There’s a unique magic in Tuscany—a kind of timeless beauty that draws you in and reminds you of life’s deeper rhythms. When I traveled here, I thought I was coming for the landscapes, the wine, the culture. But in the golden light and rolling hills of this land, I found something unexpected: a gentle invitation to reconnect with the light of consciousness, a reminder of the deeper self that’s always within, waiting to be rediscovered.
In Tuscany, the pace of life feels different. Mornings stretch softly, with sunlight filtering through olive trees and the scent of earth rising from the vineyards. The air here seems infused with a wisdom that beckons you to slow down, to step away from distractions and tune into the simple essence of being. It was in these quiet, unhurried moments—sipping an espresso on a terrace, watching the countryside bathed in dusk’s warm glow, sitting on a bench in one of the churches—that I felt a shift, a sense of coming back home to myself, to the light of consciousness that resides within.
"Never bow your head unless your paying homage to your heartspace. Keep your chin up. You are the light of god - therefore act like it. You are the light of existence. Be aware and radically love yourself. It’s the only way to let the light into these realms". - Anna Brown
Returning to this inner light, this presence, isn’t something that requires effort. It’s like remembering a melody you’ve always known, one that plays softly beneath the noise of daily life. In Tuscany, without the usual rush or distractions, I found myself naturally turning inward, feeling the fullness of the moment. I realised that this light of consciousness is as steady and enduring as the Tuscan hills themselves, waiting patiently for us to return, to be aware of its presence.
Walking through vineyards, touching ancient stone walls, feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin, reading the stories of Saint Francis of Assisi—these simple experiences became sacred, infused with a sense of connectedness to everything around me. I began to see that this light, this consciousness, is what animates life itself. It’s the awareness that allows us to truly see and appreciate each moment as it unfolds, free of judgment or worry. When we reconnect with this inner light, life takes on a new richness, a depth that words can barely capture.
One morning, sitting on a bench and sipping my morning tea as I watched the sun rise above the Tuscan hills, I felt this connection in a profound way. There was no need to do, to plan, or to strive. I simply sat, letting the colours of the sky mirror the warmth of my own awareness. And in that moment of deep presence, I understood that this light of consciousness is always with us, no matter where we are or what we face. It is our true home, a place of unchanging peace and clarity that we can return to whenever we choose.
Coming back to this light is like coming home—to a self that is both intimate and infinite, deeply personal yet boundless. Tuscany helped me remember that beneath all the layers of thought and identity, there exists a steady, quiet light within each of us. It’s a light that doesn’t demand anything from us, but simply waits for us to recognise it, to see it as our truest nature.
Stop trying so hard to love life. Instead, invite yourself to soften, to surrender and to let life love you. Start with a flower. When you look at the flower, see beyond its petals—feel the love of the Divine as the flower blooms and smiles your way. In the masterpiece of its divine creation see the reflection of love, joy, beauty and awe. See the light of consciousness or the I AM presence in both you and the flower.
When we choose to step out of all the busyness of thinking and doing and step into a state of just being, it is then that we can access a deep state of consciousness, awareness and presence. It is within this sacred state of being that we connect to our own essence of God/Divine/Source; which in turn guides us to our own sovereignty and sheds the illusion that any person, situation, or thing outside of ourselves is our saviour. Truth is, our own conscious awareness of "being" is our true saviour.
This Light of Consciousness, or the "I AM" presence, is the divine spark within us—a fragment of the infinite and sacred.
When we connect to this inner light, we naturally feel a deep clarity, unity, and peace. We realise that consciousness isn’t confined to our mind or body; it’s an expansive, timeless force that transcends the individual self. This state brings a greater sense of joy, empowerment, resilience and authenticity, guiding us to align more deeply with our own purpose and true nature.
In essence, the Light of Consciousness is both the awareness that observes all things and the energy that connects all existence. Embracing this light brings a profound sense of liberation, revealing the interconnectedness of everything and dissolving the illusions of separation or limitation. There’s no need for sacrifices, endless chanting, or years spent in retreats or ashrams. What truly matters is the strength and willingness to turn inward, and to activate the divine power of awareness within.
Now, as I get ready to leave this beautiful land in 5 days time, I know I will always carry a piece of Tuscany within me. Not just the memories of sunlit vineyards or cobblestone streets, but a deeper remembrance of my own inner light. The world may continue its rush and noise, but I know I can always return to this quiet place within—to the timeless, unbreakable light of consciousness that Tuscany helped me rediscover. And as I walk forward, I do so with a renewed sense of peace, knowing that this light is my true home, my guiding star, and my endless source of grace.