Whenever I am at home on my finca or staying in The Netherlands with my adult children, I am always eager to talk or communicate with people. A simple ‘hello, have a good day’ to strangers that respond to your smile with a smile and an answer to your greeting. It fills my heart and soul with happiness and satisfaction, I love it. No, it is more than that, I really need it.
I can remember well that when we lived in the middle of the Netherlands every day I jumped on my bike, with destination the heart of the village to meet people and have a small talk with them. On my way to it waving to people and being waved at. I believe my energy depends on it. Same is for now since we live in Spain. I need to leave the finca on a regular basis to have my necessary entertainment with people. I buy my Dutch herrings after I go to my sport class and drink a coffee with the fishmonger. But also in supermarkets there are always moments to have a word with people. And like I said even without the talking, a smile on a friendly face can mean the world to me every day. The thing is that even the most irritated people, their non-verbal gestures are often very clearly, can change their face in a happy one if you smile at them.
But, there are of course exceptions I need to make clear. As I am a woman I am in general not a threat to people. I never had the reaction like ‘what do you want from me?’ in a sort of hostile way. I am conscious of the fact that men could have difficulties with that. Especially in urbanized, individualistic areas like cities where people simply have forgotten to make contact with the own species.
Living at a slower pace, enjoying more.
In our village and the wonderful villages around us, life goes at a slower pace. The day is divided in 2 parts by lunchtime that takes at least 2 hours of intense enjoyment. Eating, drinking, having attention for your table company (no phones, please leave them anywhere else, equipment aside). Enjoy the greatness of a peaceful meal under the Spanish sun. Or in the shade as it gets warmer the next months.
When I receive my guests during events I am spoilt with the choice of a lot of people to get acquainted with. The interesting part is that people often change during the hours they spent on the finca. Especially the more introvert persons tend to open op. Because of the overwhelming beauty of the finca but also, those are their words, because of the attention and warmth I give them. This is inseparably connected with the hospitality I give. I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to show people how nature can be, how you can treat it and how you prosper the benefits. Imagine that you wake up, get your fresh eggs from the chickens next to your house and at the same time picking your fruit to use for breakfast :).
Here in Spain we have learned that people have other values that are very important to them and for that reason life goes at a slower pace. Logical, because you need to make time for people, you need time to prepare and enjoy food. We embrace those values. It makes life worth living and more enjoyable❤️.
With love to you,
Mónica