Rodi is mid 30, has long blonde hair and radiates a natural confidence and a sense of being comfortable in her own skin. She is not necessarily approachable, but not unfriendly either. She doesn’t need makeup or fancy clothes, and has an incredible charisma. I met her in Goa at Ecstatic Dances and at Aya’s Connected Singing classes together with her spiritual sister Natalia. She is a strong woman.
She inspired me to embrace my emotions, to feel them without getting caught up in stories. Emotions want to be felt. That’s the only way they can heal, I realized.
And we danced wildly, frolicked like puppies at the Ecstatic Dances, and had so much fun that we ended up all sweaty in a cuddle puddle on the floor, just happy.
Her lesson for me: The earth will always catch you, carry you and hold you. Your breath is your best friend.
I’ve been breathing out more since then. Also with a loud ‘Aaaaaaaahhhhhhh’ and when my world is shaken, I touch the ground.
You’ve been walking barefoot since 3 months, why?
I just love being barefoot in nature. I go for hikes barefoot. In a country like India, where we are so connected to nature, it feels natural. It gives me freedom and connection. When you’re used to walking barefoot, it’s strange to wear shoes. In a city, I definitely wear shoes. It’s not about cleanliness. It’s because I would be judged and couldn’t enter supermarkets and restaurants barefoot.
Being judged? You care?
Yes, I’m surprised myself that that came out first.
The earth takes the negative energy and heals you.
Because of the asphalt too?
Yes, there is no connection to the earth.
Walking barefoot is so healing. I watched a documentary called “Earthing”. To be in touch with the earth has the capacity to heal us. 8 hours on the computer and you can get inflammations, feel overwhelmed and a lot more. The earth takes the negative energy and heals you.
Why did you start traveling solo and where has your journey taken you?
I started traveling 6 years ago, in January 2018. The inner journey started April/May 2017. I was traveling on and off the first years. 3 to 4 months back in Europe working and then back on the road, each time to a different destination: Central America, 7 months in Mexico, 7 months in Guatemala.
Why did you leave Italy?
I was working a corporate job after graduation. For this job I moved to Milan. But after 6 months I felt incomplete. That wasn’t the life I actually wanted even though I had worked hard for it, all the studies. I thought, that’s my life until I retire? I was so unhappy and my life felt totally wrong. I had a lot of unhealthy habits to cope with my unhappy life. So I decided to go traveling. I was just enjoying it, I stopped thinking about what to do with my life.
The fear of staying trapped in that situation was worse than the fear of boarding a plane and going to the other end of the world.
Nicaragua was your first destination. Why?
I heard about workaway experiences. I have never left Europe before. I didn’t know how to afford traveling, how to do it so I tried Workaway. I went to an Ashram for 3 months volunteering for food and lodging. That’s where it started.
To make that decision I thought a lot about what are my values? and how do I want to feel when I wake up in the morning? In Italy I used to wake up with anxiety and panic attacks.
I always had anxiety, even at university, failing tests, not being enough, and when things got more intense, the anxiety got more intense, too.
I went through a lot of emotions to get to that decision. From that, it took me 7 months to finally quit my job because it wasn’t the life I wanted. When I went home after quitting I had physical pain, my whole body was in pain because I had to go against all of what my parents taught me, what society expected, everything. I was afraid, but the fear of staying trapped in that situation was worse than the fear of boarding a plane and going to the other end of the world.
This relationship allows us to let each other go.
What were you hoping to heal on your travels?
I’ve deep attachment wounds from the past. Ten years of long distance makes them resurface every time I say goodbye which is 2-3 times a year. My previous toxic relationship stifled my individuality. I felt like I had to walk on eggshells and constantly ask for permission, otherwise I would lose him and in turn, lose myself and that would feel like dying.
Many couples lose themselves in the “couple thing.” Reclaiming my identity became my priority.
It’s more than just attachment. It’s a deeper feeling. In the beginning (of our current relationship) there was a lot of fear, doubt, and anxiety. We both did a lot of inner work without thinking about the future.
This relationship allows us to let each other go. It might be painful at first, but that’s okay. Being in a long-distance relationship has helped us heal. However, this only works if both partners are open to growth. Traveling is a form of growth for us. We are going through this process together. We both know that we are free individuals first, and then a couple.
I quit everything, including a bad alcohol addiction.
Is there a specific experience from your travels that stands out to you? Something you discovered or lived through that had a profound impact?
I had lots of beautiful experiences that transformed me. I truly healed a lot in my relationships with other people. I opened myself up to deeper connections that went beyond just friendships. You don’t have to message them every day; you can just meet them once or twice a year and still feel incredibly connected.
My attachment issues have always played a role. I was still afraid of getting hurt and suffering when I left them behind.
This stemmed from a childhood trauma. I was born in Moldova but moved to Italy at the age of 14, leaving all my friends behind. This experience was traumatic, and I ended up isolating myself for years, fearing the pain of connecting with others again.
My situation in Milan was the catalyst for my new life. I was struggling with depression and trying to numb the pain with substances like weed, alcohol, and cigarettes. That’s when my healing journey truly began. I quit everything, including a bad alcohol addiction. I couldn’t wait for the weekends to come around just so I could get drunk.
It’s been a long road of processing ever since, but I can clearly see how my reactions to situations have completely changed.
Every person I meet on my travels is a teacher for me
You said I’m “an inspiration to you and you’ve learned from me.” That surprised me! What specifically could that be?
Every person I meet on my travels is a teacher for me, especially the ones I spend more time with. I absolutely love your energy! You have such a strong connection to your inner child – the way you play and dance with it, your enthusiasm, and your willingness to join in and try new things. Your entire way of connecting with people is inspiring. I love that you’re completely authentic and yourself – no masks! You come across as so natural, unique, and genuine.
How do you finance your travels?
I’m a freelancer. I create yoga practices and content for different businesses, acting as the model, voice-over, and editor all in one. Author’s note: After undergoing extensive training, she now also offers Breathwork Sessions.
