By Katie Foster

"Cagli gives you the opportunity to stop and reflect ...to think about your life because we must think. Ask the question, 'Is this what we want?'"

-Franco Mansi, Professor at Atrium Instituto di Lingua Italiana

Italy- a country based on the foundations of La Dolce Vita-living the good life, living in the moment, living happily. But what about reflection? Looking back to help see what lies ahead? Asking yourself questions.

My grandmother always says nothing is coincidence, that everything happens for a reason. I did not understand or really appreciate her words until today. Hours after Italian with our instructor, Franco, I hastily wandered into the late evening yoga class in a beat-up dance studio attached to our language school. Having never taken yoga, I was more than apprehensive, I was terrified.

The town of Cagli offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the outside world.



A short stroll outside of Cagli's ancient walls provides picturesque views which are ideal for contemplation, relaxation and a suntan.

 

We were 8 all over again: Monte Petrano Photo Essay

 

 

Back to top
The instructor lit incense and let it burn in the center of the room. The cloudy reflection snaked its way up the mirror and then disappeared in the dim space. Although lei non parla inglese, her eyes and gestures translated the romantic language into understandable instructions. Inhale. Exhale. The room was silent. I heard the ticking of a clock, tic, tic, in the distance. I tried to meditate. Homework, deadlines, friends, family, hunger pains, the beach, Rome-it all filtered through my mind. An argument among the birds erupted outside the window. Inhale. Exhale. The smell of stale breath and playground sweat permeated my nose. It was warm. The room was darker than before. The sun had set without the slightest notice on my part. I was concentrating. I counted the muted bells in the distance; 1, 2...9. My legs were behind my head like a folded cot, only pulled out for company. The woman's stomach gurgled behind me, the man on the other side swallowed hard, while the instructor kept repeating Inhale. Exhale. And then my mind went blank, like an etch-a-sketch shaken empty. Nothing. Except the thoughts Inhale. Exhale. No need to rush, no other responsibilities, no fear of anything. Just the two simple commands: Inhale. Exhale. Cagli is a lot like yoga. As I walked through the streets on my way home all I could think of was inhale, exhale and I was content. Is this what I want? Si! Si!