Greek resilience The population’s quiet courage

Adversity struck Greece full force as 2012’s February pulled up.  Athens bubbled with controversy as the Greek young adults let their displeasure be known.  Their daily lives did not transpire rebellion though.  I had the opportunity to witness this during my March stay.

Standing up to the challenges with the same resilience their archeological monuments demonstrate, they stubbornly frown at the situation as the residence owners electric bills triple in an attempt to collect from those more so in means. 

Neglect of the education system has brought parents who value education to school their children privately in the evening, adding a substantial amount to current bills.  Groceries cost about the same as in Canada.  Transport, thankfully, is well organized and very affordable. 

Now, in February, the basic salary has dropped half in an attempt to rectify the situation.  Greece is largely depending on Tourism to move on to better times.  Unfortunately, at this time, the possibility of a decrease in tourism for the coming season lights a true concern.  Yet, there is no more sign of unrest than well organized demonstration to manifest the displeasure.  The police forces are present and helpful, simply chatting on the streets while observing the crowd like in most countries at rest.

Workers show-up, giving a wonderful service with a smile.  Those you engage in a conversation about the present economic situation, frown at the government inability to protect and provide worthy solutions for its citizens, seeing no end to its embarrassing decision-making.  Raising an eye-brow, they look into a distance saying that they’re wondering what it’ll do next and what will happen to them.

Their main preoccupation is that no one seems accountable at the government level and that there are no signs of a leader capable of taking the reigns.  Strong rallying leadership seeming absent, fatalism sets in, it seems.  Foreign countries’ mockery of their protective goddess mimicking their present state hurt them tremendously.  These are proud people!

Despite this gloomy picture, facing this impasse, the young people relinquish their right to joyfully meeting and living at night, discussing all and nothing, making life more enjoyable.

We were blessed with the opportunity to see a Musical at the Acropolis theater of Athens, there a full house joined in traditional songs of a musical.  Families with young children sat closely with their elders, binding forces.  There, we felt the valiancy of these people, binding together their values, steadfast, their hearts joined, ready to face whatever was thrown at them.

Their longing for resolution was felt.  Their heart beat seemed to join as the dramatically expressive play unfolded.  A yearning for hope seemed present as in most places we visited. 

They’ve seen greatness and hardships for centuries.  It’s coded in their DNA.  They’ve been close to the heavens with their monuments and mythology bearing witness to these times.  Invasions have attempted to mold them more than once!

One can feel the deep set resilience behind a dreamy air of nostalgia for these past times.  They’ve weathered harsher times and will relinquish their right to an optimistic future in a quiet way.

Outwardly, barely disturbed by the present crisis, they seemed intent to live on joyfully welcoming tourists and sharing their glorious past with the pride and fervor of those meant to carry on through time.  Leaning on these remarkable historical times, their philosophy will, I’m sure, some out victorious.

There is a definite sense of awe lingering as you adopt the dreamy look of ages.  To all these wonderful people I encountered during my stay, I wish that their resilience pays off once again.  To those who will read this, I wish you to walk in the footsteps of Socrates very soon.

Have a nice week.  Happy Trails,

Elizabeth McNally

Mentor & Licensed Certified EI Coach, Certified Traumatologist

http://guidancequest.com

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