Finding Oneness. The Unexpected Connections Between Tuscany and Tennessee
- vernamlisa
- Apr 19
- 4 min read
By Vee Marie (Verna M. Lisa)
I recently had the pleasure of hosting a trauma therapy equine retreat in a quaint town called Hohenwald, Tennessee. As soon as I arrived, I couldn’t help but notice the striking similarities between this peaceful town and a small village I often host retreats in, Terranuova Bracciolini, nestled in the Arezzo region of Tuscany, Italy. It’s not just because both Tennessee and Tuscany start with the letter "T" and both end in a long "E" sound (though that certainly caught my attention!). It’s the shared spirit of these towns that captured my heart.
In both Hohenwald and Terranuova Bracciolini, the warmth and hospitality of the locals are undeniable. They have an incredible way of making you feel welcome, offering their help at every turn, and always with a smile. These towns live off the land, whether foraging for food, harvesting homegrown herbs, fruits, and vegetables, or raising livestock; they embody a deep connection to nature. Cooking centuries-old recipes passed down through generations, their ways of life are rooted in tradition, family values, and a profound respect for the healing power of nature.
Both towns understand the importance of honoring the earth and its gifts, and they incorporate this reverence into everything they do. From the food to the air, nature’s vitality is ever-present. The food in these towns is unique to their regions, fresh, local, and bursting with flavor. Their accents reflect their culture, and the landscape mirrors their serene way of life. In both places, you’ll find rolling hills, lush greenery, and an overwhelming sense of peace. It's the kind of environment where I can breathe deeply, where the inner noise of everyday life fades away, and the soothing sounds of birds chirping and the gentle rustle of a breeze take over.
In both Hohenwald and Terranuova Bracciolini, I can’t help but notice how much the sky seems bluer, the greenery greener, and the clouds fluffier. The night sky is particularly mesmerizing, with stars and constellations stretching endlessly across the horizon, a constant reminder of the vastness of the universe. No matter where I am, I realize we all share the same sky, the same stars, the same moon, and the same sun. These similarities only reinforce the sense of oneness I feel between these two places.
During my time in Hohenwald, I had the pleasure of meeting a remarkable woman named Laura. She manages accommodations, caters food, and helped me with some logistics for my retreat. The more time I spent with Laura, the more I realized how similar she was to my dear friend Marika from Tuscany. Both women have similar roles, are incredibly busy, and yet, both radiate warmth, generosity of heart, and genuine kindness. They even share a similar energy, making me feel as if I’d known them for years, despite only just meeting. It’s extraordinary how two women from opposite corners of the world can share such a genuine and vibrant energy, bringing people together with love, care, and a sense of community. Laura and her sweet employee, Dana, made my retreat logistics seamless, just as Marika has done for me countless times in Tuscany. Their willingness to help and their genuine care for the people they serve made me feel as though I was among lifelong friends, people I could count on.
Owner of High Forest Farms, High Forest Guesthouse, The Meriwether Market & Realtor at Covey Rise Properties https://www.highforestfarms.com/lodging
Property manager of Fattoria della Nave in Cicogna, Italy. Business owner and guest concierge. http://www.fattoriadellanave.it/
A surreal moment that truly humbled me occurred in Laura’s little market. She told me that the book currently sitting in her Amazon cart was one of mine!! It was a small, humbling realization to know that something I created had made its way to Hohenwald, Tennessee. Even more surreal was the fact that Marika, who also owns a small market in Tuscany, had requested a copy of that same book! The fact that my work had reached two places so far from home, two places so similar in spirit, felt like a sign from the universe, reminding me of the interconnectedness of everything.
One of the most profound experiences I had in Hohenwald was meeting Jim and his beautiful wife, Jen, ranchers who ran the equine retreat. Jim & Jen, with their kind hearts and hardworking nature, invited us to their family’s table for a delicious home-cooked meal. The experience felt remarkably similar to what I’ve experienced with my dear friend Nico, a bee farmer in Tuscany. Nico and his family have always treated me and my guests like family, inviting us into their simple yet rich way of living off the land, with close-knit family bonds and hearts full of love. The presentation may differ, but the energy and intention behind both experiences were identical: family, warmth, and connection.
Life Coach, Owner of Calico Junction New Beginnings Ranch. http://www.calicojunctionnewbeginningsranch.org/
Certified in Equine Therapy, Owner of Calico Junction New Beginnings Ranch. http://www.calicojunctionnewbeginningsranch.org/
Beekeeper in Terranuova Bracciolini, Tuscany. (Whatsapp +39 349 544 0823)
As the Tennessee retreat came to a close, I found myself reflecting on the powerful connections I had made, not just with the people of Hohenwald but with the land, the animals, and the essence of the town itself. My work is all about bringing people closer to the concept of oneness, the realization that we are all connected to each other, to nature, and to Source (my word for God). Experiencing the warmth of these two towns, so far apart geographically, reinforced the idea that love and Source are what truly connect us all. Presentation may vary, food may have different flavors, spiritual and religious beliefs may differ, and cultural traditions may abound, but at the core, we are all united by the same force: love.
It’s moments like these that remind me why I do this work. I travel, I teach, and I create because the world, despite its many differences, is united by love. We are all connected through the land, the people, the animals, and the Source of life itself. Whether in Hohenwald, Tennessee, or Terranuova Bracciolini, Tuscany, it’s clear: we are all part of the same divine, interconnected web.
And in that realization, I find my peace and my continued purpose. Namaste and ciao y’all... 💕🙏
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