Welcome to ON / OFF, a newsletter from and about the ON AIR community—ONLINE and OFF. Here, we share interviews, essays, and insights exploring mindfulness, culture, connectivity, and how we move through it all. And, of course, we keep you updated on all things ON AIR.
EDITION 01: THE ITALIAN ISSUE
Image: Maraviglia Tuscany
Ciao!
We just returned from our Spring '24 ON AIR Retreat at the idyllic Maraviglia Estate and farm in Tuscany—it was a dream week. Our intimate 12-person group enjoyed daily yoga and meditation guided by Lori Ann and ON AIR collaborator Randy Aaron, deep conversations over beautiful farm-to-table meals, and immersive experiences in Tuscan culture, like vineyard visits and olive oil tastings. We took a much-needed break from our busy city lives and digital habits and quite literally touched some Italian grass.
Image: Maraviglia Tuscany
Creating in-person offerings is essential to ON AIR. As we adapt to an increasingly digital world, we're excited to focus on crafting more intentional, extraordinary IRL experiences alongside our digital member space for always-on content and resources. Stay tuned for our ON AIR Fall Retreat announcement soon.
A week post-Italy, and we want to return. What is it about Italy that pulls us back? That's why we've asked Anna Carolan, an ON AIR founding member and Italian culture scholar, to launch our ON / OFF dispatch with a personal essay and her curated list of must-visit spots in Florence.
THE WANDERER’S GUIDE TO FLORENCE
By Anna Carolan
I never felt so grounded in my reality until it was taken away. It was March 2020, in Florence, Italy, and the then-president was threatening to close the borders. I was told to fly home the next day, and so I did.
I left New York in 2019 to pursue a Masters in Italian Culture, with the idea that maybe it would set me free from fluorescent lights, swivel chairs, and three-subway-commutes. To say that I felt liberated in Florence is an understatement! Rerouting myself, I discovered a whole new way of life–one centered on the present moment, anchored to the past. While everyone in New York seemed to leap towards their destination, while the umarell and other Florentines took their time being where they were.
After being yanked from my freshly propagated life in Italy, I could think of nothing but returning. I yearned so hard. And it seemed like the rest of the internet did too–accounts like @ItalySegreta popped onto feeds and gained audiences at a massive speed. Suddenly, everyone wanted to be in Italy. But Italy has always been good at capturing imaginations (and illusions, and on, and on). What’s not enticing about mouth-watering design, food, light? Beauty seemingly drips from every edge of the place.
So I returned, and returned, and returned to the tiny Renaissance gem for years after 2020. I was never satiated. And maybe I never will be. But living in smaller cities can feel intensely rich, personal, and then altogether stifling. Sometimes it takes distance to appreciate.
Rerouting myself, I discovered a whole new way of life–one centered on the present moment, anchored to the past.
Image: Lori Ann Ferreri
ANNA RECOMMENDS
Boboli Gardens: Florence’s city center is not known for its greenery–but once you step foot in the Boboli Gardens on the grounds of Palazzo Pitti, you’ll forget about all that. For a moment, time stops, sweat stops, and you find yourself napping in a maze designed over 500 years ago for a Medici. Not bad.
Loggia Roof Bar: For another lookout fit for a queen, head to the Loggia Roof Bar at the Hotel Palazzo Guadagni. Peer down on the peasants in Piazza Santo Spirito from your protected perch. Sip delicious cocktails and wistfully glance at the rolling hills in the distance as you pine for a glimpse of Helena Bonham Carter.
I like to say that Florence, particularly Piazza Santo Spirito, is like a theater in the round. Everyone’s aware of one another–and themselves. You can leave that stage for months or even years, but once you step back into the ring, certain truths always remain.
Semel: Step out of the Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio right into Semel (which apparently meant “sandwich” to the Habsburgs) a tiny shop that serves equally small glasses of red wine and panini big enough to hold in one hand. Made from duck, herring, and other peculiar beasts, these sandwiches make for perfect savory treats. If you’re lucky you’ll find a free stool–there are only about three in the shop.
Il Guscio: If you find yourself alone and hungry, like I usually do, head to Il Guscio in Oltrarno. Once I found it, I couldn’t help returning. On one particular occasion, I sat next to a group of calcio storico teammates, all seemingly in their seventies, some of whom shared their wine with me and and others who mentioned acting as Silvio Berlusconi’s lawyer.
Il Santino: And an honorable mention for one of my old favorites, Il Santino, a little wine bar with an impressive wine and crostini menu.
Piazza Santo Spirito: But then there are all the unmarked places that hold significance for fleeting moments—places you can’t find on Google Maps, places that might have only existed in the moment. I like to say that Florence, particularly Piazza Santo Spirito, is like a theater in the round. Everyone’s aware of one another–and themselves. You can leave that stage for months or even years, but once you step back into the ring, certain truths always remain.
For more Italy tips and to create a curated guide, follow @TheUmarella.
PRACTICE
Didn’t make it to Italy? Travel from afar with our latest on-demand practice: ‘FLOW FROM ITALY’ with Lori Ann.
ON AIR members and ON AIR—onchain subscribers receive unlimited access to our curated library of on-demand videos and live-streamed. Not a member? Start your free trial and enjoy 7 days of practice.
GOODS + MEMBER PERKS
Experience the amazing olive oil from Maraviglia Farm, where we had our retreat. By enjoying their products, you’re supporting small businesses that truly care about the local community and contribute to the rich heritage and legacy of Tuscan olive oil.
ON AIR members receive 15% off their purchase with their special member code. Head to the #MEMBERS—PERKS channel in our Discord server to claim your discount.
Illustrations: Cucufata Studio
With that, we wrap up our inaugural edition of ON / OFF: The Italian Issue. Ready to go to Italy? As always, grazie for reading and choosing to share your attention with us ON AIR. Don't forget to join us live every Saturday for Flow ON AIR or drop by our Discord to share your own recommendations and join the group chat.
Have you meditated yet today? ☁️
Arrivederci!
Lori Ann + Your ON AIR Team