Sometimes it's easier to go into the unknown than to return home from there…

Sometimes it's easier to go into the unknown than to return home from there...

I participated in the Enhancing Youth project as one of two participants from Slovakia. Communication with the sending organization, in this case Youthfully Yours SK, was excellent. In addition to being in constant contact regarding the trip, they also shared experiences from previous projects from other participants to accommodate us as much as possible.

I would describe the project itself as "mental and spiritual hygiene from real life."

The first meeting took place in the village of Ramales de la Victoria. The following days began with various activities, through which we learned to use a new method to achieve the ability to focus on our own thoughts and develop them. A lecturer guided us through the entire process, showing us various ways to properly use this method.

I remember the moment I first encountered "piñakari". At first, I doubted that a moment of silence with closed eyes after ringing a bell could achieve anything. Normally, a million thoughts swirl in my head, and sometimes, like everyone else, I forget something. Surprisingly, this regular mental exercise proved effective. Purposefully getting lost in the forest meant the exact opposite - participants found their way during the training - the one within themselves. By daily sharing our feelings, thoughts, "the weather of our inner selves," we created strong bonds with each other despite cultural differences.

"Sometimes it's easier to go into the unknown than to return home from there..." On the project, we formed a great group of people, full of energy, humanity, humor, and charged with ideas and innovations, we complemented each other. Among other things, I would also like to mention the feedback, which was not missing after daily activities, as well as trips, thanks to which we could get to know some parts of Spain - the Santona area, the city of Castro and Santander, and a visit to a museum and a factory for traditional cake.

Time management was handled perfectly, despite the larger number of participants. I am extremely grateful that I could be part of this project and I believe that I will stay in touch with some of the participants. I recommend it to everyone who is still hesitant to participate in such a project at least once.