Morbello, Italy | 19–28 October 2024
Nestled in the serene Italian village of Morbello, the youth exchange “Slow Your Flow” invited participants to reconnect with nature, creativity, and each other. Over 9 days, young Europeans gathered to explore mindfulness, slow living, and meaningful cultural exchange.
The programme offered a unique blend of clay workshops, forest walks, and group reflection, designed to slow the rhythm of modern life and bring attention to the present moment. Surrounded by peaceful landscapes and supported by a passionate team, the experience became a celebration of community and shared learning.
Cornilia:
“We spent 9 days in a tiny village in Italy, slowing down and enjoying the beauty of the place and the people around us. We molded clay, made gnocchi, ventured into nature and left behind the rush of time. Through this experience, I learned that you can find beauty in everything, that time flows as slowly as you savor it and that bright smiles can illuminate the cloudiest of days.”
Anthoula:
“I feel lucky and grateful to have participated in this youth exchange. We found ourselves in a mountain village in Northern Italy truly immersed in the forest where the oxygen revitalized us. We captured the magic of nature in a few clicks of photos, moulded clay and made gnocchi using our senses of touch. In the ever-changing routine where we live every day we made time freeze using relaxation techniques. Throughout this journey in mindfulness I had special people from every corner of Europe as companions. Our life journeys came together for ten unique days of smiles, songs, dances and of course Italian food!”
Mary:
“Tiny Morbello became our home for nine days and reminded us of our need to create and connect. Playing around with clay was very pleasing and peaceful while exploring the forest and the village gave us a chance to slow our rhythm and enjoy the moment. In one way or another, the communication between the participants built a wonderful atmosphere full of laughter and music. I learned that everyone has something amazing to offer.”
Konstantinos:
“Words are not enough to describe the aftertaste of this course in my head. The combination of special people I met, blended with the amazing scenery, creative activities and the Italian culture, reminded me of a person I used to be, a person that gives his whole heart to the people around him, a person that laughs and dances like there is no-one in the room, a person that believes in himself, a person that I want to find again. So, thank you for this opportunity.”
Ioanna:
“It was a very beautiful experience as I had the opportunity to get close to nature and also to meet new and different people. Through this journey I felt very peaceful with myself and with the people around me. I enjoyed every moment, as I had the chance to learn many new things such as how to make traditional gnocchi or create different things with clay. I had a great time with everyone in this beautiful experience and I’m really grateful!”
This experience wasn’t just about slowing down—it was about rediscovering what it means to be fully present, to listen deeply, and to express creatively. The peaceful backdrop of Morbello set the tone for deep connections, new friendships, and shared laughter around tables, bonfires, and clay-filled workshops.
The exchange closed with warmth, joy, and a sense of gratitude for the shared time together.
Projects like Slow Your Flow remind us that inner peace, creativity, and collaboration are all around us—if we just take the time to notice. GO Alive continues to support youth in creating spaces where learning and community flourish.
Ready to join the next one? Check out our upcoming Erasmus+ projects and let your story unfold!
