BLUE MIND
Between
land & sea
Where education meets art
Presentation
A journey in motion between land and water, where perception and awareness of our movement on land merges with the experience of aquatic motion, exploring and studying the Mediterranean marine environment, and engaging in the dynamic practice of coastal swimming-trekking.
In harmony with winds and sea currents, alternating between dynamism and stillness, this is a shared group adventure where the creativity of movement between land and sea, and the encounter with the sea, open us to new emotions, memories, and perceptions of ourselves and our most transformative resources.
The land-based movement experience is guided by the principles of the somatic approach Body-Mind Centering®, combined with elements of Yoga and Pranayama.
The aquatic, swimming and underwater experiences are supported by the principles of the ESA Apnea Lifestyle approach®.
The study and exploration of the Mediterranean marine environment includes theoretical sessions led by a marine biologist and Reef Check trainer, a citizen science protocol for monitoring coastal ecosystems.
Listening to the sound of waves and pebbles, in tune with the rhythm of our breath and the silence of water’s multiple dimensions: the lightness and pleasure of gliding and floating, the perception of depth, of volume and fluid strength, the reflex of diving and surfacing, the enveloping three-dimensionality.
Swimming together, respecting each person’s rhythm. Discovering unknown species and environments, letting everything unfold in awareness and sharing with our fellow adventurers — with the Sea as our teacher.
workshop
Blue Mind
seats
6 - 10
frequency
In presence
duration
1 week
start
June to October
Goal
Explore, observe, and discover the marine environment in a group setting, along landscapes accessible only by sea, following coastal paths and watery horizons.
Swim together with others, respecting each person’s individual rhythm. Enter the sea with wetsuit, fins, and snorkel, navigating through rocks and shallow waters, observing the wonders of marine life, pausing in intimate spots, and discovering unknown species and habitats.
This journey fosters well-being, awareness, openness, and trust — on both a psychophysical and relational level, including the connection with the group.
It encourages confidence and ease in open water, as well as the basics of freediving (apnea).
Participants will also gain knowledge and the ability to identify key elements of the Mediterranean marine environment.
Tools and laboratories
Suitable for all sea lovers who are able to swim.
Required equipment for sea activities:
- Full wetsuit (4.3 mm or 5.3 mm)
- Freediving mask
- Snorkel (not front-mounted)
- Snorkeling fins
Programme of study
In this introductory course on Blue mind, between land & sea, participants will engage with the fundamentals of somatic practices, breathwork, and open-water awareness. Through sessions on the beach and in the sea, the course offers a first approach to freediving, bio-snorkeling, and the Mediterranean marine environment.
The program is designed to develop a deeper connection with the fluid body and the natural world, emphasizing group experience, sensory perception, and the integration of land and sea practices. By the end of the course, participants will have a grounding in these interdisciplinary tools, ready to explore their own relationship with movement, water, and the living ocean.
The course focuses on providing an overview of the software’s vast potential, with a specific emphasis on real-time integration of sound and visuals. By the end of the course, students will have a solid introduction to this exciting platform, ready to begin developing interactive projects that blend programming with visual art.
DAY 1: GROUNDING AND BREATH
Opening session with mindful movement and breathwork on the beach to awaken body awareness and connection to the environment.
DAY 2: WATERS AND PERCEPTION
First water experience: listening, floating, sensory games to explore body fluidity and breathing in a supportive aquatic environment.
DAY 3: APNEA PRACTICE AND CONNECTION
Intro to freediving: relaxation, equalization, deep listening and playful exercises to connect with breath and one another.
DAY 4: SNORKELING AND DISCOVERY
Marine exploration with mask and fins, observing species, seafloors, and discovering the rich biodiversity of the Mediterranean Sea.
DAY 5: SWIM AND TREKKING
Coastal swim trek in group, following the landscape, breathing together and immersing in the sea’s rhythm and silence.
DAY 6: INTEGRATION AND SEA
Closing ritual with somatic movement, group reflection, shared listening and a final immersion to honor the sea.
6 DAYS OF NATURE AND CREATIVITY – SICILIAN ISLANDS
6 days connected with nature, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and crystal-clear seas, immersed in the unspoiled beauty of the Sicilian islands.
LANGUAGE
English and Italian
CREATIVE WORKSHOP EXPERIENCE
20 hours of artistic and educational workshops, structured as:
• 4 hours per day for 5 consecutive days
• Activities divided between papier-mâché creation and dance & somatic movement sessions
A unique experience that combines hands-on learning, creativity, and moments of sensory immersion in extraordinary natural settings.
WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES
• Educate through real and inspiring experiences
• Surprise and engage the mind and senses
• Evoke emotions and stimulate imagination
• Provide a practical introduction to TouchDesigner
• Guide participants in creating a personal project
The course will be tailored according to the participants’ skill levels.
THE PACKAGE INCLUDES
• Accommodation in B&B style (with kitchen access) for 6 nights (Arrival Monday – Departure Sunday morning)
• Breakfast
• 5 days of workshops – 4/5 hours per day – 20/25 hours total
• 3 boat excursions
• Transfers to/from airport and port
Option 1: Aeolian Islands – Stay in Lipari; excursions to the islands
Option 2: Egadi Islands – Stay in Favignana; excursions to the islands
EXTRA (not included)
• Additional excursions or transfers upon request
• Lunch and dinner
FINAL NOTES
An opportunity to combine travel, learning, and inspiration in a captivating setting where creativity meets nature
WORKSHOP DETAILS
Departure: June to October
Duration: 1 Week
From Monday to Saturday – Departure on Sunday
EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION
• Total training hours: 20 hours
• Number of lessons: 5
• Duration of each lesson: 4 hours
• Lesson schedule: to be determined
Favignana
Favignana is an Italian island that is part of the Egadi archipelago, in Sicily.
Located within the Protected Marine Reserve, it offers a perfect blend of comfort and nature.
Surrounded by pines, olive trees, and Mediterranean plants, the accommodations are built with the island’s traditional tuff stone and designed to reflect its natural beauty.
Each lodging features inviting outdoor spaces that create a relaxing and authentic atmosphere — the ideal place to enjoy the charm of Favignana.
Lipari
Lipari is an Italian island that is part of the Aeolian archipelago, in Sicily.
The selected properties offer air-conditioned accommodations equipped with every comfort, featuring private gardens or balconies overlooking the sea, or surrounded by the stunning nature that characterizes the island.
All the lodgings are located in privileged positions on the enchanting island of Lipari, the ideal starting point to explore the wonderful Aeolian Islands.
BIO OF: Eleonora Parrello
Trainer, teacher, and Body-Mind Centering® practitioner, dancer, and Vinyasa Yoga instructor. ESA Lifestyle Freediving instructor, Reef Check eco-diver, and meditation practitioner.
Certified by The School for Body-Mind Centering®, she integrates the somatic, sensitive, and meditative experience of movement with over twenty years of artistic and performative practice developed between Italy, London, and New York in the fields of dance, theater, and education.
An experienced freediver, she has created a project that combines somatic movement practice with the aquatic experience, breath-hold diving, and the discovery of marine life. For the past ten years, she has been leading experiential workshops between land and sea throughout the Mediterranean.
BIO OF: Andromeda De Gioia
Biologist and educator, PADI scuba diving instructor, and Reef Check trainer.
Specialized in marine biology, she works in coastal environmental monitoring and promotes citizen science initiatives.
As an expert guide in underwater activities, she leads groups in excursions and workshops dedicated to the knowledge and protection of the marine environment.
Experience
ConTact us
We can’t wait to meet you and welcome you into our world of creativity, learning, and nature with our creative holidays in Sicily, on the Aeolian or Egadi Islands.
DISCOVER THE OTHER WORKSHOPS
INTRODUCTION TO TOUCHDESIGNER
A Papier-Mâché and Dance Workshop
ART EXPLORATIONS OF VIDEOMAPPING
