Art and wellness in the heart of Sicily
In a quite environment, away from the noise of everyday life, surrounded by nature and beauty, every day I‘ll present, a topic related to the work of Art that will be contemplated during each excursion. Each work of Art will be analyzed through the eyes of the Feldenkrais Method. A real and authentic sensory experience of learning for a dynamic change of your perception.
Man as a work of art and art through the eyes of life
The program is open to all and requires no preparation
Welcome drink, presentation of the program and time to settle in.
Topics of the day
The body as a temple and the human potential
The Greek theatre and the aesthetic power of all nature, true theater of life
ART IS NOT BOUND BY TIME, TO SAVE THE WORLD WE MUST LIVE OUT OF TIME
Flavio Caroli
Departure for Segesta. Founded by the Elimian people from Anatolia, Segesta preserves a unique temple from the 5 th century B.C.
There will be time to walk in the archeological area for a quiet contemplation of the temple. Lunch followed by a walk to reach the highest point of the archeological area to admire the ancient theater set in a magnificent position, one of the most spectacular of the ancient world. A short lecture concerning the birth of the Greek theater and on the spot the awareness movement lesson “ The Art of Observation”. Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight
Topic of the Day
The dynamic equilibrium, The dancing Satyr
THERE IS A CORRELATION BETWEEN THE HUMAN BODY AND THE STRUCTURE OF THE COSMOS THAT OCCURS IN NATURE . THIS IS ALSO EPRESSED IN ART. Leonardo da Vinci
Departure for Mazara del Vallo. Visit of the Satyr museum. Silent contemplation of the Greek sculpture, rare bronze found in the deepness of the sea in the Channel of Sicily, in 1998. View of the rousing documentary about its discovery. Lunch in a Tunisian restaurant. Menù including cuscus, a traditional Arabic dish. A large community of Tunisian people live in Mazara since the time of the Arab conquest ( 10 century A.D.)
After lunch, walking tour in the very interesting Kasba and the old town. Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Topic of the Day
Nature is the mother earth: the man and the environment perception
MAN’S REAL HOME IS NOT A HOUSE, BUT THE ROAD, AND THE LIFE ITSELF IS A JOURNEY TO BE WALKED ON FOOT. Bruce Chatwin
Theoretical and practical lesson: walking with awareness
Departure for the Zingaro nature reserve, a 7 kilometer long unspoiled paradise of coast. A quiet walk along the path, contemplating breathtaking and unforgettable landscapes. Picnic lunch surrounded by nature.
Before returning to the hotel a stop for a regenerating bath at the Thermal SPA in Segesta. According to a legend the origin of this hot water springs date back to a beautiful nymph. The water flows at a natural temperature of 44°. Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight
Topic of the Day
The Temple of Venus: Fluidity in movement, the real concept of “beauty”.
Everything flows. Heraclitus
Departure for Erice, a fairy tale medieval village. The town sacred to the Goddess Venus is located at 751 m. above the sea level. Visit of the castle that in the ancient time was the location of the shrine dedicated to the goddess of love and beauty. From there we can admire one of the most spectacular view of the world overlooking the sea and the Egadi islands . Visit of the medieval town. Lunch and free tasting of the almond pastries at the historical bakery owned by Maria Grammatico, who lived long time being abandoned like an orphan in a secluded convent with the nuns, where she learned the original old recipes.
Return to the hotel. Dinner and discussion related to the topics of the day. Overnight.
Topic of the Day
The perception of the self–image. The “Annunziata”, a masterpiece by Antonello da Messina The Byzantine mosaic as a reflection of the Cosmic Light
The observation and reflection of what is visible, becomes imperative to define what is deeper and therefore invisible. Sigmund Freud
The Self imagine
Departure for Palermo. After a bus city tour, visit of the regional Gallery to contemplate the marvelous painting “Annunziata” by Antonello da Messina, one of the most important 15 century painters.
Lunch at the historical open market dating back to the Arab period to experience the typical Sicilian street food: panelle ( fried chickpeas pancakes) arancini , pasta al forno, sfincioni, cannoli etc.. Sicily has a unique food tradition, the result of the many ruling cultures. It will be “a true sensory experience for your nose and palate”.
After lunch, in a little more than 30 minutes drive, we’ ll reach Monreale, a charming medieval hill town situated at 300 m. above sea level, from there you can admire the view of “Conca d’oro” and Palermo. Monreale’s famous cathedral founded by William II the last Norman king in 1174 preserves 6,340 sqm of gold Byzantine mosaics depicting the Bible. A short lecture and discussion about the topics will conclude the day: The Gold of the mosaic as philosophy of the Cosmic Light. Visit of the cloister: the physical and spiritual universe where the monks practice silence and contemplation as ultimate goal of a human being. Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight
Workshop at the hotel – Topic of the Day
Smoothness and coordination in movement for mind, body and spirit
The Triskele (Trinacria) symbol of Sicily
Our mind, via the brain, controls our biology. Thought, feeling and emotions affect genes”. Bruce Lipton (Cellular Biologist)
Time for reflection on the various issues discussed during the week with reference to the concept of “Mindfullness” The awareness in movement as a way to improve our life, live in harmony with the low of the nature and to plunge ourself in the present moment. Dinner and farewell party.
Advised readings
- “On Persephone’s Island“ author Mary Taylor Simeti
- “Practical Guide of the Feldenkrais Method” author Ruthy Alon
- “Biology of belief” author Bruce Liption