In the hustle and bustle of modern life, especially in a vibrant metropolis like Athens, it can be easy to lose sight of the beauty and significance of appreciating life. Whether it’s the towering ancient monuments or the lively streets filled with people, Athens offers countless opportunities for reflection and gratitude. But why is it so important to take a step back and appreciate life, especially in such a busy environment, and how can we practice this in our daily lives?

Taking time to appreciate life contributes to mental health and overall happiness. When we stop to recognize the beauty around us—whether it’s a sunset, a kind gesture, or a quiet moment of peace—we foster a mindset of gratitude. This, in turn, reduces stress and anxiety, promotes positivity, and encourages a more balanced outlook on life.

2. Builds Stronger Connections

When we appreciate life, we’re more present in our interactions with others. In a big city like Athens, where people come from all walks of life, taking time to connect with others—whether it's a friendly conversation at a café or a smile shared with a stranger—strengthens the sense of community. It reminds us that we’re all part of a greater whole, sharing the same space and experiences

3. Encourages Mindfulness

In the fast-paced rhythm of city life, it’s easy to get caught up in to-do lists and daily tasks. Appreciating life helps us slow down and be mindful of the present moment. Mindfulness allows us to be fully aware of our surroundings and experiences, which leads to greater fulfillment and contentment.

4. Inspires Personal Growth

When we take the time to appreciate life, we often gain new perspectives. Gratitude for life’s simple pleasures—like the beauty of the Acropolis at sunset or the sound of the sea at Piraeus—helps us stay grounded, humble, and more open to personal growth. In this way, appreciation isn’t just about living in the moment, but also about reflecting on how we can continuously improve ourselves and our relationships.

• Explore the Blend of Old and New
  Athens is a city where ancient history meets modern culture, making it a perfect place to practice appreciation. Take time to explore the city’s landmarks, like the Parthenon or the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and reflect on the history that has shaped the world today. At the same time, appreciate the city’s vibrant contemporary life—its art, music, and cuisine that make Athens so unique.

• Enjoy Green Spaces
  Despite being a busy city, Athens is home to many parks and gardens. Spend time in places like the National Garden or Mount Lycabettus, where you can disconnect from the urban noise and reconnect with nature. These green spaces offer a moment of tranquility, where you can reflect on the natural beauty around you and practice mindfulness.

• Practice Daily Gratitude
  Living in a big city can often feel overwhelming, but practicing daily gratitude can help you appreciate the small joys. Whether it’s the taste of a delicious souvlaki, the sound of children playing in a local square, or the beauty of the Mediterranean light, acknowledging these little moments can make a big difference in your outlook.

• Embrace the City’s Slower Side
  Athens might be a fast-moving city, but it also has a slower, more relaxed side. Make time for leisurely activities like sipping a coffee at a local café, taking an evening stroll through the old Plaka neighborhood, or enjoying a sunset at Sounion. These slower moments can help you pause and reflect, appreciating life without the rush.

• Be Present in Social Interactions
  Athenian culture is deeply social, and there are endless opportunities to connect with others. From casual chats at a taverna to deeper conversations with friends and family, being fully present in these interactions helps you appreciate the richness of human connection. Listen deeply, share openly, and savor the shared moments of laughter, joy, and understanding.

• Focus on Experiences, Not Materialism
  Living in a big city like Athens can sometimes lead to a focus on material possessions and status. However, appreciating life often comes from experiences, not things. Seek out experiences that enrich your life, whether it’s attending a local theater performance, learning something new at a museum, or spending a day at the beach. These moments create lasting memories and a deeper sense of fulfillment.

In keeping with summer season, I’ve had a few visitors staying with me – the latest arrived from Canada on Sunday morning. We had a long breakfast at Hip Café in Syntagma, and wandered around the city catching up.  We commented on the number of people outside enjoying the day, the packed cafes and happy buzz in the air.

Later in the afternoon, and in light of my empty fridge, I was reminded that my local supermarket was actually OPEN on Sundays, and I could pick up some necessities. I explained to my friend that this Sunday shopping is completely new and very controversial. She reminded me that 2 decades ago the very same debate was raging in Toronto about Sunday retail laws. In 2014, nobody remembers or cares about it there, since the 7-day retail workweek is a fact of life.

Mine may be a minority view, but I’m ok with Sunday store openings.  I’m not sure if employees here are earning more money from the extended hours – but as a ‘user’, I’m pretty ok with it.

I respect all views on the subject, and appreciate that there are many. But having a day-to-day schedule that precludes me from doing many of the ‘retail’ tasks of an average week (everything from groceries to buying a pair of socks), I am absolutely in favour of Sunday openings. It’s about convenience, and as a consumer I’m in favour of convenience. Understandably, if I was an employee I might not like the extra hours. Having said that, so long as I’m being compensated for those extra hours, I might actually welcome the extra income, as little as it might be. Maybe in 20 years nobody will remember what all the fuss was about.

At the same time, if it all gets cancelled and we go back to ‘no Sunday openings’ – I can’t say I would be heart broken.

Yet another dichotomy of life in Athens?  Perhaps.  But guess what – the internet doesn't close on Sundays and I can always get my socks there.

Until next week,

Jack

In this weekly space, keep up with ‘Jack’ as he navigates daily life in Athens… Anecdotes, stories, hits & misses, the good, the bad and, well, the rest…

It is a place endowed with a lot of natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy the superb sea, with the most clear and warm waters in the Mediterranean Sea and the small sandy seashores which are pleasantly decorated with small rocks coming out of the water. The place is of great historical and environmental significance because we find here the ancient millstone quarries, as well as important biotopes where most fish species come to spawn. Here, the visitor can also see the primitive nature of Chalkidiki, where the native pine trees water their roots in the waters of the Toroneos gulf.

However, the most amazing sight of all is the awe-inspiring traditional village of Afitos with its 28 century-long history. Resisting the unorganized tourist housing development and in order to maintain their cultural inheritance pure, the inhabitants of Athitos have been trying to develop their place through their culture by promoting the natural beauty as well as the traditional village and the ancient history of their place. So, the old houses of porous stone have been renovated, the streets have been paved and the place now imposes its dignified beauty on visitors and on the locals making Athitos an amazing place to visit.

Afitos has many taverns, bars and cafes that serve local delicacies and refreshing cocktails from morning to late at night, while accommodation is abundant since Afitos offers plenty of hotels, rooms for rent and apartments.

To read more, please visit chalkidiki.com

Every June, the week-long SNFestival invites us to travel back to our favorite summers, guided by music, dance and melodies, stories and laughter, exercise and play, and live yet another unforgettable beginning of summer!

The Summer Nostos Festival (SNFestival) is an international multifaceted arts, sports and education festival. Admission is free for all, and the festival is addressed to visitors of all age groups and interests, aspiring to become a friendly creative platform where people can get together, express themselves and exchange ideas.

The open events of the 2019 SNFestival will take place from June 23rd to June 30th, at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC), with free admission to all. As every year, on June 23rd, on the occasion of World Olympic Day, the evening race SNF RUN: Running into the Future will be held.

Download the full program of events, here.

Source: www.snfestival.org