the story behind aLIVE
The story of how aLIVE started is intimately entwined with my own story. It was born from my own experience and personal search for meaning. Human nature has always been the most fascinating topic for me - understanding people, why we are the way we are and do the things we do. How to become happier and more fulfilled individuals, and how to find purpose in life.
I found myself always gravitating towards nature and introspective wellness practices… but in equal measure, towards adventure and adrenaline-infused sports. Here I had two (seemingly) completely different directions that both magnetically drew me towards them. There was something in the way engaging with each of them made me feel - something in the way they made me feel true to myself – something in the way they made me feel free and joyful. It was a feeling I was yearning for and starting chasing with every opportunity I got. I came to realise that what I was searching for was PRESENCE. Being out of the head, out of the past or future, and into the deep LIVING PRESENT. The here and now. Being where my feet were. Completely engaged in what I was doing, and essentially LIVING with awareness… feeling deeply and truly alive. Living the intensity of the moment - truly enjoying in WHILE it was happening. Meeting life with my whole undivided attention.
In these moments, the notion of time was obsolete. There was no worrying, no planning - just a sense of deep peace and unity, a deep acceptance of what is, and of course…. a deep enjoyment of the moment. Out of the head, into LIFE. Naturally, creativity followed. Clarity of mind followed. Purpose followed. That space that was created during living presently gave way to new ideas and ultimately, to opportunities. A clean slate, a fresh beginning.
If you’re not present with what is happening and where you are, you’ll miss so much of the experience of life. Of course, this can all sound very philosophical. But what if it wasn’t? What if we could find a way to make it “real”? And we did… it’s immersive experiences. Experiences that ENGAGE us and absorb our full attention. Where we are not mere spectators but main characters. I wanted to share this with other people. I wanted to share it with the world. Proposing EXPERIENCES that immerse and engage all the senses - that inspire and promote a sense of purpose. And a deep reverence for the NOW - the only moment that truly matters. It is in the NOW that we can act. It is in the NOW that we can create. It is in the NOW that we feel alive.
There is a story behind every single experience we propose. I, Ioana, will never propose anything I don’t personally find exceptional. Regardless of trends or whether it makes “business-sense”. I genuinely do not care for an experience unless it incites an emotion in me. Every single experience has a story behind it and a reason for why we propose it. Whether it’s our Made in Italy experience - discovering the passion and craftsmanship behind world-renown brands and inspiring future generations; or Roughing it in Style: Private Wilderness - discovering the most exclusive bush experience while actively participating in conservation and anti-poaching initiatives; exploring timelessness and the slow life of the arctic circle on the Troll Peninsula in Iceland; finding the freedom in simplicity and raw adventure in the north east of Brazil; living a profound experience of beauty and cultural conservation in an authentic Croatian Monastery; learning about rewilding in the Scottish Highlands while deep diving in the Whiskey scene; Exploring some of the world’s most beautiful sceneries by supercars and old-timers through highly curated roadtrips… and the list goes on. Absolutely all of these experiences have meaning and purpose behind their creation.
And absolutely all of these experiences are bound to uplift and instil a sense of awe. Awe in the face of grandiosity. Whether it’s through nature, human involvement or craftsmanship. Passion is a driver. It’s a massive driver in my life and a massive driver in the lives of the people we collaborate with. Everything starts with a dream and we work with the dreamers of this world.
What makes you feel alive? Here, now? Passionate? Driven? Vibrating? That’s what we’re proposing. To connect to the HUMAN within. To feel aLIVE.