Photo montage from the April 2004 Exhibition - By Stelios Tryfonas
The Cyprus Mind, Body & Spirit Exhibitions provide a vital link between people on the island with similar interests in healthy living, holistic therapies and self-development. They provide a bridge of communication between Cyprus and Europe, where such events have long been well-established. We see the Mind, Body & Spirit Exhibition as part of the cultural and social harmonisation process and look forward to the day, in the not too distant future, when complementary therapies will be widely accepted and their benefits recognised and enjoyed by all.
The Mind, Body & Spirit Exhibition brings together people working the fields of holistic health therapies and self-development to co-operate and raise awareness about the many tools, practices, instruction, therapies and products that are available to help us in our search for health and personal growth. It has become a regular forum to provide the structure both for people on the island and overseas speakers to exchange their knowledge.
The first Mind, Body & Spirit event in Cyprus was called “The Aquarius Gathering” and took place in Nicosia in April 1986. Two more followed, one in Limassol and another in Nicosia the following year. Even then there was a lively interest in complementary therapies. In the early 1990s, Athena Christodoulou organised similar exhibitions in Limassol. She left the country in 1997, so once again there was a hiatus.
After a yoga class in the spring of 2001 Anette Martinsen and Francesca Pinoni reminisced about the exhibitions. They agreed that they provided a good forum to find out what is available in this field and also to meet people with similar interests. Each had considered taking on the task of organising an exhibition but was daunted at the thought of doing it alone.
Combining their energy and talents, from that discussion the current series of Mind, Body & Spirit Exhibitions was born. After many months of planning the Exhibition at the Narvarria Hotel in Limassol in February 2002 surpassed their expectations. With over 50 exhibitors and 1200 + visitors it was an unqualified success. Following the many requests to have one in Nicosia, Anette & Francesca organized one there the following November. Others followed, and continue in spring in Limassol and in Nicosia each November. A separate event, The Health & Well-Being Festival, is held in Paphos in February, organised by Victoria Constantinou and Philippa Roumefioti.
The Exhibitions host over 100 participants and more than 1500 visitors. There are therapists, teachers, life coaches, clairvoyants, shops selling natural products, organic food stuffs, books, crystals. jewellery and hand-made items. There are a variety of lectures, presentations, sample classes, films, workshops and meditation classes.
As we continue to grow, it is safe to say that there is no holding back the tide. A new generation with open minds will continue to move in the direction of health, co-operation, self-growth and personal responsibility.
This is the new the Cyprus Mind, Body & Spirit Exhibition logo. We chose a heart because it is through the heart that the Mind, Body and Spirit are linked. With so much information available in the fast paced life we live today it is sometimes easy to forget the most important thing in life – LOVE! At the end of the day, the love we give and the love we accept is what stays with us. When you encounter the many everyday annoyances, rather than get tense and caught up in negativity, think to yourself “only love prevails”. This momentary reminder goes a long way towards keeping us present, healthy and in a state of gratitude for all life’s gifts. The more we focus on the positive, the more good comes to us, in small ways and in big ways, too.
Our journey coordinating the MB&S Exhibitions over the past few years has lead to many new experiences and friendships. The goal of bringing together people who are interested in holistic health and self-development has taken shape, creating a community of friends, walking together on the path to health and happiness.
