Stop hiding?

"Hiding is a pleasure, but not being found is a catastrophe."

D.W. Winnicot

"Stop hiding!" This is the advice I've been reading all over the place lately, given by Instagram stars to their thousands of followers. 

Feeling observed

"Tell your story, show your face, let the sound of your voice be heard!". It's true, of course. There's nothing better than an authentic story to make yourself known. 

The real question is: why is it so difficult? Because we don't think we're beautiful? Because what we do seems normal, not really worthwhile? Because we fear other people's opinions? easy criticism? In part, yes.

But there's often a much deeper reason for the fear of showing oneself. This is mine, and that of many others whose stories I often read. 

"Don't make waves"

The fear of showing ourselves is often linked to a moment in our lives when we felt illegitimate, clandestine in our own existence. Literally and figuratively. 

When I arrived in Switzerland with my family, we didn't have a very comfortable status. We spent many years "in transit", waiting for a decision on our permanent residency permit, which didn't arrive until...10 years later. 

All this time, my parents kept telling us: "Never forget that nobody invited you here. Do your best, and above all, don't make waves! Stay where you belong". When the transit finally turned into a permanent stay, I was a young adult. Perfectly integrated, adapted and careful not to make waves. 

Choosing the right light

These words are part of a past I made peace with a long time ago. Yet I still find it very difficult to show myself in the light of day. Staying hidden in a protective shadow isn't just practical. It's second nature, a second skin that protects you. To leave it is to tear it apart.

Clandestinity has its price. The more time passes, the higher the price. The fear of showing oneself prevents us from enjoying the sun, the light, the joy of taking advantage of the gifts life has given us, the opportunities it places in our path. It forces us to live a story without sound or light. 

In creating the Nature Cooking Experiences, I knew the day would come when I'd be ready to tell you about myself. 

I also wanted to offer you a space where we could all be us. Just as we are that day. With our flaws, but also our joy. To give us the chance to experience our vulnerability, but also our strength.  

With a dose of benevolence, of course, and the help of fire and the plant world, which have been with me for a long time. 

Here's a bit of my story. If it resonates with you, let me know. If you'd like me to tell you the rest, too. And if you'd like to discover the experience of lighting your inner fire, the fire, the forest and me are waiting for you! 

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