Free heart

She always followed her heart, which eventually led her to the most beautiful mountain in the world, Alpamayo. While climbing its summit, on June 30, 2018, the mountaineering expedition, of which Eva was also a part, was surprised by an avalanche in which she lost her life. There her life's dream ended. She went to eternity.

In the opening chapter of the book Svobodno srce, which was published after her death, through the testimonies of many who knew Eva in one way or another and whose lives she inspired (and continues to inspire), we can get to know Eva even those who did not manage to meet her during her lifetime. And all these testimonies speak of the same thing. Of the immense power of the spirit, which in its boldness does not let itself be trapped by the expectations of society, while still remaining soft, compassionate, playful and sparkling.

Softcover, 15 x 23 cm, 200 pages.

ABOUT EVA ŽONTAR (1991-2018):

She was a certified plant-based nutrition consultant, a graduate biologist, and the author of numerous articles on the topic of healthy living. Her greatest knowledge and ideas came from her many years of experience with a plant-based diet, and her life was enriched by nature, yoga, traveling, and daily sports. She is also the author of the book Simpl sladice. You can learn more about Eva and her healthy lifestyle at www.evkaliptus.si.

EXCERPTS FROM THE BOOK:

Life is for learning. We learn not to be afraid – because what is the scariest thing that can happen to us? In the end, death always comes – and it comes anyway. For you, for me, we all die. If we were more aware of this, we would make many decisions in life differently. Many people would live differently, care less about the opinions of others, take more risks… and consequently be less afraid of death.

People forget their youthful dreams and at the same time forget what it feels like to be truly happy. Everything takes on a gray cast, and people walk along well-trodden, gray, stony paths without a sparkle in their eyes - as if they are afraid to step aside, onto flowering meadows and turquoise lagoons, because they don't want to get lost.

Don't settle for anything less than what truly makes you happy - day after day. Life is too short to compromise on our own happiness, and no one will come out of it alive. Let's live it!

One morning you have to wake up, greet the sun, make yourself some tea and decide: I'm not going to do this anymore! Say "no" to everything that makes you unhappy and let your inner child laugh again. It's not hard!

And if I could give you just one piece of advice, it would be this: do all those crazy things you've been dreaming about. Really, do them! Because the opportunity for them will never be better than NOW. And because life will always catch up with you. Now I can almost say that I'm speaking from personal experience.

THEY SAID ABOUT HER:

Mom, Dad, Matej, Ana:Dear Eva! The strong and solid bond of mutual love will always connect us, so the essence and reality of your being are as strongly present between us as when we first hugged you. Love never fades. The love that gave you the courage to follow your dreams and the wings to fly.

Zvone Šeruga, world traveler:We wrote about her in the first issue of Avantura, next year we would probably meet somewhere under the Andes and maybe she would join me for a short time on the back seat of the motorcycle. But unfortunately it won't happen. It was a life that was too short - but full, worth at least ten lifetimes. Good luck, Eva, wherever your path takes you this time.

Janja Kogovšek, cousin:Eva. My biggest role model since childhood. Without you I wouldn't be who I am today, and with your courage and kind heart you were a great inspiration to many others. A metaphor for freedom and living in the moment. We miss you, Eva.

Jana Štojs, her Slovenian teacher:You recognize the students who leave when you meet them, some of them fade away over the years. But I don't remember Eve, she lives in my heart. Smiling, happy, with a book in her hand.

Nina Zupanič, friend from student days:The world lost one of the most beautiful people I've ever met - a girl filled with only positive energy and good, selfless intentions, a girl who felt a surge of pure happiness with me every time the sun rose from behind the mountain peaks, and a person so true to herself, so free and independent of society's expectations, that it was hard to believe.

Tina Zdjelar, friend:You loved animals, almost more than yourself. Your love and care for them was endless. The only time I saw you angry and disappointed was when you saw a person torturing an animal. It hurt you so much that you even shed a tear and that touched me so much, because I knew that you hardly ever cry. Do you know how many times I still ask myself what my Evica would do in a certain situation. Whenever I feel bad, whenever I need a little indicator for the further path of life, I remember your wisdom.

Mati Korten, Peru, her partner:You were my partner and teacher. There was no anger in your heart, full of infinite compassion. I have met few such independent people in my life, but you still wanted another pair of eyes with such a glow. I am proud and happy that you found it in my eyes. You lived fearlessly and were always ready for a new path.