A Day’s Journey

Azores, Portugal – April 2022

I found Eden and it is located in a small 9 island section of Macronesia in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Born out of volcanic eruptions some 3.5 million to 300,000 years ago, these islands are still very much alive with activity.

The energy of the Azores can be felt both externally and internally. Externally, the islands derive roughly 30% of their energy from natural sources – geothermal, wind, hydroelectric, with plans to increase this to over 50% in the coming years. In a changing world, these islands are pioneers in the global quest to rid our dependence on fossil fuels. However, these islands pose a significant advantage as they have the luxury of volcanic activity, ample Atlantic wind, and subtropical climate feeding the never ending supply of waterfalls and rivers. Think this is impressive? Well there is more- The Azores are planning to turn the invasive ginger species on the islands into a sort of biodegradable plastic. Just as the original Portuguese explorers and settlers pioneered the land 600 years ago, they continue to pioneer in green advancements.

Apart from the green energy sources of this island, you can feel the effects of a green environment internally. The flora of this island includes many introduced species from all over the world. The fauna- dependent upon cows for dairy and meat production. The result of organic plants and local dairy? Green energy for the body. The farm to table journey can be visualized with a short car ride around any of the islands. Even the fertilizers here even come from an Australian tree species. All natural.

I personally feel so much lighter in the body and mind on the islands. Free from added hormones, pesticides, highly processed foods. Added to the experience of breathing in the diverse bacteria of plants around the island, lends itself for an optimal gut bacteria environment. Through the gut-brain axis, our gut produces 95% of our serotonin. A happy gut is a happy brain. The Azores are a lesson in how our internal and external environments are inextricably connected to create a healthy life.