The InkLink: Michela’s symbols

The Ink Link is an ongoing project at CN&CO that showcases tattoos in the workplace. One of the great things about a tattoo is it goes against the commonly-held viewpoint that “what you see is what you get”. There’s a misguided belief in certain quarters that in order to be a working professional, it is categorically *impossible* to have a tattoo… because how can someone with a tattoo be a professional? We are putting paid to that perception through the stories showcased in the Ink Link. This month we feature Michela Tucci, Gianluca’s sister who is a passionate yogi living and working in Dubai.

Over five years ago, my sister (Michela) made a big decision in her life. She exchanged the African sun for the dessert sands and skylines of Dubai. A decision that meant saying goodbye to her home, family, friends and memories cultivated over the last decades, in order to pursue a career and a new life in a new land.

My sister has always been a person seeking adventure and rhythm; she has a strong sense of curiosity for people and experiences. Her strong mindset and character is balanced by her passion for yoga, which has instilled an incredible discipline in her that she has mastered and lives by daily. Not only is she extremely good at it, she treasures it, and uses it to inspire others and mould the routine of her life.

Linked to her passion for yoga and her love of family and adventure, Michela has a couple of tattoos on her body – small symbols positioned in carefully selected places that represent stories and lessons in her life’s journey. They are there to remind her, teach her and inspire her daily.

Many ways to look at it

The symbol on her left wrist (my personal favourite) is clever as it is was designed in such a way as to incorporate a number of elements linked to Michela’s life.

Firstly, if you look closely it shows a person meditating: instilling focus, mental strength and a crucial part of yoga. “Meditation is a way to gain perspective,” says Michela. “It’s a key exercise that offers the mind a route to taking a deep breath and channel your focus, worries, thoughts or ideas in a concentrated space,” she continues.

Secondly, it is in the shape of a triangle – the basis of everything and nothing, as Michela puts it.

Thirdly, the top part of the tattoo shows the cancer symbol, serving as a reminder of those in her life that are fighting or have lost the battle against the disease – a reminder to be aware of what’s happening around us. The bottom part shows a sideways figure eight “8” which to Michela represents the year she was born (1988) and introduced into the world.

Positioned on her other wrist is the symbol of OM (pronounced “AUM”) and it represents everything. The source. It’s the vibration and consciousness of the entire universe.

The graphic on the right shows the meaning behind the symbol and for Michela serves as a guiding star for how she applies her mind and approach to life between yoga, work, family, friends and learning.

The Sun

Situated on the side of her torso and representing a constant is a symbol of the sun. An expression she lives by is: “one of the only things that is surely written is that the sun will rise and set everyday, maktub.” It’s taken from The Alchemist, which also inspired by tattoo; it’s a beautiful expression and a reminder of the beauty each day brings.

She reflects, “no matter where you are in the world, the rising and setting of the sun is a gift to the living. Embrace it, use it in your day and position yourself in moments of the rising and setting of the sun that offer you perspective and reflection. Don’t take it for granted.”

For more inspiration from Michela, follow her journey on Instagram.