Samir

Samir has endured a long and torturous journey after fleeing the violence in his homeland, and is relieved when he's welcomed into the tranquillity of the Centre. It offers him sanctuary, a new lifestyle and the chance to finally be who he really wants to be – until he's invited to sit quietly and meditate on his deepest fears and explore the darkest secrets of his past.

Samir has endured a long and torturous journey after fleeing the violence in his homeland. He’s relieved to find the Centre, and to be welcomed into its sanctuary. It provides the security he craves, and if he only accepts a few conditions, he’s assured his family can join him, without having to suffer the same arduous trip he made. While he’s introduced to the Centre’s new lifestyle, he’s given the chance to relax, gather his strength and work to give something back to those who are helping him. He settles in to this beautiful and tranquil place, where he can finally be who he wants to be. It seems like paradise – until he’s invited to sit quietly and meditate on his deepest fears and explore the darkest secrets of his past. Samir’s story reminds us of how outer beauty and utopian ideologies can blind us to reality, that what we see is not always what we get – or want.

Leonie Postma is an independent advisor with more than 20 years’ experience in human and social development. She is interested in people, their motivations, their dreams and the obstacles they encounter in life. She loves travelling and listening to the stories of the people she meets along the way, to hear about their lives, the environment they live in and how they care for the world around them. When she’s not working – or writing – you’ll find her on the road, most likely on foot, exploring the world around her or talking with and listening to the people she meets. Do you have a story to tell her, or a question to ask? Get in touch; she’ll be interested and happy to respond. www.leoniepostma.com