Ah, dipping that first sugar-sprinkled, crispy, freshly deep-fried churro into melted, rich chocolate. 

That’s the sweet spot (pun, totally intended) – right there.

We had just landed in Madrid bright and early – around 10am – and by the time we made it to our hotel, realized we had a few hours before check-in.

Knowing me, I knew that I wouldn’t settle for anything less than exploring the city as soon as I could. Sleepy eyes, aching body be damned!

After a quick refresh in the hotel lobby’s bathroom, I was ready to be out and about. 

My poor, exhausted partner was quick to support me, patiently waiting as I found a cafe where we could park ourselves for a bit. 

That’s where I found a tiny place nudged between quaint apartment buildings. Which I love about Europe, by the way. The way each neighborhood has a bustling set of unique grocery stores so that one never has to go too far for essentials. 

Anyway, this place was tiny. But the freshness of the churro and decadent chocolate made it worth it. Thinking about it even now – months later – makes me salivate. It was delicious. It made the 13 hour flight worth it.  

The narrow cobblestone streets, the french-inspired architecture, and the overall embodiment of beauty was impressive. The whole nation seemed to be living in a beautiful bouquet; whether it was literally being surrounded by colorful flowers wherever we went, or the design and architecture of buildings – there was a pleasing visual harmony to the country. By no means was functionality foregone, though. Quite the opposite; places are beautiful and functional – pleasing to the eyes and useful. 

People seemed to embody art, beauty and sensuality in a myriad of ways; whether it was the way they dressed (impeccably – with attention to cut, design and color contrasts), the way meals were plated (simple, hardy and ample), or the way their public squares were kept (clean; with plenty of casual seating arrangements and coffee shops nearby so that folks can congregate). 

And it was all effortless.

People were low key; their tables had a couple select food items – nothing extravagant. They just prioritized getting together, taking care of their neighborhoods and the people in them. 

People seemed to be nourished by their history and heritage. They seemed to allow the city to hold space for them as they went about their day. 

It’s not that folks weren’t experiencing hardship; with a 10.8% unemployment rate, I’m sure families were having their fair share of difficult conversations. 

What blew me away though, was the supportive energy of community that permeated the country. Whether it was Madrid, Barcelona or Cordoba, people were getting together over coffee, gelato, a smoke, or a meal to talk. There was an energy of community throughout; thoughtful, animated, heartfelt conversations happening. 

And places were designed to encourage this kind of activity. 

Afternoon or evening; it didn’t seem to matter. The American in me was surprised to see folks out late (on a Wednesday, no less), or worse yet, kids having a late (midnight!) dinner with their family. 

It made me wonder about where I live, and how conducive it is to be able to organically have a chat with someone and really catch up. Life is so busy, but hasn’t it always been? Aren’t we more than our schedules, goals and jobs?

Here’s what I learned during my time there:

1. Pause

Life is not a marathon. At all hours of the night or day, I saw families, colleagues and friends congregated together over tapas or espresso, talking and connecting. I loved the idea that we don’t have to go it all alone, or all at once. There is something to be said about a society that designs itself in a way that encourages folks to take a pause and check in on one another.

2. Live in the world knowing you belong in it

There’s a strong sense of community in Spain. People aren’t overly anxious; or, if they are, they utilize coping mechanisms such as community-building to overcome it. They don’t live in isolation and don’t seem to allow their predicament to question whether or not they belong. Perhaps it’s the perspective that this too, shall pass.  

Whether it was a friend who didn’t keep her promise or a parent that didn’t protect us when we needed them most, we know what it feels like to be lonely. It’s a universal human experience, but so is connection. The beauty of human expression is that we have the ability to hold space for each other’s darkest moments. By being present and baring witness to somene’s journey, we help tranform darkness into light, and confusion into clarity. 

3. Expand the mind – see how others live and draw inspiration

Travelling reminds us that the world is a big place. Not just geographically; there are a myriad of personalities, hobbies, mechanisms, and ways of living – and there’s something we can learn from everyone. In order to effectively progress in our own personal journeys, it’s essential to travel and gain an expansive view of the world. It’s essential to not get bogged down by any situation we are facing, by reminding ourselves of the diversity and variety that exists in the world. Surely, a culture, society or people that came before us faced something similar that we can look to for guidance. Or, we can visit new places, see how others live and gain perspective. How else will we invite inspiration, if we don’t broaden our horizons?

4. Everyone is just trying to make sense of the world 

People are people. We all experience love, joy, heartache, grief, pain, anxiety, and the list goes on. We are all just trying to make sense of the cards we’re dealt while living in our socio-economic, cultural, geographic and bubbles. 

5. Creating connection and community is essential to the human experience 

Lastly, having people around us who want what’s best for us, hold space for us and love us, is as essential as eating, sleeping and exercising. 

As we begin to feel safe being seen, we show more of ourselves. We take up more space. We begin to live more authentically. We take better care of our bodies and minds. We reach out when we feel vulnerable and allow heavy emotions to pass through, instead of harnessing them within.

The benefits of connection and community are endless. 

Spending time in Spain showed me what a society that prioritizes connection and community interweaved with beautiful architecture and delicious cuisine looks like. The city took me in its fold and made me feel like I was a part of it, effortlessly. It nourished my soul and I came back full (my stomach and spirit), inspired and whole-hearted.