Corfu

“The dance, of all the arts, is the one that most influences the soul. Dancing is divine in nature and the gift of the gods’  - Plato

The dances and music from my grandparents’ home country of Greece have been a way to understand, study, and connect with the culture. As a diaspora Greek, it’s one of the best ways to feel connected to the land and culture when you simply can’t be there. If you’re based outside of Greece, it’s possible you’ve seen these dances performed and presented in a formal manner, with Greek folk costumes and traditional music or instruments. There is also dancing as it happens at many Greek celebrations such as weddings and baptisms: no costumes, and a mix of traditional Greek with more modernized Greek pop music, much of which plays on the musical themes of the past. Here, we’ll address some fusion of the two, as Greek dance is still alive and evolving, but many dances are also connected to rites and contexts that no longer apply. Greek dancing and music are still very much alive and evolving, perhaps more relevant and needed than ever. While its roots are Hellenic, in 2020 this form of movement can be for everyone, regardless of their background. It’s also a great way to “travel” to Greece if you can’t this year!

The basics 

As humans, it benefits us to connect to nature and celebrate the cyclical nature of life on earth. Dance, and Hellenic dances in particular, facilitate this experience and connection. Hellenic (Greek) peoples have danced since ancient times and for many occasions. On ancient pottery we see people dancing holding hands dancing, oftentimes around altars.  We often dance in circles (Kiklos), and in doing so, we form a union. Sometimes we improvise, sometimes it’s more unified, sometimes you dance as a couple, it all depends on the region and context. There are many types of Greek dance and their style varies immensely according to region. The dances from the islands, for example, have characteristics you may expect from island people: the music is lighter, the movements more playful, and the dances can be more “hoppy.” On the other hand, many dances from mountainous mainland Greece feel heavier, both in step and instrumentation. 

Types and geography: where East meets West

  Greek music is a confluence of many cultural and geographic influences that make for a diverse, dynamic soup. Greek dancing and music is made all the more interesting by Greece’s geography. Our unique music is influenced by all things Balkan, Persian/Eastern, and “Greece” itself. Greece has always been a bridge between East and West, which is heard in much of the music. While Greece is part of modern-day Europe, the music and dances remind you that people have always been traveling and participating in cultural exchanges via trade routes. The instrumentation reflects this. There are many purposes for these dances, including for marriage rites, celebration, war & exercise (Pyrrhic), courting, mourning, love, rites of passage, ecstatic experiences, and even dream states! There is also a lot of cross-pollination in the world of Greek dance.  Instruments are many and vary by region. Many have changed over time, while some have been in use for thousands of years (think back to those images on pottery!) and remain in use today. For example, the clarinet, which is incredibly popular in traditional Greek music, is actually a more recent introduction, while the flute/woodwinds are ancient and also still in use. Vocals and call and response were and remain incredibly important, call and response are heard in many traditional songs. 

Greek dance at the famous Dora Stratou theater in Athens. Dora Stratou preserved and studied many dances from all over Greece. Image via Grecomania.

The sounds and vibe of summer

If you travel to Greece during the summer, you may be lucky to fall upon one of its “panigyria.” These are festivals centered around religious dates, typically a saint’s holiday. Many of these echo the Dionysian past (as do many Christian traditions) that connect us to the seasons, cycles of human life, and to each other. The word panegyric refers to a public speech or testimonial in praise of someone or something, and it follows that each panigyri is a dedication to a saint. A panigyri in Greece may last well until the morning! Inarguably, the largest day of celebration in Greece happens August 15 on the Dormition of the Mother of Jesus (Virgin Mary). Good luck finding any businesses open on this day, widely observed in Greece. Your best bet is to plan to be at Panigyri, eating lamb and dancing among the locals in a mountaintop village. 

Greek dance for health! Why and how:

Movement and community are necessary for health on this planet! Our ancestors were onto this without the “scientific” backing we have today. Studies show(1) that a sense of belonging and purpose greatly enhance our mental health. While we are of course not living in the same contexts and societies within which these dances developed, we can still benefit from them. As Greek dancing typically involves holding hands and staying on step with a specific move, it helps bring us into the present moment. In fact, it’s hard to be doing much else, let alone being on your cell phone!  As mentioned, with much Greek dancing we hold hands or dance with partners, which makes for a beautiful communal experience. You quite literally feel the people you’re dancing with. It’s a great way to connect to our general interconnectedness as humans, especially at a time when people are lonely and in some ways, many of us are more isolated than ever. This is also a much needed reminder of how interconnected we are when data shows that depression rates are on the rise. Finally, after hours of dancing in circles, you may find yourself in something of a trance-like state! 

To Close, Kefi, an untranslatable Greek gem!

When we dance or are at a “glendi,” we hope it will be infused with Kefi. This is one of those words for which no direct English translation exists. You may loosely define it as “fun, the spirit of joy, or enthusiasm.” Think of it as that immeasurable spark felt at an event, festival, concert, or on the dance floor. You can’t plan for an event to have Kefi, but you know you’ve been on a good dance floor if you can look back and say “that wedding really had kefi!” I also believe that with Greek dance, you can set up the conditions to infuse your life with this joy. Greek dance and music, combined with a loving crew, is a recipe for kefi. 

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this introduction to Greek dance and how it can help you travel to Greece when you can’t actually be there, and also find more joy in your life! 

See below for some links to popular Greek dances:

Crete

Thrace (example of call and response)

Naoussa (very famous around Apokries/Carnival, the only time of year this is danced) 

Ikaria (very famous for summer festivities) 

This post was originally published on Delectable Destinations

Burning candles is one of life’s simple pleasures and an easy way to experience the benefits of aromatherapy. In our attempt to live a low-waste lifestyle, we try to repurpose the vessels once we’ve finished using them. If you love the vessel, these can be reused in so many clever, useful, and creative ways! From planters to storage for your bathroom goods, candle vessels are easily repurposed, saving you money on home organization and helping the environment in the process.

Getting wax out may seem annoying and time-consuming, and you may feel tempted to toss the used candle and buy a new one. Below, we’ve outlined several ways to get wax out of your candle vessel so you can reuse it and love it for years to come!

How to get wax out of your candle vessel

There are many different methods for getting wax out of your finished candle receptacle. While the methods differ, you’ll want to be mindful of the shape of your vessel. Our Yia Mas candles have straight walls (rather than becoming wider or narrower at the top), so the removal is a bit simpler. Depending on the shape of your vessel, you may have to use a butter knife to remove wax as it can get stuck as you try to take it out.

• Freeze it! Freezing wax causes it to shrink, which will make it much easier to get it out of your used candle.

  • Put the candle in the freezer. Depending on the size of your candle, this could take as little as 30 minutes or up to 3 hours. Afterward, the wax should easily come out of the jar. If not, carefully use a butter knife to scrape it out.

  • To remove excess wax use soap and water to clean the container.

• Hot water. Heating wax makes it melt (if you have a candle, you already knew that), and sticking it in hot water can help you remove the wax. This one can be a bit messier, but is also great for removing hard to get wax.

  • To start, place the candle on a towel or newspaper

  • Try to remove as much wax as possible with a butter knife or spoon

  • Boil water, then pour it into the container but leave a little space at the top so the wax can float to the top of the container

  • Allow the water to cool before taking out the wax 

  • Strain the water to get any remaining wax 

  • Do not pour wax down the sink drain

• Use your oven. Yet another way of removing wax by melting it. It’s also a great way to remove wax should you want to save some of the wax itself.

  • Remove excess wax with a butter knife or spoon

  • Preheat the oven to about 180-200 degrees Fahrenheit

  • Place candle upside down on a baking pan that is lined with tin foil or two layers of parchment paper

  • Put the baking pan with the candle in the oven for about 15 minutes (wax should pull onto the foil, so consider rounding the edges of the foil around your pan to avoid any spillage onto your pan)

  • Take the baking pan out of the oven and carefully remove the container with oven mitts

  • After the container cools, wash it with soap and water

  • After the wax cools, scrape it off the foil and, if you want, save it for future use

There are a few other methods, including melting wax with a blow dryer, to trying to remove the wax with a heavy-duty cleaner, but these are the best non-toxic, somewhat easy ways of doing it. Have you tried any of these? We’d love to hear from you!

P.S. if you reuse our candle vessels tag us in your photos to be featured!

We’re big fans of keeping an herb garden, even if it’s in the form of potted herbs on your deck, balcony, or in your yard. Fresh herbs are somewhat easy to maintain throughout the summer, but sometimes you grow more than you can use, and anticipation for colder months means you want to store some of what you grow so you’re not reliant on grocery store herbs.

Different herbs, different timing

Different types of aromatic herbs have a specific stage at which they’re most potent during their biological cycle. At this specific stage, this herb will have the highest concentration of essential oils and resins, making it the best time to collect and dry said herb. For example, mint, spearmint, and basil should be collected before they bloom, while oregano, marjoram, thyme, and lemongrass should be collected in the early stage of their bloom when their flowers are open. Sage flowers, on the other hand, are best collected when they are almost open, and after about a month you can collect and dry the leaves, as well. Other herbs, such as rosemary, can be collected and dried any season.

When and how to dry your herbs

The ideal time to harvest herbs for drying is during the morning after the morning dew has just evaporated. Once you pluck your herbs, the first step is to rinse them clean. Next, tie them by their stems (mindful of the leaves or flowers you’re trying to preserve) with twine. Finally, hang them upside down in a cool, dry place. In other words, avoid anything near your stove where moisture and heat are at play. Once they're hung, check the herbs every couple of days to see how fast the humidity is going. If the herbs are not drying, you may increase the ventilation by opening a window or using a fan in the space. You’ll be able to tell when your herbs are ready and completely dry by picking a leaf and rubbing it gently between your fingers - if dry, it should break easily into small pieces. It may take just a couple of days or even a week, depending on your space, the humidity, and the herb itself!

Honey has been held in high regard as a medicinal remedy and source of sustenance since antiquity. Hippocrates recommended honey to treat pain and fevers, while Aristotle believed that honey may help to prolong life. It seems that these ancient figures were onto something; fast forward about 2,500 years and honey is still known as a superfood because of the many health benefits it offers.

The process behind the production of honey is almost entirely reliant on honeybees, which collect flower nectar and deposit it into honeycomb wax cells. They then dehydrate the nectar and seal the cell to keep the new honey clean. Thus, honey is a 100% natural substance.

The health benefits of honey are countless, including for cardiovascular, immune, and gut health, as well as soothing sore throats. Its consumption can even help stave off hangovers, as the natural sugars it contains speed up the oxidation of alcohol in the liver. Additionally, it contains simple sugars that can be absorbed easily in a short period of time, meaning it acts as a rapid and rich source of energy; at the first Olympic Games, athletes would eat honey before their events to maximize their performance. Honey serves as a far superior sweetener to sugar in terms of health, and its widespread use in places such as Blue Zone island Ikaria adds credence to its reputation as a superfood. 

In order to fully appreciate all these benefits of honey, be sure to store it in a cool, dark place. 

TIP! Not sure about the quality of your honey? Put one tablespoon in a cup of water; if the honey dissolves, the quality is low, but if it stays fixed to the spoon, its quality is high.

Μέλι- “Το Νέκταρ Των Θεών”

Το μέλι δεν είναι μια απλή γλυκαντική ουσία, αλλά το κορυφαίο προϊόν της κατηγορίας του.Ο Αρισταίος, γιος του Απόλλωνα, ήταν ο πρώτος που ασχολήθηκε με το μέλι και τη μελισσοκομία Ο Ιπποκράτης συνιστούσε το μέλι σαν θεραπεία σε πολλές ασθένειες, καθώς ο Αριστοτέλης υποστηρίζει ότι παρατείνει την ζωή. Στην αρχαιότητα γνώριζαν πολλά για το μέλι αλλα δυστυχως σήμερα δεν είναι πολλοί ενήμεροι για τις ιδιοτητες, την παραγωγή, και την σύνθεση του. 

Είναι πολύ πλούσιο σε θρεπτικά συστατικά, άρωμα,και γεύση και ενισχύει την υγεία και την ευεξία. Ενισχύει την σωστή λειτουργία της καρδιάς και του στομάχου, δυναμώνει το ανοσοποιητικό, και μειώνει τον πονόλαιμο. Καταπολεμά την δυσοσμία της αναπνοής, για αυτό αν έχετε φάει τζατζίκι ή σκορδαλία και θέλετε να βγείτε, φάτε μια κουταλιά μέλι αφου βέβαια πλύνετε τα δόντια σας πρώτα. Επιπλέον, είναι ιδανικό για το hangover, καθώς περιέχει φυσικά σάκχαρα που επιταχύνει την οξείδωση του αλκοόλ στο συκώτι. Για αυτό σε τέτοιες περιπτώσεις μπορείτε να αντικαταστήσετε τον σκέτο ελληνικό με ένα smoothie με μελι, γιαούρτι, και χυμό ή απλά με μια κουταλιά μέλι και θα δείτε γρήγορα αποτελέσματα. 

Οι μέλισσες μαζεύουν το νέκταρ από τα άνθη και μέσω συγκεκριμένων επεξεργασιών στο σώμα τους το μετατρέπουν σε μέλι και το τοποθετούν στα κελιά μέσα στις κηρήθρες. Θα ήταν πολύ σοφό αν όλοι μπορούσαν να αντικαταστήσουν τη ζάχαρη με το μέλι! Είναι και τα δύο γλυκαντικές ουσίες αλλά τελείως διαφορετικές στη σύσταση και την ιδιότητα τους. Η ζάχαρη παράγεται με χημικές διαδικασίες και έχει αρνητικές επιπτώσεις στην υγεία μας. Από την άλλη, το μέλι είναι 100% φυσικό προϊόν και δεν επιδέχεται καμία χημική επεξεργασία στην παραγωγή του. Το μέλι αποτελείται από 180 διαφορετικές ουσίες οι οποίες συνδέονται με ένα μοναδικό τρόπο που δεν γίνεται να παραχθεί τεχνητά. 

Είναι μια από τις καλύτερες τροφές για τους αθλητές (και όχι μόνο) καθώς δίνει πολύ ενέργεια. Στην αρχαιότητα κατά την διάρκεια των Ολυμπιακών αγώνων  οι Έλληνες έτρωγαν μέλι πριν τα αγωνίσματα τους. Περιέχει υδατάνθρακες και απλά σάκχαρα που μπορούν να απορροφηθούν πολύ γρήγορα. Εκτός από τις ιδιότητες του, το μέλι δεν χαλάει αν βέβαια φυλάσσεται σε σκιερό δροσερό μέρος μέσα στο κατάλληλο δοχείο χωρίς υγρασία.

ΤΙΡ! Μπορείτε να ελέγξετε την ποιήματα του μελιού σας πολύ εύκολα στο σπίτι σας βάζοντας μια κουταλιά μέλι μέσα σε ένα ποτήρι νερό. Αν το μέλι διαλυθεί τότε δεν είναι καλή η ποιότητα του μελιού σας. Αν όμως παραμείνει αυτούσιο και πάει στον πάτο του ποτηριού τότε το μέλι σας είναι αγνό και ποιοτικό.

co-authored by Dimitrios Koukias

At the risk of outing myself as a total hippie, I’ll do just that. The energy on Ikaria is wild. It’s a word that comes up a lot in conversation about the island, and one local made the argument to me for about 10 minutes in the midst of a rather – you guessed it, wild – panigyri (more on these below) that winter is more harrowing in Ikaria than anywhere else in Greece. Forget about even comparing her to other Greek islands; wild Ikaria, as I’ve dubbed her, is quite unlike anywhere else.

The island has received quite a bit of press in recent years for being one of the world’s “blue zones”, something its locals chuckle about as if in some wry admittance that they’ve been onto something all along. After research found that 1 in 3 Ikarians live into their 90s, The New York Times dubbed it “the island where people forget to die.” Its rough terrain might make you question how this is so; wouldn’t people have to be quite tough to survive here? To an extent, this is true - the island has maintained relative isolation throughout history, as strong winds protected it from connection to the main shipping lanes. Nonetheless, its reputation as a health destination is centuries old. The phenomenon of Ikarian longevity has still not been totally explained by the extensive research conducted into the island, yet many experts have ultimately concluded that one of the keys lie in the islanders’ leisurely pace of life, vegetable-heavy diet, communal living style, and drinking wild herbal tisanes.

The New Yorker in me found the island almost unbearably slow at first. In the end, however, that became its medicine. Ikaria is a place where you can really begin challenging your belief that time is linear. When you check out of your accommodation, your proprietor is unlikely to even remember it’s your check out day (mine didn’t). Taking a cab involves stopping on the road to check on the status of the drivers’ olive oil, and checking out of a hotel can take so long that you might miss your much-anticipated surf lesson (more on THAT below). So, plan to not plan. Plan to take your time. Plan to stay up and sleep in late without fear of missing out on ANYTHING.

I believe most of the islands require many, many visits to really get to their core and write any sort of exhaustive feature. Then again, The New York Times sends people to cover islands who’ve never even been to Greece. So, here’s my perspective. I was lucky enough to have the founder of Digital Nomads Athens, Evi Missa, as a guide of sorts. Evi’s been visiting the island for a decade and was the perfect friend to explore with. She deserves co-authorship of this article and is the best darn community leader ever (shout out to Digital Nomads Athens for being awesome!)

Below is our guide to making the most of a few days on Ikaria.

(all photos ours unless credited otherwise. if you share, please tag @delphireclaimed)

1. Book in advance.

Ikariots don’t really care too much about tourism. Yes, they’re welcoming; no, they don’t respond with vigor to the demands of capitalism. That’s part of the charm and also probably why they live longer than the rest of us. Book your room early here, as supply is lower than most islands.

2. Bring comfortable, closed-toe shoes

This is not an island for your new Greek sandals, wedges, or flimsy flip flops. If you’re going to dance at crowded panigyria (more on those below), you need closed-toe shoes, end of story. I bought an 8-euro pair on the island and they were perfect for dancing and keeping my toes protected. You’ll also want to pack something you feel comfortable hiking in, as Seychelles beach is a must visit and requires a bit of a scramble.

3. Dance at a Panigyri

Whether you’re Greek or not, this is an experience that must be had. Ikaria is renowned for hosting panigyria all year long, while in many places in Greece they happen solely around August 15 or specific holidays. I’ve been to many panigyria but had never experienced the famed Ikarian ones. We went to a couple, and my favorite was in the village of Arethousa.

If you arrive early to eat, be sure to take a post-dinner nap and return around 12:30 in time to dance till dawn.

4. Take a surf lesson at Ikaria surf school

Ikaria is one of the best places in Greece to surf, and the waves’ size and strength makes it an ideal place to learn. The Ikaria Surf School has helped spread the love to international visitors. Located on beautiful Messakti Beach in Gialiskari (an area I’d recommend staying, as well), taking a class with one of their experienced, compassionate instructors is a must. If you want to sign up for one of their daily lessons, we recommend booking in advance, as they fill up. In addition to board rentals and lessons, the school offers yoga and a number of camps and retreats (think surfing and acroyoga) throughout the summer months. 

5. Have a drink at Christos Raches

Unlike many islands, Ikaria’s villages are mainly hidden away from the coastline as an historical defense against pirates. Tucked up onto a mountain but close to popular coastal towns like Armenistis and Gialiskari, Christos Raches is a must-visit. Here you’ll find stores that open, well, whenever they feel like it. It’s not very crowded during the day, but the plateia fills up by night, and you can stay up drinking as late as your heart desires. There’s something about this village I can’t quite place a finger on, but we’ll file it under places where you’ll forget time exists.

6. Visit Seychelles Beach

Firstly: this popular beach WILL be crowded, so come early. Nonetheless, it’s worth seeing and makes for an excellent option on a windy day if you’re staying on the north side of the island. 

The color of the water is unlike anything I’ve seen outside of the Caribbean. It’s not an “organized” beach, but a couple did show up on a boat to set up a stand with coffee and snacks. So, prepare! As mentioned above, you’ll have to walk downhill (you know what that means about leaving) to get there, so bring good shoes!

7. Take a trip to the monastery of Agia Theoktisti

Agia Theoktisi was a lesbian who sought asylum atop this mountain and now has a monastery in her honor. The real draw here (pictured above) is the home she built. Carved into a stone, one wonders if A: elves actually built this and B: how the heck one woman pulled this off. The nuns also make coffee, loukoumades, and local products.

Leave a bracelet as an offering and make a prayer in the name of bravery in all forms. 

8. Try the local honey

Ikaria is full of honeybees, and one of its most well-known products is honey. It’s sold just about everywhere, and makes for the perfect addition to your breakfast. This also may be one of the easiest and only ways to take some fountain of youth effects home from the island of longevity.

9. Visit Nas / Naos Beach

Close to Armenistis and home to the Temple of Artemis Tavropolion, Nas is a must-visit. Come to visit the shrine or stay all day, but bear in mind that Nas can be a dangerous place for swimming; unexpected currents have taken many unsuspecting swimmers to meet their fate. This is just something that has to be said, because I, for one, have been known to swim out quite far.

10. Check out the thermal springs

Known for centuries for its healing thermal waters, there are many ways you can experience the thermal springs on Ikaria.

Many visit Therma, located just east of the port town Agios Kyrkiros. You’ll pay, but it’s more ‘organized.’

Free, natural springs are also an option. Check out Therma Lefkada, located on the south side of the island, west of Agios Kyrkiros.

Click here for a more detailed run-down on hot springs in Ikaria.

11. EAT!

Not an exhaustive list, at all, but below are highlights from what I tried. 

Mary Mary in Armenistis - just about died for the salads here and has a beautiful view of Armenistis as well!

Taverna Deilino in Gialiskari - overlooks the quaint Church of the Ascension and the beach.

Kioupi - also in Gialiskari and delicious. 

12. Take Naps

One cannot keep going on Ikaria without naps. In fact, they’re part of the local culture. Take it “siga siga” and don’t forget to get some sleep amidst all of the fun!

We’ve given our blog a makeover and will be posting weekly dives into some of our favorite topics. We want to help you know yourself, as inspired by the Delphic precept “know thyself” as inscribed at the temple of Apollo and quoted by many.

‘The pleasures that come least frequently give most enjoyment.’ - Democritus

If you are part of the Greek diaspora, I’m sure this quote will resonate with you. Throughout the year, we crave the euphoria we feel when we travel to Greece, and as soon as we leave, we begin counting down the days until we return. However, this quote can serve us in other ways beyond highlighting our sadness at not knowing when we’ll next touch down at Athens airport; it also teaches us about the importance of balance and restraint from chasing happiness in material things. In other words, are you letting things outside yourself rule your happiness, or can you find it from within? If you’re thinking: sounds neat enough, but it doesn’t change the fact that nothing would make me happier than a freddo cappuccino at a Greek island beach bar, this post is for you!

These ideas are the essence of sophrosyne, an Ancient Greek philosophy that connotes a healthy state of mind, moderation, and equilibrium. In the Republic, Plato suggested that it was achieved by creating a cohesive relationship between the three parts of the soul. Significantly for us at Yia Mas, Hippocrates and Plato also used the concept to stress the interconnectedness of mental and physical health; in fact, Plato argued that the ultimate goal of the physician was to foster sophrosyne in the patient, as remedies to their physical ailments would not take effect otherwise. We now have heaps of scientific evidence that shows the dire importance between mental well-being and our overall physical health. They’re inextricably interconnected!

Though today these ideas are fundamental to wellness practices around the world, at the time, the concept faced opposition. After the Peloponnesian War, it came to imply cowardice and extreme caution. In Thucydides’ oration at Pericles’ funeral, he contrasted Pericles’ moderation with the greed of those who overtook him in success. This fell into a general literary trend of the presentation of a defeat of morals like justice and sophrosyne by pleonexia (extreme greed for material wealth) and ambition after the war. As you can probably surmise, similar values continue to play out and wreak destruction to humankind.

In spite of its contentiousness in antiquity, the lessons that the philosophy of sophrosyne can teach us in our modern era are valuable. It’s all too easy to forget the importance of taking the time out of our busy schedules to take care of our mental health, but, as Plato would have us know, the cultivation of a healthful and balanced state of mind is fundamental to our physical wellbeing. So here’s your cue to set some time aside today to practice self-care, in whatever way that may mean for you. 

If you’re looking for help with your self-care routine, check out one of our digital workshops! Each includes meditation or mindful movement, and many applicable tips for living well and with ease. #namastekala

Sources:

• Raphael Demos, A Note on Σωφροσὐνη in Plato’s Republic in Philosophy and Phenomenological Research, https://www.jstor.org/stable/2104144?read-now=1&seq=1

• Helen F. North, A Period of Opposition to Sophrosyne in Greek Thought in Transactions and Proceedings of the American Philological Association, https://www.jstor.org/stable/283479?seq=1

• Stanley W. Jackson, Psychological Healing in Ancient Greece and Rome in Care of the Psyche: A History of Psychological Healing, https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt32bpqz.5?refreqid=excelsior%3Acfd1518610803979400ed15e77dad947&seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents

Post co-authored by Yia Mas editorial fellow Sophie Comninos

I stumbled upon the work of artist and Olympian Alexi Pappas in a somewhat unexpected way. On another night of requisite scrolling, I saw Pappas featured on the carpets at SXSW wearing Susan Alexandra’s playful designs. Full disclosure: I hadn’t heard of Alexi yet, but I caught a glimpse of her Greek last name and my curiosity was piqued. This led to a delightful trip down the rabbit hole of Alexi’s work. Her Instagram feed (I admit Instagram happens to be the undeniably millennial way I discover many artists, people I admire, and even some I’ve formed friendships and collaborations with) is a beautiful stream of wry, inspiring content. Alexi’s words resonated with me more than anything I’d read in a very long time, though admittedly the sheer amount of content in our clogged up digital space can tempt you to write things off or simply forget them, unintentionally. As a runner, much of her content is geared towards athletes, but I was struck by something more nuanced. Sometimes humorous, sometimes sad, sometimes flexing as one literally and metaphorically should when they’re a Champion-sponsored Olympic athlete, her poetic takes jolted me out of my jadedness. She creates content that I wish existed in my pre-Instagram, high school years when as a dancer and neurotic student I could have used a relatable role model. P.S. she has dope style. P.P.S. she does amazing work advocating for and inspiring women.

If you’re unfamiliar, Alexi Pappas is a Greek American writer, producer, and athlete. Born in California, she became a Greek citizen and competed for Greece in the 2016 Olympics, where she also set a national record. She disrupts the stigma that one must be one thing in order to do it well: generalists everywhere, unite! She graduated with honors from Dartmouth (cue “Who Run the World, Girls”) with a degree in English and creative writing, and has acted alongside the likes of Nick Kroll. She writes, acts, and produces, and her film writing credits include “Olympic Dreams,” which premiered at SXSW in March 2019. Her recent creative output showcases how her athletic endeavors seamlessly flow into work as a storyteller. She’s also working on a book slated for release in 2020, but more on that below…

Read on for our interview with Alexi for her take on why you might want to schedule your next nap, how she inspires young women in their athletic endeavors, and why Olympians can, and maybe should, enjoy fresh Greek cheese.

100% here for Alexi Pappas’ red carpet look at SXSW

Tell us a bit about your upbringing in regards to growing up Greek American. You became a Greek citizen a few years ago and represented Greece in the Olympics (and went on to set some badass records), how did that feel? Why run for Greece versus the US? 

My Greek identity was always a big part of my life growing up, especially spending summer with my YiaYia and Papou and traveling to Greece with my entire family. When I was training for the 2016 Olympics, I wanted to make sure that my running could have the biggest impact possible. I love pushing myself in athletics to see how fast I can go, but most of all I get joy from inspiring younger athletes. I felt that, especially as a female athlete, I would have the most impact in Greece. I remember at my training camp in Karpenisi, I met a group of young teenage girls who did not ever think that girls could become pro athletes — they didn’t think sports were for girls. When I set my new national records, I thought of them.

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Many know you as an Olympian, but you also do a lot of philanthropic work and creative work. Let’s talk more about your career as a creative and storyteller. Tell us about your foray into filmmaking. Had you wanted to make films from a young age? 

Writing and storytelling have always been passions of mine. I studied writing at University and completed a thesis in poetry with high honors. But I understood that I had a limited window of time in which to pursue my athletic dreams. However, it has been an incredible turn of events to see that my running career has actually opened so many opportunities for me to pursue my writing and filmmaking endeavors. I especially love that I am able to express my love for running through my writing. 

Can you speak a bit to how you balance your career? I.e. the creative work: writing, collaborations with brands, etc. with athletics/training. It seems as though the two are inextricably intertwined…

I have found that my athletics has supported my creative work and vice versa. You can’t run 24 hours a day — and I find that having a creative project to work on helps me focus even more on my training.

On social, you share a lot of motivational bits – but they don’t feel fluffy. Have you faced any particular struggles in your journey that you feel especially passionate about and/or that you feel like you want to help others overcome? 

I am always trying to communicate to runners, especially young runners in high school and university, to be as kind to themselves as they are hard on themselves. This means to always remember that recovery is just as important as training, to eat what your body is craving, and to get lots of sleep!

How do you stay balanced and keep up your personal wellness with such a busy schedule, competing and training, and all that is being a human in the digital age? Any tips (but really…)

Here’s my best tip: I take a nap every day, and I call my naps “practice.” It makes it much easier to prioritize my recovery, which is often the easiest part of our day to sacrifice. I think this can apply to normal life outside of elite athletics: take your rest time seriously! 

I am always trying to communicate to runners, especially young runners in high school and university, to be as kind to themselves as they are hard on themselves.

Are any aspects of your lifestyle, from a health perspective, influenced by being Greek/time spent in Greece?

In Karpenisi, at training camp before the 2016 Olympics, we ate these wonderful home-cooked meals that many athletes (many of whom I met in the USA) may not consider to be “athlete food” — whole fish, cheeses, fatty meat, and lots of olive oil. It was the best food I’ve ever had. These hearty meals fueled me and helped my body recover. Ever since then, I have been proud to eat filling meals — but I am also always careful to make sure I am to use the absolute best seasonal ingredients, and to buy them from local farmers if possible.

100% here for this Susan Alexandra x Champion collab on Alexi

You’re currently working on a book, so exciting! Can you tell us a bit about that (if you’re allowed to at this point?) 

Yes! My book is called Bravey and it will be released in the late summer of 2020. The book is a memoir-in-essays about my development as an athlete and artist, and about the unique outlook on life that I developed after my mother died by suicide when I was young.

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Keep an eye for Alexi’s upcoming book, Bravey, for a candid, insightful peep into life through her technicolor lens. A side note from the author: if you are someone you love is suicidal, my inbox is open. I’ve also dealt with this in my family several times over and am happy to point you to resources.

If you enjoyed our interview with Alexi Pappas, be sure to follow her on Instagram @alexipappas for an update on her work – and a dose of inspiration.

This post originally ran on Delphi Reclaimed.

Maybe you travel to Greece every summer, maybe you haven’t been in years. Maybe you live in Greece but it doesn’t change the fact that it’s not summer. Sure, all seasons have their beauty. But on the East Coast of the U.S., I’m more or less done trying to pretend I enjoy feeling *cozy* or celebrating Hygge… or whatever else it takes to convince myself this isn’t all a dream until summer arrives again. 

Dramatic? Sorry, I’m Greek.

There’s nothing quite like the energy and vitality we feel during Greek summer. Watching a horizon fade as your ferry boat leaves its dock, the signature blue and white that spews from its stern, and wind-whipped hair. If you only squeeze in one week of vacation, which I can speak to, you feel more renewed from that week in Greece than if you spent a month on vacation just about anywhere else in the world.

So, fight off winter (or COVID-19!) depression with these three tips and tools…

Put on some paradosiaka (traditional greek music) and dance it off.

Even if you hate Greek dancing, there’s no denying the transportive power of traditional Greek music, especially of the island variety. While the bouzouki may be used all over Athens to lure tourists into tavernas, it feels different when you’re a displaced Greek. We Greeks outside of Greece become, in a way, tourists of our own culture. 

Try this island mix from youtube. Invite some friends over, pour some rakomelo and attempt to teach them Ikariotiko (ever noticed how easy ikariotiko is to dance, but near impossible to teach?). Or just grab your partner and try for the best. Here is a playlist to get you started: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7B0uZ5OYFTpnPdByc1tgRM?si=A66XZuhnT82oqPtK2tbEsA

For a more somber, transportive time, listen to Vasilis Kostas ft Layth Sidiq – Kalesma play at the esteemed Berklee college of music.

Learn about Greek culture with a digital workshop

Are you one of those people who brings home bags of oregano and mountain tea from Greece? Yia Mas creates many workshops and experiences to help you improve your wellness and dive into Greek culture. They also teach you how to learn from Greek culture and philosophy to live better today. Gather digitally with fellow Greeks and learn more via one of their upcoming workshops, you can reserve your spot here: https://www.yia-mas.com/events?category=upcoming

WAIT, you don’t have provisions??? Now is a good time to stock up on some Greek summer essentials.

Greeks in Greece, we know you don’t have this problem. For those of us abroad, it’s a different story, albeit one that is easily fixed.

If you don’t live in a town with a Greek grocery store or provider, the internet provides. Try my Cretan Goods, for example. I always keep high quality feta cheese on hand because, you know, that’s practical :) Keeping Greek herbs on hand will also help you feel and live better.

Don’t plan your day + TAKE NAPS

Living in a bustling American city for most of my adult life, I am generally surrounded by people whose weekends are planned to a T. Actually, let’s be real, everyone I know in the US usually has weekend “plans.” And if they don’t have plans, a big point is made of talking about not having plans, which seems to put pressure on the relaxation and, in some twisted way, turn that into plans.

So: plan to have no plans. If you were on a Greek island, your plans would likely not extend past the beach, a nap, dinner, and maybe evening drinks.

You can still “do things,” this isn’t a mandated sit at home and watch netflix for 8 hours. That’s avoidance. Rather… leave your day open to spontaneity. If you decide halfway through the day to do yoga, do it. If you want to go to dinner at 9 PM, do it. Simply try not having plans and witness of flowing into whatever activities you desire. It’s arguably the most Greek summer thing you can do. While it may be easier to “have no plans” on a picturesque island or mountain, make a point to find and notice the beauty where you are.

So you’ve listened to Greek music, sipped some rakomelo, and gone with the flow with your day. Maybe you even got up and danced or attempted to teach your friend/SO/unwilling stranger a Greek dance or two.

Hopefully, you’re feeling calmer, more relaxed and a bit transported out of your daily existence.

Finally, I leave you with some notes from the surrealist poem Amorgos by Nikos Gatsos, an epic barely known outside Greece. Gatsos himself wrote many popular Greek songs you’re likely familiar with…

…the snows will melt on the mountains, the wind will sing like a bird, the swallows will come to life, the osiers will quiver, and men with cold eyes and pale faces, hearing the bells in the cracked belfries ringing by themselves, will find holiday caps to wear and gay-colored ribbons to tie on their shoes. For then no one will ever joke again, the blood of brooks will overflow…and the timid girls will come slowly and quietly to cast their last garments into the flames and to dance about them nakedly…