Atulya, there's so much I could say about freedom!
Every person has their own definition and it changes as you get older.
I think to truly be free we need community support. Ideally, we'd have a network of communities to visit and support.
Originally from Germany, I used to travel so much, loved exploring new cultures, the Middle East, and then the US -- where I got stuck. Not much interesting culture here, so I refocused on the beautiful deserts, striving to get to the most remote places, to avoid any and all humans. For a while.
I've lived by myself in recent years, although I've been hosting volunteers. Started a permaculture garden despite the locals telling that you can't garden in the desert.
After 23 years, climate change hit me hard. We had more wind and dust storms last year than in all the previous 22 years. After two years of essentially NO rain even the prickly pear cacti died.
Then the epic monsoon floods last year took out my road. The county tells me that I need to sue the neighbor who blocked the usually dry wash with a solid concrete driveway.
Between weather, road, totaling my truck last year when I hit a black bull on moonless night, and countless other issues beyond my control, I know that I can't survive on my own much longer and the slightest injury can be devastating.
I tripped over a cord, injured my foot and could barely walk for a month in January. If that happens in summer my orchard garden will die as I have to haul water.
I love my homestead, but I no longer have the freedom to travel. Everything needs to be maintained.
Without supportive community there is little freedom. Personally, I like my privacy. Ideally, I'd have like minded neighbors to meet up with for an organic dinner and to share expenses for equipment and vehicles.
I looked for communities to join, but found nothing that interests me or can afford. Am not (yet) interested in "aging gracefully" (64) and sipping tea with a bunch of old people until I die.
My definition of freedom definitely changed over the years. Money helps a lot, but it's not everything.
Oh my, you've had quite a winter too by the sounds of things. A lot of truth here. I agree with pretty much all that you've said. It's tricky for us wild folk who've got used to such independence. And while I concur community is definitely necessary, it's brings its own headaches.
Atulya, there's so much I could say about freedom!
Every person has their own definition and it changes as you get older.
I think to truly be free we need community support. Ideally, we'd have a network of communities to visit and support.
Originally from Germany, I used to travel so much, loved exploring new cultures, the Middle East, and then the US -- where I got stuck. Not much interesting culture here, so I refocused on the beautiful deserts, striving to get to the most remote places, to avoid any and all humans. For a while.
I've lived by myself in recent years, although I've been hosting volunteers. Started a permaculture garden despite the locals telling that you can't garden in the desert.
After 23 years, climate change hit me hard. We had more wind and dust storms last year than in all the previous 22 years. After two years of essentially NO rain even the prickly pear cacti died.
Then the epic monsoon floods last year took out my road. The county tells me that I need to sue the neighbor who blocked the usually dry wash with a solid concrete driveway.
Between weather, road, totaling my truck last year when I hit a black bull on moonless night, and countless other issues beyond my control, I know that I can't survive on my own much longer and the slightest injury can be devastating.
I tripped over a cord, injured my foot and could barely walk for a month in January. If that happens in summer my orchard garden will die as I have to haul water.
I love my homestead, but I no longer have the freedom to travel. Everything needs to be maintained.
Without supportive community there is little freedom. Personally, I like my privacy. Ideally, I'd have like minded neighbors to meet up with for an organic dinner and to share expenses for equipment and vehicles.
I looked for communities to join, but found nothing that interests me or can afford. Am not (yet) interested in "aging gracefully" (64) and sipping tea with a bunch of old people until I die.
My definition of freedom definitely changed over the years. Money helps a lot, but it's not everything.
Oh my, you've had quite a winter too by the sounds of things. A lot of truth here. I agree with pretty much all that you've said. It's tricky for us wild folk who've got used to such independence. And while I concur community is definitely necessary, it's brings its own headaches.