Some time ago I saw a beautiful documentary called “Down to Earth” that tells the story of a family embarking on a five year journey to find a new perspective of life and meaning.  They travel all around the world and live with tribal communities (they refer to them as the “Earth Keepers” )who share with them ancient wisdom of life.

Two underlying themes in the movie are seeing us and nature as an interconnected organism and keeping life simple. It is such a stark contrast with what`s actually happening in our modern society where connection with nature is very often put to a minimum and the strive for more experiences, accomplishments, possessions makes things everything else, but not simple!  At the same time this doesn`t seem to make us happy.. So where is the key?

I definitely don`t think the solution is that all of us to retreat to the mountains and become monks.  But there needs to be awareness. Awareness of different ways of living, cultures, values. Of the fact that there is no “right” lifestyle as long as we are in peace, feel meaningful and make a contribution. Because in the end we are all one, and are deeply interconnected by the fact that we are all humans who try to make the best of their lifes and face the same challenges along the way.

From that perspective expanding your knowledge and awareness as means to realize this oneness are absolutely invaluable.