WandeRoots Lab

A Journey That Brings Reflections Traveling without a rigid plan often leads to the most profound encounters. On this leg of my journey, a visit to Santa Catarina, Brazil, brought both breathtaking beauty and a life-altering confrontation. What began as a serene walk to an "enchanted waterfall" with my friend's dogs turned into a harrowing experience that forced me to reflect deeply on humanity's manipulation of nature, our power, and the consequences of our choices. A Peaceful Community with a Shadowed Encounter In Santa Catarina, Brazil, I stayed with an extraordinary woman in her 60s, whom I first met in Spain years ago. Today, she presides over 33 hectares of sustainable paradise—a hidden haven in southern Brazil and a model for community living. Walking her dogs in this serene setting felt like a reunion with nature, a moment of connection that seemed untouched by the chaos of the outside world. But on December 16th, 2024, this tranquility was shattered. An aband...

  Smiling has always been my identity. I can’t recall introducing myself without a smile—it’s so integral to who I am that imagining any other way feels impossible. But I often wonder: does my smile represent my authentic self, or has it become a mask? This question came to me during my travels, particularly last summer in the beautiful region of Bretagne, France. A stranger there asked me if my smile was nervous. The question made me burst into laughter—it was such an unexpected observation. I can guarantee, though, that my smile is anything but nervous; it’s a sincere reflection of my energy and authenticity. Wherever I travel, my smile comes with me, breaking barriers, opening doors, and connecting hearts. It has an uncanny ability to create bridges across languages and cultures. Take Kuala Lumpur, for example. I arrived at the Malaysian airport with a huge teddy bear strapped to my bag and my signature smile. I didn’t know a single word of Malay, yet as I wandered around lookin...

The Mind-Body Connection During my intense years of studying mathematics and physics in the rigorous math sup/math spé preparatory classes, I discovered the power of physical activity as a tool for mental resilience. I vividly remember running along the Garonne river in Toulouse, pushing myself to my breaking point. These runs were my way of preparing my mind to withstand the relentless pressure of exams and demanding teachers. I always felt that strengthening my body was going along with strengthening mind mind. At that time, Barack Obama's campaign slogan, "Yes, You Can," resonated with me. I adopted it as a mantra, repeating it in English at the peak of my runs when my body wanted to give up. This practice not only improved my endurance but also sharpened my English language skills, blending physical and mental challenges into a transformative exercise. Today, while my body no longer allows me to run as extensively, I channel my strength through martial arts like Capoe...

In a world dominated by consumerism, many of us find ourselves trapped in a cycle of loneliness and emptiness. We're told that success is measured by material wealth, that happiness is found in the next purchase, or that we're only valuable if we keep up with the pace of society. Yet, many end up feeling more isolated than ever, overwhelmed by the noise and pressures of modern life. Depression often arises when we feel disconnected—from ourselves, others, and the natural world. Our society is structured to pull us into distractions, pushing us to seek validation through possessions and social status. This endless chase leaves little room for meaningful connections or self-awareness, resulting in feelings of worthlessness and despair. But there’s a way out. Nature, travel, and minimalism are powerful tools for breaking free from the depression and emptiness of modern life. Here’s how these elements can guide you to rediscover meaning and connection: 1. Nature as a Healer Nature ...

Ecofeminism merges two transformative concepts: ecology and feminism. Rooted in the Greek word oikos (meaning “house” or “environment”) and the Latin femina (meaning “woman”), the term reflects a profound intersection of environmental and gender justice. It highlights how the oppression of women and the exploitation of nature are often intertwined, driven by societal structures of power, dominance, and economic systems that prioritize profit over care. A Classical Definition At its core, ecofeminism seeks to dismantle systems that perpetuate inequality and environmental harm while advocating for the recognition of care work in all its forms. It emphasizes the role of women—especially those in marginalized communities—at the frontline of environmental challenges. These women often shoulder the burden as caretakers of families, communities, and ecosystems, making their contributions essential yet undervalued. Ecofeminists argue that the exploitation of women and nature stems from patriar...

In a world buzzing with technology, skyscrapers, and constant activity, we often lose touch with the very ground beneath our feet. Yet, this connection—simple and innate—holds profound scientific and therapeutic potential. Grounding, or Earthing, refers to the practice of reconnecting with the Earth's surface, allowing the transfer of its natural electric charge into our bodies. This might sound esoteric at first, but science tells us a compelling story: the Earth is a vast reservoir of free electrons. By coming into direct contact with its surface—whether walking barefoot, lying on the grass, or touching a tree—we can absorb these electrons, which act as antioxidants and help neutralize harmful free radicals in our bodies. The Science Behind Grounding The Earth's surface carries a negative electric charge. Our bodies, as bioelectrical systems, interact naturally with this energy. Grounding has been shown to: Reduce inflammation: Free electrons from the Earth neutralize reactiv...

When I think back on my time in Mongolia, I’m reminded of a land as wild as it is beautiful—a place where nature reigns supreme and human presence feels like a mere whisper in the vastness of the steppe. The experience not only deepened my connection to nature but also left me with lasting lessons about life, resilience, and the spirit of adventure. Mongolia is a country defined by its rugged landscape: rolling hills, endless grasslands, and towering mountains. There, I found myself surrounded by a wilderness so untouched it seemed to speak a language all its own. It was in this raw, untamed environment that I learned some of the most profound lessons of my journey. One of the most powerful experiences I had was my time with a family living 20 kilometers from the village of Tosontsengel, in the north of Mongolia. When I arrived, I spoke no Mongolian, and the family’s entire English vocabulary consisted of "hello" and "dollar." The whole family—grandmother, parents, ...

Life often feels like a maze, especially when the storms of chaos rage around us. For me, finding direction wasn’t about following a map; it was about trusting the compass within—a compass that I didn’t even know I had until I was lost in the wilderness of my life. An External Chaos: My early years were shaped by challenges: leaving home at 15, i was already running away, directly after then I went navigating an abusive relationship during 7 years while i was just a child. Just fighting for a sense of purpose in a system that felt designed to break me. Back then, I sought external validation—degrees, accolades, and achievements—to guide me. I hold on sciences and academic from the bottom of our system, to the best french elitist schools. But they only led me further from myself. Indirectly this chao and instabilty in my home and relationship directly led me to the path i took.  Discovering the Internal Compass: Everything changed when I chose to step away from the external noise. C...

For much of my life, I thought freedom was something you earned—through education, hard work, and following the rules. I chased it relentlessly, from my childhood in social services to earning a PhD in turbulence modeling for 3D airplane wings. But somewhere along the way, I realized I was building a life that didn’t belong to me—it was a life others had scripted. Before graduating, I made a decision that many called reckless, but for me, it was liberation. I closed my bank accounts, threw away my phone, and bought a one-way ticket to Mongolia. I didn’t know exactly what I was looking for, but I knew it wasn’t in lecture halls, corporate offices, or neatly planned futures. Breaking Away Mongolia was my first taste of a life unbound. I spent my days volunteering with horses, learning the rhythms of a world dictated by nature rather than schedules. From there, I moved to Malaysia’s rice fields, then to Japan’s oyster farms. Each place stripped away another layer of the person I thought I...

Wanderoots Lab is a space where travel, transformation, and self-discovery come together. This blog is my attempt to turn a life full of challenges, resilience, and growth into something meaningful—not just for myself, but for anyone seeking inspiration and connection through purposeful exploration. A brief story about me At 15, I left my family and entered social services, determined to create a life beyond the boundaries I was born into. Despite facing years of abuse and navigating a system that often felt against me, I used education as my escape route. I earned two master’s degrees in mathematics and engineering, and later completed a PhD in turbulence modeling for 3D airplane wings while living in China. But the pursuit of success didn’t bring me the freedom I longed for. Before graduation, I made a radical decision: I walked away from the conventional path, closed my bank accounts, and bought a one-way ticket to Mongolia. From volunteering with horses in Mongolia to harvesting ri...