Mindfulness Move
Why moving to Spain made my life healthier and taught me so much about mindfulness.
Moving to Spain was supposed to be about sunshine and sea all day long. What I didn’t expect was a crash course in Achtsamkeit—the kind of mindfulness that sneaks up on you when you’re too busy enjoying life to notice. Let me share why this vibrant, heartfelt country transformed the way I approach each day, with a sprinkle of humor and a whole lot of inspiration.
1. The Art of No Pasa Nada
If Spain had a national mantra, it would be no pasa nada. It’s the universal “don’t worry about it” that you hear everywhere—from your neighbor when you spill your café con leche to your landlord when the hot water mysteriously disappears. In a world obsessed with productivity, Spain taught me to slow down and realize that most things are not worth stressing over.
2. Living in Harmony with Nature
The Spanish know how to make the most of what Mother Earth offers. From breathtaking mountain hikes to coastal siestas by the sea, life here flows with the seasons. Weekly markets brim with fresh, local produce, and you quickly learn to appreciate the beauty of simplicity—like perfectly ripe tomatoes drizzled with olive oil. A walk through a Spanish village is a reminder that you don’t need much to feel connected to the world around you.
3. Genuss Over Grind
The Spanish have a word for savoring life: disfrutar. Whether it’s indulging in a tapas feast or spending hours chatting over vino tinto, the emphasis here is always on enjoyment. I realized that life isn’t meant to be rushed through but savored—like a perfect croqueta, one bite at a time.
4. Sundays Are Sacred
In Spain, Sundays aren’t for errands or catching up on work; they’re for family, friends, and long, lazy lunches. Shops are closed, streets are quiet, and time slows down. It’s a built-in reminder to unplug and reconnect with the people who matter most.
5. The Warmth of Spanish Culture
People in Spain are openhearted in a way that feels rare and refreshing. Strangers greet you with genuine smiles, neighbors invite you over for a paella, and no matter where you’re from, you’re welcomed with a warmth that feels like coming home. It’s impossible not to absorb this energy and reflect it back into your own life.
6. The Beauty of Imperfection
Living in Spain taught me to embrace life’s little imperfections. Streets might be uneven, plans might change last minute, but nobody cares. It’s the moments that go “wrong” that often become the most memorable. Like that time I got lost in the winding alleys of Granada and found the most magical hidden café.
A New Way of Living
Spain showed me that mindfulness isn’t about sitting in silence or meditating for hours—it’s about being fully present in the life you’re living. It’s the laughter echoing in a bustling plaza, the aroma of fresh-baked bread in the morning, the sea breeze on your skin. Achtsamkeit isn’t something you practice; it’s something you live.