Living Naturally, Editorial by Drunvalo

The reason we have decided to round out the alternative-energy subject of February and March with "living off the grid" goes beyond the fact that these topics are related. Living off the grid is not about machines or science. It's about you. And me. It's about deciding what kind of a planet we want to have, and then in some way, great or small, creating that in our own lives.

The dark side is, it's a matter of survival

The United Nations announced to the world in the year 2000 that the existing system of living on Earth that we are all accustomed to is "unsustainable" (see How Much Time do we Have? in the first issue of the Spirit of Ma'at).

What does this mean? Quite simply, it means that if we continue to live in the 21st Century as we did in the one that preceded it — if we continue to build homes as we are now, if we continue to use fossil fuels and energy in the way that we are now, and so on — the Earth's ecology is going to continue to degrade until the day is reached when a major catastrophe will destroy our way of life, if not mankind itself.

As far back as 1992, the 1700 members of the Union of Concerned Scientists — the world's most prominent scientists — stated the same thing: If we don't change, we are going to destroy ourselves. And they gave us only a short time to respond (see Editorial in the first issue of the Spirit of Ma'at).

But still, we have not listened. We have not changed. At the very moment when the world needs to put a stop to environmental damage, we are going our merry way, on the verge of a third world war which will almost surely cinch the demise of humanity if it is allowed to continue out of control.

And so, especially since the events of 9-11, it is clear that we need to think and act in new ways. Since scientists have given us only a short time before it's too late, it's important that we not wait any longer, or we will find ourselves in a life-and-death struggle that we may not be able to win.

Even those of us who live in cities, surrounded by millions of people, can still make changes that, when added to millions of other people's efforts, will profoundly affect the whole. If we live in a more natural environment, the changes we need to make are much easier. But in whatever way we can, each one of us needs to make some contribution, however small, to easing the burden that human beings have placed upon Mother Earth.

The light side is, it's "child's play"

It always takes a certain resolve to make large changes in one's lifestyle. But the changes called for in creating a more sustainable way of life are not drudgery. Far from it. I know. I've been doing this kind of thing all my life, and it's not a burden, it's fun.

Learning how to live simply and in harmony with nature is the kind of thing that children do for play. It brings back the joy of exploration that we knew as children, and a sense of freedom and newness into our lives.

Installing and using alternative energy, creating gardens, making root cellars — learning how to take charge of our lives — these activities instill in us and in our lives a sense of wholeness and playfulness. They can be a source of deep satisfaction.

The bright side is, it's profitable

How do you feel when you receive a $200 energy bill every month that you've accepted will continue all your life? Knowing that if you don't pay it, "they" are going to impersonally cut you off and leave you in the cold?

No matter who you are or what your circumstances, it's possible for you to begin to put an end to the tyranny of public utility companies. The threat of being without "water and power" could be over forever. All it takes is the decision to change, and then setting out to learn what you can do to make this change happen in your life.

Where do I start?

The alternatives are many. That's what this issue of the Spirit of Ma'at is all about, making you aware of what's out there. The subject is too vast to cover in one magazine, so instead of being inclusive we tried to give you ideas and inspiration — something to spark your imagination and create a sense of playfulness and fun. If the existing system is "unsustainable," as the United Nations says, and we have to change, why not do so in a spirit of joyful improvisation and adventure?

So we've included articles about subjects such as living in caves and tree houses, not because these are serious alternatives for family living, but because they will help open your mind to possibilities and kindle your creativity. Anyway, living in a cave might not be as crazy as you think. The idea of straw-bale houses was considered crazy fifteen years ago, but today many states are issuing building permits for this "low-tech" construction technology. And when you read our article about them, you will see just how incredibly beautiful and practical they can be.

Even more magical are Michael Reynolds's Earthships. Michael is a brilliant architect and his Earthships offer a whole new world of housing concepts. If you are about to build off the grid, his knowledge could be invaluable. Anyone who has taken up residence in an Earthship knows the joy of living in a childlike manner.

It's up to you

With the alternative energy sources that now exist, such as solar energy and cell phones, we can live anywhere. And with the Internet and email as our work modality, technology is allowing people to work at home instead of commuting to the inner cities. Slowly, the situation is changing to where we can truly alter our lifestyle and begin to create the necessary changes in our lives so our dear Mother Earth can begin to heal.

And once you decide to take these ideas seriously, there are many workshops offering hands-on training to help you get started. There are even schools completely devoted to education for sustainable living, like the Solar Living Institute in California (see School for Off-the-Gridders). If you really want to make a change, taking workshops is an excellent way to begin.

Libraries also are a good source of information, but probably the most important resource is the Internet, a vast database of everything you need to know to make whatever lifestyle changes you seek.

It's the ultimate security

I have lived for many years in communities that existed completely off the grid. I can tell you from personal experience that it is easier than you think. And in my present home — with solar energy, solar wells (including a hand pump), septic tanks, and gardens, if tomorrow were to bring a dark cloud, I would, at least on a physical level, be prepared.

Along with the knowledge that one is helping the Earth, increased self-sufficiency brings a deep peace of mind. I believe that these kinds of lifestyle changes are much more important to one's future in the long run than acquiring wealth and all of the other approaches we take to achieving security. The only true security, for ourselves and our families, lies in a sustainable, self-sufficient style of living.

How can we begin?

The first step is for us really to understand that we must change. For as much as we love our modern conveniences, our lifestyle is causing harm to Mother Earth. Change is necessary, and it is ourselves, you and me, who have to make these changes. No one else. We need to realize this, realize that the way we are living simply is not good enough.

The great modern experiment is not working.

That said, it's important also to realize that the changes we need to make do not involve deprivation. If we dream it right, our lives can be even better than they have ever been before.

And it is in this spirit that we have focused this issue of our webzine upon providing a gentle nudge in the right direction. We could not be comprehensive, because the subject is too vast. Instead, we have tried to fire your imagination, and help wake you up to the endless possibilities that exist for a different and more satisfying way of life.

What do I suggest? That you just begin simply. Do one thing in your home that will bring you closer to living off the grid. And then another. And another.

Step by step, you can change your life. Step by step, we can change our world.

In love and service,

Drunvalo