"Philotimo to the Greek is like breathing. A Greek is not a Greek without it. He might as well not be alive." ~ Philosopher Thales, 7th Century BC

Considered by Greeks to be the highest of all virtues, philotimo, is all about honouring our fellow man, showing tolerance and compassion, doing good and helping out in times of need. Despite their own economic hardships, philotimo is what we witness when ordinary Greeks volunteer assistance to migrants and refugees arriving in their thousands on their island shores. How can one not admire the 85 year old yiayia, who places food and water on a table outside her home for those who've survived the perilous sea journey? And what about the islander who defies the law and drives refugees 70 km to a registration center because she can't bear to watch a child her own son's age, walk that distance in the cold?  Then there's the local priest. Undettered by having to wear an oxygen mask to manage breathing difficulties, he's started a charity that greets new arrivals and re-unites families. He says, 'Love has no religion.'  He's right of course....Are we listening?

Take a look at our new grid: LOVE IS THE ONLY RELIGION. I've placed Rose Quartz hearts over the Aegean islands being used as transit points into mainland Greece. There are many other places in Greece and the rest of Europe where ordinary civilians and volunteer agencies are doing amazing work to help migrants and refugees. Please join me in honouring their philotimo, by placing crystals and expressing your support for their efforts.