Even though we should wake up each morning extremely grateful that we were given another day on this earth, waking up early in the morning can be a dreadful thing. But there is something about waking up in Rome each morning, walking through the streets, and experiencing the beauty that this city has to offer right after the sun has risen, that completely frees your mind.
To be able to experience the hustle and bustle of a city while feeling the calmness you are surrounded by is something that is hard to explain. It’s as if in the morning, you wake up, realize it’s a new day and carry on, completely placid. Then, unhurriedly, you begin to make your way over to wherever it is you are going. With buses and motorini whizzing past you, but being unable to hear the noises they make because you are too wrapped up in your own quiescence.
Looking at the massive clouds behind Piazza Venezia that are surrounded by the infinite blue sky with subtle oranges and pinks poking through. Then, you turn the corner and the sun hits your face, completely warming your body from the outside all the way in. And when you take a deep breath, letting the air fill your lungs, you release all the tension and negativity from your body as you relieve an extended exhale.
Early in the morning, that is a certain tranquility about this place. Something that takes over and completely consumes you. Freeing you of all your worries and reminding you that there is an entire day ahead, and you are the one that will determine how it goes. You can either choose to get wrapped up in all that comes along with the hustle and bustle of living in a city, or you can choose to walk a little slower, one step at a time, feeling the rays of sunshine reach out and touch your face. Reminding you that you are here; awake, aware, alive. Placing one foot in front of the other, while taking in the beauty that surrounds you, and blocking out any negativity that comes your way.
Ahh, tranquilla.
Olivia Austin
Communications Major
JCU Class of 2016
New Jersey, USA