Valencia isn't just any city. It's a vibrant blend of cultures, history, and stunning landscapes. For me, it's a refuge, far from a country that never felt like home. To give you some context, we moved to Luxembourg when I was 5 in 1994. For a lively and expressive child from a large capital like Tehran, moving to the small town of Dippach in Luxembourg was quite a cultural shock, as our mentalities simply didn't align. You may think it's not possible for a toddler to fall into depression... well..
I've faced personal challenges, like many others, including enduring physical and sexual abuse as a child and battling addiction in adulthood. During these turbulent times, music and nature became my sanctuary—a space to navigate my emotions and find peace amidst my nearly constant destructive thoughts.
My earliest inspiration was my mom, who would take me to the forests, encouraging me to scream my lungs out, sing, and dance freely (without knowing where I was mentally), allowing me to momentarily detach from reality and reconnect with my inner child. In those woods, surrounded by the loud silence and the scent of earth, I discovered my free self. The joyful Kiumars I couldn't be at school. I kept everything secret from my family out of shame and fear of disappointing them.
We all have different ways of coping with our traumas, whether they are distant or recent. I'm not here to dictate how others should manage their issues, but I have several methods of coping with mine, partly thanks to my mom and my own research into self-improvement. I categorize my approaches into two main branches.
Theoretical Therapy
- Reading philosophical books
- Self-improvement books
- Consistently questioning myself and taking notes of my thoughts (a daily practice)
Practical Therapy
- Sports
- Music (singing)
- Nature
- Actively sharing experiences with strangers
- Ice baths (involving meditation and breath control)
Without intending to, this is turning into an awareness article more than a welcome post for my blog. But the more I thought about how to introduce Dreamtours Valencia, writing and deleting several paragraphs, I'm arriving at a more personal perspective on what these tours actually are. They are soulful tours breaking Stigma and Taboo! I want the walls of taboo's to disappear. I want people to feel the benefits of speaking openly, making this a genuine platform for shared success stories, grief stories,
traumas, and how we can improve. I wouldn't use the word healing, as I believe our damages will always stay with us, but we can learn to love ourselves again, accepting who we are to build our new visions of life on it. In the end, it's all about acceptance, and I guess I've only recently learned to practice this as I started ice bathing.. and oh my, I still can't believe the rush I feel every time I step into those waters.
I came across some eye-opening facts about how mental health issues have been underestimated and overlooked in our society. It struck a chord with me, and I almost feel a sense of responsibility to share them;
Global Prevalence of Mental Health Issues
Common Disorders: Around 1 in 8 people worldwide (970 million) live with a mental disorder, according to the WHO. Depression and anxiety disorders are the most common.
Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic caused a 25% increase in anxiety and depression globally, highlighting the scale of mental health challenges.
Stigma and Taboo
Cultural Taboos: In many cultures, mental health issues are associated with shame, weakness, or supernatural beliefs, leading to silence and avoidance of professional help. Regions particularly affected include parts of Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Global Figures: Studies suggest that about 50-70% of people with mental health conditions do not seek help due to stigma or lack of access. This is especially common in lower- and middle-income countries.
Youth Impact: Among young people, mental health is often stigmatized in families or schools, making it harder for them to open up.
Efforts to Break the Taboo with Soulful Tours that Break All Stigma
Awareness campaigns, mental health education, and increasing celebrity advocacy have started to reduce the stigma. However, the taboo persists in many areas, especially where education and healthcare resources are limited. That's why soulful tours breaking like these breaking Stigma and Taboo's are needed.
The scale of the problem underscores the importance of open conversations, education, and access to resources to ensure mental health is treated like any other health condition.
( I gathered this information from 1. World Health Organization, 2. The Lancet Psychiatry, 3. United Nations, 4. World Mental Health Survey, 5. Mental Health Organizations and NGOs like Mental Health Foundation, Mind, and NAMI, short for National Alliance on Mental Illness)
So these unique tours are not JUST about showcasing the breathtaking wonders of Valencia—the waterfalls, gorges, caves, mountains, and "cold" thermal pools. It's about creating truly unique and heartfelt experiences for each of you. My goal is to make these moments as raw and sincere as possible, transforming a single day into nourishment for the soul. In our brief time together, I hope we can grow a little—because if you can let down your guard, trust me as your guide, and connect with these incredible natural habitats, growth is exactly what we'll achieve.
A friend of mine (who was once a customer) put it best: "These aren't just tours; these are soul tours. You should call yourself 'The Soul Guide.'" I found that deeply humbling and ever since it has been a constant reminder of why I love what I do.
Valencia's nature has profoundly impacted me, and beyond all the fun and adventure, I genuinely hope it will have a meaningful impact on you too—even if you prefer to take it all in quietly.
Please let me know if this inspired you to go out on a hike in the mountains, for a swim in some wide rivers or a for a run in the forests, to reconnect with nature and yourself.
You, are all there is, before you can give yourself to others.
Don't hold back, share your story and feel the power of connection!
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