There are spaces whose power is derived solely from presence. Spaces where people meet, feel, and truly see each other. The Emotion Women's Day was such a space: brimming with the energy of hundreds of women—diverse, yet united in their shared search for depth, appreciation, and growth.
In such places, I quietly and closely observe. Superficialities quickly dissolve, leaving behind the essence of human nature in all its complexity. Warmth, openness, and unexpected kindness often hide behind facades that may seem cold online. Simultaneously, I witness darker moments—judgments, fleeting exchanges about others who were greeted kindly just moments before. This ambivalence, this complexity, is precisely what defines us as humans, continually challenging us to reflect on our values and authenticity.
This day once again became my teacher, emphasizing the importance of presence and relationships that can flourish if we dare to become visible—offline, authentic, vulnerable. People who knew me only virtually approached me with warmth, openness, and joy. New connections were forged, perhaps friendships born, sparked and sustained by that very moment.
Certainly, there were moments of frustration—overcrowded rooms, masterclasses that closed their doors, and the anxiety of missing out (FOMO). Yet precisely here lay the valuable lesson: learning to let go and express gratitude for what is happening right now, in this moment. Retreating into silence, into the grounding strength of a calm space.
Returning home after such an intense day, I found solace and comfort in the arms of my family. As an extroverted, highly sensitive person, it remains a life-long challenge to balance my energies and recognize when rest is immediately needed. Enthusiastically sharing my day's nourishing and tender interactions with my dear husband quickly transitioned into exhaustion. While reading the second bedtime story to my young son, fatigue gently overtook me. My body signaled clearly—rest was needed now, not in ten minutes, not in two hours, but immediately. Thankfully, one of my son's sisters took over, reading aloud, allowing me to drift into much-needed sleep.
This experience reinforced my belief in the profound wisdom of the body. Intense days inevitably lead to moments where we must pause, rest, and regenerate. These pauses are not negative but deeply insightful reminders from our own physical being. They remind us of the immense richness found in a home filled with love, where family members understand and lovingly accommodate one's personal rhythms, particularly in balancing high-performance visibility and nurturing domestic warmth.
Walking the twilight path in the nearby woods, embraced by Mother Nature, Goethe's words gently surfaced within me: “Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and you help them become what they can be.” A wave of deep gratitude enveloped me as the day softly faded, carrying away the echoes of vibrant connections and emotions.
Today, I encourage you to feel your own rhythms, embrace the wisdom of your body, and savor your presence fully. Trust that the authentic expression of your experience, shared openly and without predetermined plans, creates the deepest resonance. May we all learn to be fully present, truthful, and gentle with ourselves and each other.