What would you do to save the world?
The actual appropriate question in this case is: What ARE YOU DOING to save the world?
About three weeks ago I left Berlin for Seattle without a real plan. I’ve only known that there is a place I can crash but haven’t really been there before. Since I’m lucky, I inevitably must find spots, people, and stories beyond ordinary. So here we go! This unknown place became my base camp. A spot you’ll find because of connections only. No way of tracing it online or in travel guides. It is a spot which is growing, in terms of a vision becomes reality, for years already. It’s a project of one man who is creating an environmentally conscious community. His project is so impressive that it’s worth some more sentences and photos.
The visionary’s name is Hans. Among others he studied biology, psychology, ethnology what eventually made him reaching the point of view that science can’t explain everything and action is worth more. One of his all time favorites is this part of Goethe’s Faust:
Habe nun, ach. Philosophie, [I've studied now Philosophy]
Juristerei und Medizin, [and Jurisprudence, Medicine, -]
Und leider auch Theologie, [and even, alas! Theology, -]
Durchaus studiert, mit heißem Bemühn. [From end to end, with labor keen;]
Da steh’ ich nun, ich armer Tor, [And here, poor fool! with all my lore]
und bin so klug als wie zuvor. [I stand, no wiser than before:]
Es möchte kein Hund so länger leben! [No dog would endure such a crust existence!]
Drum hab’ ich mich der Magie ergeben, [Wherefore, from Magic I seek assistance,]
Ob mir durch Geistes Kraft und Mund [That many a secret perchance I reach]
Nicht manch Geheimnis Würde kund; [Through spirit-power and spirit-speech,]
Daß ich nicht mehr mit sauerem Schweiß [And thus the bitter task forego]
Zu sagen brauche, was ich nicht weiß; [Of saying the things I do not know, -]
Daß ich erkenne, was die Welt [That I may detect the inmost force]
im Innersten zusammenhält, [Which binds the world, and guides its course;]
Schau’ alle Wirkenskraft und Samen, [Its germs, productive powers explore,]
Und tu’ nicht mehr in Worten kramen.” [And rummage in emty words no more!]
Ok, so far so good but what is his action concretely about?
He has a property in the eastern area of Seattle close to a State Forest. Living there leads to the feeling your are actually in the middle of untouched woods. Still you’re surrounded by neighbors, you’re connected to the World Wide Web, and of course to roads. Next to the house you’ll find most authentic wooden cabins, sheds, a ceremonial marquee, and a yurt. Right now there is space for 7 people easily, a canopy for a spot to work on nature skills (e.g. tanning), and an outdoor hot tub. Still Hans is planing on some more cabins, especially for hot yoga and handicraft such as sewing, leather goods, weaving, or spinning.
This place, all together, is one of the best starting points I’ve been so far for an all around moderate life style that, in line with nature, offers diverse opportunities for physical and psychological evolution – you may also call it a retreat.
In the long run he would like to know his place as an established and comprehensive community that also provides space for a family. He’s keen on seeing a generation growing that has a profound understanding of the universal interdependencies of nature and mankind.
Hans has always been keeping an eye on endemic species in birds, mammals, and plants what at least makes him able to sharpen your understanding of this amazing natural setting.
But for now I say good-bye. I’ve got a great and unexpected invitation to L.A. …