Good question… I could respond that I am still remembering… I am a soul in a body that chose to be born and live in Sardinia in order to undertake a task, which becomes ever clearer. I want to use my skill as an archaeologist, my knowledge of the history and territory of Sardinia and my love for this land to enable people to discover and know it, to listen to what it has to tell us and to receive what it has to give us – to understand that which it has to teach us through the ancient testimonies and messages sent to the men and women of the 21st century – so that we can close the circle and remember what we have forgotten. I want to contribute in every way possible to a reawakening of consciousness, starting here in this wonderful island.
Mini-biography
My name is Ilaria Montis. I was born in Cagliari in 1979. Since I was a child I wanted to be an archaeologist – perhaps because archaeological sites fascinated me and I enjoyed exploring them, feeling at home.
After graduating in Archaeology from Pisa University in 2003 I attended the School of Specialisation in Archaeology at Pisa and the Masters in Geotechnology for archaeology at University of Siena. Returning to Sardinia in 2008 I worked for some years as a research fellow at the University of Cagliari attached to the Department of History, Cultural Heritage and Landscape and as a freelance archaeologist. I have a PhD in Science and Technology for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage from the University of Ferrara. I have published numerous articles in specialist journals. See my profile at https://unica-it.academia.edu/IlariaMontis . I have explored Sardinia and its archaeological sites, travelling far and wide, always with amazement and admiration.
For some years spirituality has been growing in importance in my life. It is now a central value for me. This spirituality is not linked to any particular religion. It is a free and universal spirituality which recognises as fundamental principles the unity of all that exists, the interconnectedness of all forms of life and consciousness and universal love.
This approach to spirituality has allowed me to see familiar places with different eyes, feeling a renewed awareness and sensibility, discovering new points of reflection and coming to new understandings. Without taking away from its value or importance, archaeological study is but one way to encounter places which conserve ancient testimonies. We can also use other forms of experience such as mindfully listening to oneself, encountering and engaging with a place, allowing an interaction between ourselves and the space we are in using simple silent meditation, and sharing these activities in a circle of fellow participants.