the magic lies in connections
Hi,
Welcome to 444. My name's Max. I explore photos and flows exploring the presence in connection and movement.
`The goal of this piece is to help you trust your path. As I reflect on what was impactful 4 me this past month, I share something 4 you and 4 us.
This will find your inbox at 4:44 on the fourth from wherever I am in the world. Today I'm writing to you from Melbourne, Australia.
I'm excited to be back home for a few months integrating the expansions of the travels. My cheeks ache from the joy and smiles of being with loved ones.
4 us - the magic lies in the connections
'Pollution is a resource that's not being managed.' - Gaia Ashram
A message (of many) that stuck with me volunteering at a permaculture farm in the Isan region of Thailand. Their courses revealed the connection between things.
How the permaculture philosophies can reflect other parts of life. Our relationship to both ourselves and others. The possibilities of reframing and empowering what's already here.
4 me - a system of habits
My first eco-village experience exposed me to strong waste management. My time in Sri Lanka afterward showed me the work I needed to do.
A poor application of the practices. My reliance and blame toward a failing system rather than taking ownership.
It was feeding a growing problem. It spotlighted my habits of placing responsibility on others to find answers.
Before returning to Australia, I visited another eco-village. This immersion put more practice into repetition, learning from people who effectively work with what they let go.
4 you - Gaia Ashram
Thailand's North-East is farming land. Rice fields fill the plains with rich infused-greens like a Studio Ghibli backdrop. Heads of small figures in the distance move between crops working on their land. Silence breaks when fashionable Yais roll past on their custom scooters offering lifts to the market.
On perceived unproductive land, Om and Tom are rewilding rice fields. Gaia Ashram holds a forest and wetlands teeming with wildlife. Birds and butterflies roam the skies. Frogs, squirrels and snakes move below the canopy.
It's astonishing to see this diversity next to government subsidised monoculture farming. Understandably, newsfeeds fill with the damage humans are causing to the planet. It's inspiring to visit places like this that are reversing the narrative.
It was a joy to learn from living on this thriving, therapeutic land. I'd recommend Gaia Ashram to anyone curious about permaculture and mindful facilitation.
Have a great day,
Max
