WHY THE NEED OF A CAMINO INTEGRATION
The Camino can be a transformative journey, it can bring a sense of peace and clarity of mind. It can raise questions in some, awaken inner changes in others. It can be intense and unpredictable, deeply moving, difficult to explain.
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The Camino is like a seed, a sprout of change that initiated within us as we were were walking. However, if we don't give space and listening to that seed, it will soon transform into a beautiful, but far in time memory.
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This is why the process of integration is a key step in the post-Camino phase. It will eventually transform the seed into an intrinsic and fundamental element of our being, producing a lasting and permanent change.
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At daur the middle door, we would like to guide you through the beginning of your integration. First, by offering you a space dedicated to grounding and introspection. Secondly, by gently guiding you in some activities to encourage a conscious re-connection to your walk, using various tools such as writing, art, body movement. The use of multiple expressive languages can help different aspects to emerge, beyond the most rational part of our mind, encouraging a more comprehensive and authentic exploration of self.
THE STORY BEHIND DAUR
Daur is the Celtic name for oak and is the ancient root of the word door. The oak tree was believed to be the most sacred tree of all, also called the Tree of Life, standing for experience, wisdom, strength, as much as rebirth.
The Tree of Life is often pictured with the branches and the roots connected to each other, symbolising the relation between heaven and earth, body and mind and the cyclicality of life . Also, the oak tree was considered a doorway between this world and the otherworld.
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The door itself has a strong symbolic valence: it is an allegory of transition, crossing from one state to another. The door stands for the beginning of the new, while at the same time embodying the idea of the end.
As such, daur the middle door also stands as a threshold, a place of ending and beginning, the gateway between the Camino and the post-camino, between the steps you walked so far and the ones in front of you. Between the life before and after the Camino.
All this, while standing in between the solidity of the mountains, the power of the waves and the vastness of the open sky.
MEET THE TEAM
Founder, Workshop Facilitator & Peregrina
Ilaria Dal Maso
Ilaria is a master student in Applied Neuroscience at King's College London. She uses her knowledge on the brain functioning to bridge science and spirituality, trying to reconcile western medicine with eastern philosophies. She's very keen in exploring various tools to promote mental health, with a specific focus on the integration aspect of these tools into our everyday life.
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Born and raised in the countryside in the north of Italy, Ilaria worked in the financial industry for 10+ years. Pushed by a profound questioning of her life purpose, she quit her corporate job in 2022 and she went on a sabbatical. During this time, she got more familiar with different spiritual practises and, among other things, she walked the Camino di Santiago. A life-changing experience on her self-discovery process, that ignited in her the desire to support other 'peregrinos' in their inner journeys.
Yoga practitioner since the age of 16, piano player and ballet dancer for over 10 years, Ilaria is creative with a very pragmatic side. She loves being outdoors, concerts and exploring religious sites.
Yoga Teacher, Physiotherapist & Peregrina
Nadia Glarey
Nadia is born and raised in the Italian Alps where she lived until her early 20s. Deeply passionate about nature and her mountains, she became ski teacher at the age of 19. She graduated as Physiotherapist in Turin in 2011, before starting travelling across Asia (India, Nepal, Thailand), Mexico, New Zealand.. it is during this period that she began to approach yoga and meditation practises, with a focus on the body and mind connection.
In 2018, she became yoga teacher in Kerala, India, and a few years later, she successfully accomplished a Master in Meditation and Neuroscience at Udine University. Expert hiker, in 2022 she walked the San Francesco way in Italy, connecting Assisi to Rome for 300 km and in 2023 she accomplished her dream to walk the Camino de Santiago.
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Nadia is a constant researcher in the mental and physical wellness world, she loves cooking and after several cooking classes around the world, she recently started to approach macrobiotic with curiosity and passion. Finally, she loves wearing the ‘peregrina’ shoes, always ready to listen and to welcome others’ stories and to share her own experience.
The guardian dog
Zen
10 years old, Zen is Nadia's first love. She will teach you the benefits of stretching in the morning in exchange of a good cuddle - 'downward dog' pose is her masterpiece.
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Cheese lover, when she's around, you won't need a vacuum cleaner after your meal. Born in Sicily, raised in the Italian Alps, Zen is a world traveller and loves to explore one sniff at a time.
The lion cat
Lulù
4 years old, Lulù stole Nadia's heart in an autumn day when she rescued him from a farm. Despite one of his favourite hobbies is laying under the wood stove in wintertime, he followed his mum to the ocean.
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Free spirit, calm and collected, his passions are meditation, catching lizards and biscuits. If you're lucky enough, you will enjoy the privilege of having him on your lap.