Greek Islands Revealed Rocks to My True North
universe showed more jaw-dropping synchronicities
“Check out this gorgeous rock Bryan!” said Freddy as he held out a stone he found on the beach as we were resting in between our scuba dive sessions. I glanced over at the rock in his hand – it’s just an ordinary rock, not the diamond I had imagined.
Freddy then turns his gaze towards the end of the beach and sets off flipping rocks after rocks on an endlessly rocky Greek beach. Much like a tale of Frenchman’s romantic fervor, Freddy’s infatuation is one not with humans but for rocks. I have never seen someone with as much passion for rocks as he had.
When we returned to the dive shop and washed ourselves, I noticed something that I didn’t see before. The garden where we washed off was made from the rocks Freddy and his mates had picked up. White stones mixed with obsidian rocks formed a beautiful base for the shower; flat granites paved the steps into the shop; and limestones outlined the herb gardens. For the first time I noticed the meticulous touches in this dive shop; an elegance that lit up the dive experience that I had never sensed in other shops.
Then I realized something – Freddy wasn’t just picking pretty rocks, he was building this garden.
What had synchronicity brought in front of me this time (it led me to a bouquet previously)?
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Story one – wisdom of following your heart
A few days earlier, I had just arrived in the Greek island of Paros and met up with my friend who’d been traveling in Greece for a month. This was a much needed break–in NYC, we were both exhausted from all the socializing and external stimuli. We both were withering away from the disconnect from nature and the ocean (we both are avid divers). When I saw the crystal clear water of the Aegean seas, I understood why so many movies and epics were set in this place. Greek islands are captivating.
One evening, as we sat at a beachside tavern enjoying the sunset, Greek wine, and local delicacies, we delved into deep conversations about family, relationships, careers, and our personal journeys.
Suddenly a voice interrupted, “May I join your conversation?”
I turned around. The voice was from an old lady sitting next to us. She was holding a book on the Gospel of Thomas – the gnostic book banished in the orthodox Christendoms. She introduced herself and said she couldn't help herself from jumping in after overhearing our conversations on life.
The lady shared her life story of how she ended up in Greece. Turns out, she, like us, had a mid-life crisis about her unfulfilling corporate career in NY. She left it all behind with her husband and moved to Greece in the 80’s (she was the real OG of nomading). Her journey was one filled with ups and downs–exploring the King’s Chamber in the Pyramid in Egypt, her husband passing after a terminal illness, overcoming her grief; becoming a renowned author on topics of spirituality (hence the Book on Gospel of Thomas).
Before leaving, she left us with a message: “Follow your heart and it will take you to places you can’t even imagine”.
Like Yoda, this mysterious lady appeared out of nowhere, left us with a message that struck a resonating chord in me, and disappeared into the mist (well, the beach to be precise).
Following one’s heart, eh?
Scratching my head, I think I know what that means, but my heart still can’t quite comprehend the message.
Is this another sign from synchronicities of the universe?
Story 2 – the stone garden and the trio crew
After Paros, we moved to the island of Milos for scuba diving, the main event of our trip. There we met the crew members of the dive shop: Giannis, the elder OG shop owner who brought scuba diving to the Greek island; Freddie, a mid-aged man who is the instructor (and is fascinated with rocks); and Paul, the young apprentice who is going through the rigorous training to be a certified instructor.
The three of them took my friend and I on a few diving trips. The dives were spectacular. What was more intriguing however, was the composition of this unique crew and how seamlessly they complimented each other.
Giannis, also a Yoda-like figure, captained the boat and showed everyone unforgettable diving experiences (drove me to the perfect spot for this drone shot); after every trip, he silently goes into the garden and waters his exotic herbs. Freddy, the main instructor, takes care of customers and, in his spare time, finds and collects rocks for his boss’s garden. Paul, the youngest of the trio, and the trainee, helps with the grunt work around the shop and the boat>; he adds his exuberant and jolly energy to the place.
United by their love for the ocean and diving, this diverse, multi-generational crew forms an unexpectedly harmonious team. Their complementary skills and infectious enthusiasm breathe life into the shop, creating an electric atmosphere. Each member, following their heart's true north, found their way to this place, and their collaboration birthed a tranquil stone garden.
As I watched these individuals work in perfect harmony, I couldn't help but reflect on the corporate world I'd left behind. The contrast was stark and revealing. Here, before my eyes, unfolded the very essence of genuine teamwork–a symphony of their individual passions and distinct personalities. Is this what following one’s heart can lead to and produce?
The old lady’s words resurfaced in my mind.
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As I reflect on my journey through the Greek islands, I'm struck by the profound impact of these seemingly random encounters and experiences. What began as a simple desire to escape the chaos of New York City and reconnect with nature has transformed into a deeply meaningful odyssey of self-discovery.
The universe, in its mysterious ways, presented me with a series of synchronicity events: the spiritual wisdom bestowed by the old lady, the teamwork of the crew members, and the serene stone garden manifested by their passions. Each of these encounters presented me with signs and confidence to find and sail towards my north star.
Following one’s heart is the way to one’s true north.
