obstacles as something that is actually a gift And that changes the mindset already.

01:15:01: because yes power cut?

01:15:05: What are you gonna do?

01:15:06: You cannot put the power back.

01:15:08: Are your going be frustrated for four or five hours Or just like.

01:15:12: okay now i am go for walk.

01:15:14: see if Any of these hundred coffee places have opened and I can get coffee there.

01:15:20: Now we are doing this podcast.

01:15:22: I mean, you just have to take it as it is And

01:15:25: exactly and try to focus on the positive side

01:15:27: always Which i'm not always good at?

01:15:30: I mean sometimes i'm like crap It's power cut yeah but some times i'm Like oh, it's great now.

01:15:36: I don't have to work or something.

01:15:38: You know.

01:15:38: it could also be a good thing Don't want to work.

01:15:44: It's just more that oh, I can have an extra break now or yeah But i don't am not happy if i have like An online.

01:15:51: you know life-to-life class and it gets power because i'm thinking about You know If you have to do some excitement Or something That you Can take a break from it

01:16:01: Exactly Like you asked me today.

01:16:04: are you all settled

01:16:04: for the podcast

01:16:05: though?

01:16:05: We Have Power Caps As i said.

01:16:08: of course i Am Ready

01:16:10: Yeah

01:16:11: And now we're having a really good time and we are talking for one hour and twenty minutes already.

01:16:16: How much is left?

01:16:17: I'm getting like spaced out in my head.

01:16:21: Yeah, normal space it's all done.

01:16:25: Just the finals.

01:16:26: Yes just the final and actually i don't even know what should ask you as final question because You said so many things already.

01:16:34: maybe you want

01:16:36: to focus at end

01:16:38: To one last

01:16:39: thing.

01:16:41: As a final takeaway, let's say for the listeners what you just want to spread.

01:16:45: For them

01:16:48: Yeah I mean we are all so different right?

01:16:52: I can say something and it won't apply to everyone who is listening but... ...I think that whoever you really are out there You have to start making space in your life To see who you are What do you want And then take from their.

01:17:12: Don't let anyone, not even you know obligations or something stop you because there Nothing that You want to do.

01:17:24: if There is a will.

01:17:26: There's always away.

01:17:27: I Know it's a cliche To say but But If the wheel isn't enough then for sure The way won't be there and That goes For everyone who whatever It Is i mean?

01:17:43: But yeah, I mean i'm gonna continue to do it at least and try to inspire others To find that space in their life No matter of all the application work children husband.

01:17:59: It's just priority.

01:18:01: And are you going to set yourself for a?

01:18:04: Priority or everyone else.

01:18:06: And I don't believe that nobody was put on this earth to be serving everything else than you know, not yourself.

01:18:15: So yeah and whatever the journey is it won't start until you stand up and decide that its going to start.

01:18:24: You know?

01:18:24: It's a decision also!

01:18:43: Okay, I think what's the worst thing that can happen to me if things don't work out?

01:18:48: I go back home.

01:18:50: So If it doesn't workout you go.

01:18:52: you return to.

01:18:53: what do You come from?

01:18:56: you know we all come from somewhere at least.

01:18:59: We have just imagine That how lucky we are.

01:19:03: but if something happens to us we can return To where we come from.

01:19:07: many people don't have that option yeah and i feel like Wow, why did I get so lucky to actually be able do what i want and being in this beautiful flow?

01:19:19: Like Why am I the person like somebody must?

01:19:23: Yeah think that.

01:19:24: I'm on the right track which You know gives me this space to do you know.

01:19:30: So I have to keep on.

01:19:31: I don't wanna stop.

01:19:32: No

01:19:33: So Don't Stop Stand Up And Create Space In Your Life.

01:19:38: It Doesn't Have To Be Moving it doesn't have to be something crazy.

01:19:43: It doesn't even make any sense, just has the feel that you are shifting.

01:19:49: So yeah I thank for asking me these questions and making also review everything, you know?

01:19:59: I mean there's so many things more that has been on my journey but this is a very good start because as i said im also introvert.

01:20:06: Very shy and

01:20:08: it didn't seem at all.

01:20:09: You were like talking very openly

01:20:12: Yeah!

01:20:13: But for me... This was out of my comfort zone.

01:20:17: And another thing That have been the threat in this podcast Is to go into uncomfortable comfort zone to, you know grow and experience something.

01:20:29: And I want people too To be inspired like because it's so...I don't know Teaching yoga for me was never about earning income or something.

01:20:41: It was giving people tool to help themselves You know?

01:20:45: That is the only thing that i wanna do Like..and I didn´t feel in last years when teaching and traveling And you know, the feeling of not having any keys to a place.

01:20:58: It's very weird You know?

01:21:02: it is like yeah I'm just staying at this place and then i get new keys for next place Then i return my keys go back there in mean time.

01:21:15: Yeah!

01:21:15: It feels weird.

01:21:16: actually For many years no address But now im here In Greece helping animals, working online living kind of routine rooted life with some breaks from everything when I decide to take a break.

01:21:35: i call my friends in the mountain all right time to take my dog!

01:21:40: Time to close the computer and go swimming and go doing whatever i want to do.

01:21:44: but yeah... But I decided.. And I created you know?

01:21:49: ..I pay my friends To Take Her Like I pay daily rate, right?

01:21:54: And many people would maybe think oh i'm not gonna spend money you know having someone to take care of my animal but it's not about that for me.

01:22:03: It's about creating the space To do something for me even if its going cost something.

01:22:12: Money is just energy will come and go.

01:22:14: So If You Have Money & You Can Spend A Little Bit For Something Maybe Normal Is Not To Do then do it.

01:22:24: Like you go, pay someone for feeding all these colonies... Yeah!

01:22:29: It's going to cost some extra money.

01:22:31: but hey.. You're still going and come back with your re-charts?

01:22:36: Exactly!

01:22:37: But we

01:22:37: are not allowed to forget about the things that you've been doing in life.

01:22:42: If you aren't good ,you can't help anybody

01:22:44: Nobody.

01:22:45: And I always have this question on my mind That a friend asked another friend of mine Who is the most important person in your life?

01:22:52: Yeah.

01:22:52: And he was sitting there thinking, maybe my mom with my partner Maybe My dog and then this other friend said you know what You should be The Most Important Person In Your Life.

01:23:05: This Is Also Why We Should Fulfill Our Dreams That we Are Feeling Good & Happy.

01:23:11: Then We Can Be There For Others.

01:23:14: Yes Absolutely Amen to that Namaste

01:23:20: Amen.

01:23:21: thank you so much Arda!

01:23:23: Thank You Lydia.

01:23:24: it was a pleasure to have you here and to have so many honest insights in your life, in your working life ,in your animal work Yeah.

01:23:36: There is just one more thing to ask.

01:23:38: if somebody has a question or maybe wants to get in contact because of yoga lessons, shall I collect all these questions and then go back?

01:23:47: Ah yeah!

01:23:48: We could also do... If people have some questions they can send you And i can reply and we can do some platform with kind of questions & answers on how things are done.

01:24:01: Also for those who want yoga classes they can contact me.

01:24:05: But I also wanted to say that if someone out there wants to take a step and you know, both of us me and You we have taken the step.

01:24:14: To go yeah turn our lives upside down And all that If you need help with taking some steps or Some advice Or just Have a community?

01:24:29: Do it!

01:24:29: Contact Us Ask US For advice and you will be supported.

01:24:34: I mean, I'm here if You need support whoever you are.

01:24:39: That's that's my mission, you know to To be there.

01:24:43: yes This is also what i thought because i already got many questions actually Because I made a few posts, people got back to me like asking for help from leaving the country or just some advices and i think this might be also overwhelming over time when so many are asking you things because we're working between our animal work.

01:25:04: Maybe we can make another format of it in an other podcast episode where we collect questions then answer them by making a post with group community otherwise they may get a bit overwhelming.

01:25:18: I think it would be a good idea that we collect some questions and then meet again, so we can answer those.

01:25:26: Now somebody wants to come in!

01:25:28: We are done here!

01:25:32: Who is that?

01:25:34: Oh... It's crazy Yeah.. That will also be awesome for the questions.

01:25:42: do a short Q&A, you know.

01:25:44: Exactly!

01:25:45: And if there are coming many questions concerning your work we can maybe just make a little follow-up with you answering these?

01:25:52: Absolutely yeah whatever... Just don't be afraid to contact us and ask us like really perfect all

01:26:00: right.

01:26:01: so I will post my email address where you can reach out to me with questions in the show

01:26:07: notes.

01:26:08: And we will collect everything and think about their format, Where We Can Answer This.

01:26:12: Best

01:26:13: Perfect!

01:26:13: Thank You so much!

01:26:16: And perfect timing.

01:26:17: now crazy is here To get our attention So we have to go.

01:26:22: The animals are calling.

01:26:24: Thank you Lydia

01:26:32: Bye.

01:26:38: If you enjoyed this episode Feel free to subscribe to the podcast And share it With someone who's dreaming About working In Greece.

01:26:56: You'll find all links and details in the show notes.

01:26:59: Thank you for listening, see ya next episode of Working with Sea View, Crete & Beyond!