The statue of Ikaros in Ikaria's port, Agios Kirikos. The island takes its name from the mythical figure who was told by his father Daedalus not to fly too high, as the sun would melt the wax of his wings and not to fly too low as they water of the sea would weigh them down. Ikaros did not heed this warning, flew too high and then drowned in the sea as he lost his wings.
The current residents of Ikaria seemed to have heeded Daedalus' advice in their way of living. They are not extreme in their views, religious beliefs, ambition or behavior. They are extreme only in their friendliness, the ease with which they approach life and their longevity; they tend to live longer than almost everyone else on the planet. The avoidance of extremes as a principle appears early in Greek thought and was a cornerstone of Aristotelian philosophy. It is also a central tenet of Taoism and other approaches.
Trauma is also characterized by extremes, depression and panic, fear and rage. We heal from our trauma when we can regain the middle ground and achieve what Stephen Porges calls social engagement, characterized by qualities such as groundedness, calmness in connection, curiosity, compassion, living in the present moment and belonging and being part of a larger community. This seems to be the secret to a long life for the locals here, along with a glass of Ikarian wine and celebrating life with a dance!
