Articles for December 2016

It’s funny,

I’m beginning to make distinctions, some crazy dualisms, in this ‘out of the matrix’ society that is building around me.

I seem to have identified something in this ‘movement’, of people back to the land, desiring to live ‘off-grid’. Or perhaps rather than something that I’ve identified, it’s just a feeling, between those who I resonate with and those who I don’t. Where I feel love, or at least some interest, and where I don’t. I guess there are many ways to tell it, but let me tell it how I tell it …

Let’s just say that there is two kinda people in this world. Those who are inspired, feel the call to act on the volition of their hearts, follow their dreams, and are willing to see themselves in others, and then there are those who have either been distracted, or are running away from something (usually their own shadows), their motivation or action coming from fear (as opposed to inspiration).

Another thing that I’ve witnessed in some people is the incapacity to really listen. To truly listen. With empathy. To just be still, and listen. They will either be hearing something completely different, or just plain not understanding, but pretending that they do (and I’m not talking about old portuguese village folk). I’m just saying that for some reason some people’s ability to listen is severely undermined. Usually because they’re in need of healing of some sort, and funnily enough, there is a healing effect simply from ‘being present’ for someone and listening, let alone empathy. I must admit, it’s hard to always be present and empathic with people, (especially when there are so many intense people around), but we all got to try, and I really appreciate the kind of people that do try.

One other thing that I’ve witnessed here is listening to people so full of their own knowledge that there is no chance for anything new to enter. They’re watertight. That would really impress me if they were a damn holding a few megalitres of water (especially in this sandy landscape), but we’re all human beings, and we are streams, so we gotta flow. It’s not that I have anything agains’t knowledge, it’s just that knowledge is no match for kindness.

I think it’s important to share these things sometimes for the benefit of being … transparent, or maybe just being clear about knowing what it is that I’m wanting to attract around me:

1. Those who feel inspired and are acting on the volition of their dreams and visions. Those who have taken a great leap of faith, knowing that we are living in times of great change and that it is possible to live together if we don’t run from our own shadows.
2. Those who are able to speak honestly and non-violently. Those who have the capacity (or are inspired to develop the capacity) to listen.
3. Those who value kindness over knowledge.

Simple, huh? That’s how I like things. Like The Four Agreements (for example):

1. Be Impeccable with your Word: Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the Word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your Word in the direction of truth and love.

2. Don’t Take Anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.

3. Don’t Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

4. Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.

Sounds pretty simple huh? Fact is, it’s incredibly hard, At least I’m beginning to see now that things are not always meant to be easy and that it’s the challenges that bring us closer to the light.

Justin is an enquiring and tinkering engineer (fully qualifiied I might add). He’s done some great work here on Quinta das Moitas during his first visit and now he’s been back now for the second time around. This time he completed a little project involved with making sure I can easily access clean drinking water here at Quinta das Moitas.

A water source from a rock face was dammed creating a settlement tank before the water gets drawn off to fill the main storage tank and to supply fresh drinking water. The water overflows and fills a small pond that feeds a two tiered (terraced) garden before eventually seeping into the main growing area. Pics do not show the complete layout but you should get the idea. The sediment and nutrient in the settlement area and overflow pond can then be put directly into the growing areas.

The project still needs the tiered gardens to be completed (more soil and planting) but the main engineering is complete.

It is what it is and it works magnificently.

Designed and built by Millo and Justin.