The Seminar

In Ef Zin, being real involves a true understanding of the qualities that define the real you, the true you. The much desired authenticity lies in the uniqueness of the real you. But these qualities are not readily recognizable because we don’t have a predefined manual of who we are. We learn of our true qualities as they are revealed though our experiences, but only if we work through our learnings and pay attention to what is being revealed. 

For two days, nature will act as an example of authenticity. You will spend the days venturing into local vineyards and groves to come close to nature’s fundamental qualities, her fruits’ individual characteristics and discover where meaning is cultivated. Here, you will explore how to find value and meaning by cultivating true to character; be it in the growth of grape or self.

Overwhelmed by images, labels, stereotypes, multiple choices regarding our profession, our romance, our hobbies, our pets or even our fashion sense, we frequently find ourselves lost in the tangle of our lives. We lose sense of what is real and meaningful. We lose touch with what is real in us; our true selves.

Who is the real you? What does that even mean? Could you be anyone but you? What does it mean to behave authentically? To be real and genuine? Where is the point of reference for acting honestly? What does it mean to know your “true” self? How do you go about discovering and defining your sense of self? How do you remove yourself from labels, titles and archetypes? How do you free yourself of formalities? Act, speak and feel naturally? Be your simple self? Explore the real you?

This is the Topic examined in our experiential seminar! Hit the “Experience” tab above to read all about the dialectic games and activities that unravel in your two days.

Want to read more about this Topic? Here’s our insight on the matter.

There is a paradox in human nature; mistakes lead to success, love elicits pain, hope may spring from fear, growth from failure, confidence from insecurity and pride from humility. But this is the process of learning; it reveals our strengths and weaknesses. Becoming better involves improving those qualities that hold you back and cultivating those that can push you forward. Recognizing your real nature and cultivating it at its best.

We have picked Aigialeia in the heart of the Peloponnese because there, nature spills from the seams. Aigialeia is home to expanding fields with abundant and unique crops (her famous raisin, oil and wine), clashing mountains, and blue seas nourishing fishermen’s minds and mouths. This land and its locals will allow you to witness and experience what it means to explore the real you; to discover the truth of your nature. 

In the Dialect Games of this seminar we explore four groups of feelings, defining their nature and their significance in influencing your behaviors and sense of being – your authentic sense of self. We will not disclose the feelings right now; we hold it as a pleasant surprise for the program. We explore: 

  • The quality of these feelings; the “flavor” they leave behind.
  • The reason for their being; the origin of their being; not just the experience that brought them about but the quality of your interpretation.
  • The effect of these feelings; the change they brought about.
  • The truth of the feelings; what they reveal about you, how close to the source, the real you.

With emphasis on the way you interpret or misinterpret the information you receive from within but also from outside. The better you define these, the better you understand the why behind your actions (the result) and the how of your system of thought (the truthfulness of the conclusions).

Local experts will unveil to you the truth behind fine-tasting wine, nutritious olive oil and juicy citrus fruits. It is the locals’ knowledge, skill and practice of their craft that serve as an example of how remaining natural and real allows you to reach your fullest potential. Under their meticulous gaze and guidance, you will experiment with the infinite potentials that nature provides if we respect the truths that define her character.  You will walk between grape vines and discover the real reason for wine’s aroma, the culprit behind its mischievous taste. 

Explore olive oil mills and uncover how authentic olives develop into authentic virgin olive oil. Press your palm into the ridges of orange peels and you will learn how something sweet may develop into something sour, how something bitter may develop into something savory. You will taste all the qualities that bring them flavor; all the real inner characteristics that give them value and make them meaningful. Growth is a creative process, one whose evolution needs to mirror the realness of its origin. This wisdom persists from the zest found in the pore of an orange peel as it turns into marmalade or the content of your character as it sculpts into the experiences that make up who you are. 

koumaris, vineyard, meaningful
simplicity, meaningful, cooking
cooking, food,

You will not only uncover the realness of ingredients, but play in their potential: you will roll up your sleeves and cook. Be it in the authenticity of a vineyard farmhouse or a taverna’s courtyard, you will bring together produce with the help and guidance of Local Mentors. Cooking is a form of transformation, and a good cook transforms with the knowledge of their natural produce. For them, a meal isn’t a muddled mix of vegetables, meats and herbs, but a specific collaboration of individual ingredients. Each ingredient is organic, and treated true to its nature – each offering a distinct taste in the dish.

Authenticity requires knowledge and only those versed in the practice can discover and reap in its power. Liberate your real, informal and unrefined expression. Loosen in the comfort of being your real self and recognize the best in you.

What is Included

  • This experiential seminar has been specifically structured and designed in a way that embodies the thinking processes characteristic of the Path “Explore”, whilst the Topic The Real You” is the heart of your experience.
  • A Sophia’s Best Mentor accompanies you throughout the day to reveal an insight on this Topic as it exists in the environment around you and within you.
  • Dialectic Games and Activities that work hand-in-hand with the illustrative activities to stimulate your mind and animate the insight as an experience.
  • The experience unravels from morning to evening for two full days.
  • Each day is filled with illustrative activities inspired by the people, culture and environment of this program’s location. Each activity serves as an opportunity to gain insight on the Topic and challenge your way of thinking authentically and naturally.
  • We spend the entire day and evening together. As such, every moment is organized in detail and provided for in full; from activities to food and beverages. We’ve made sure your appetite (intellectually, emotionally and gastronomically) is well taken care of.
  • Expert locals welcoming you into their homes, trades and crafts
  • Local practices and activities, include but are not limited to;
    • Exploration of local vineyard 
    • Private wine-tasting in local winery
    • Walk through local olive grove and traditional olive oil mill
    • Olive-oil tasting in secret location
    • Two cooking sessions in local home and taverna
    • Walk through lemon and orange groves
    • Mushroom hunting in Mt. Helmos
    • Excursion to hidden lake and tucked away villages
    • Meal in wine-maker’s farmhouse
  •  
  • Snacks and coffee in town
  • Two special lunches and two dinners hosted in local homes or tavernas
  • All meals are authentically Greek made with local, organic produce 
  • Local beverages; including wine 

What is not Included

Our original price does not include accommodation nor transportation. Excluding these factors from our original price leaves room for flexibility around your personal needs and budget. Perhaps you already have a car or prefer a van? Maybe you enjoy luxury hotels or prefer local homes? It is up to you.

Although we do not provide these services, we collaborate with authentic accommodation and local transportation providers in each region. There are multiple options at hand, so we can decide together upon a choice that respects your personal needs and budget.

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