Bio: Chloé Bernardino is enroled in the M.A in Development Studies and Diplomacy and, before coming to UPEACE, obtained her Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the European School of Political and Social Sciences, Catholic University of Lille, France.
Chloé often jokes about herself, calling herself "fun size" in reference to her height. The funny thing is that everything about Chloé and her vibrating courage and energy is quite the opposite. During our conversation, she shares some of this vibration, her inner world and talks about the importance of reconnection.
We did a beach clean up today. And after talking with my parents and friends, I realized how disconnected I am from nature. So often, people forget how natural systems work, and I am constantly learning more about how it is truly efficient. However, we have created a system that destroys nature and kills us by wanting to control everything. Everything becomes a cost-benefit decision to make more profit. This impacts our relationship with nature, and it is becoming more and more absent. And, with the additional technological and material presence in our daily lives, we distance ourselves even further; we focus more on screens than the sounds of nature.
If I could do something, I would make people more curious about reconnecting with the earth, other humans, and animals. There is one way I was disconnected from nature for a long time: I was told to put shoes on everywhere. Inside the house, on grass, or on sand. I think adults were scared that I might step on glass or something. I recently learned about "grounding", which is quite the opposite of what my parents taught me. Grounding is about putting your feet and hands on the floor to find inner balance. Have you tried it? – No? So good; you should give it a try!
And also, simply breathing. It is a powerful technique to reconnect, balance, regulate blood pressure, and reduce stress. And you don't need anything, just yourself. Grounding and breathing are examples that help us to reconnect to nature. We need to recreate that connection, this awareness, informing our ways of producing and living. It will positively impact our mental and physical health.
In many ways, I am reconnecting with myself. Especially since I am in Costa Rica, a totally new environment, with new people and new opportunities to learn, discover, and experience. It feels like finding a new playground. Since I am in Costa Rica, I continue following therapy online, and I am really seeing a change within myself. Sometimes it's hard, but it is like the good pain after a gym session or the feeling of a healthy diet; it's incredible. But the work comes from you. It is not the gym per se that makes you fit; it is the intention and the work you put into it.
I believe in the fact that what is meant to happen will happen…. Coming to UPEACE was meant to be part of my journey. To be brave enough to come here helped me to become myself. The more you go with the flow, the easier and more interesting it gets. It will create good energy and attract the best things into your life, you just need to allow it.
Written by: Patric Hansen
Photo by: Sofía Blanco