From the Edgelands

Many of us belong to some kind of convention - be it religion, race, gender normality or lifestyle conditioning. All of the limitations placed on us through our environments are important to observe and step back from.

It is often from the edgelands, from alternative lifestyles, cultures and different forms of community living that we might truly grow from, expand and develop different pathways of life. The alternative shows us that there is no perfect, no grass is greener and no correct way to live. It is always from the edgelands that we find balance and wisdom about ourselves and can really grasp what truly matters.

Many times, I have lived in communes, off-grid communities and thrown myself into different cultures. These alternative modalities - that cut against the convention to which I was born into - have so much to teach: namely in living closer to the land, moving at a slower pace and sharing with others. Ultimately, the edgelands have taught me that the conventional aspirations of wider society - family, house, modern efficiency, time poverty, speed and wealth - are simply a construct. Some of which may resonate - some of which may not. But it is not the only way. And is vital to follow a path and build a life that is honest with what you truly want and where you might flourish the most.

The edgelands have always been a place to go to for greater balance, connection and wisdom towards our next chapters. Great rulers, ancient folklore and fable figures always go to the forest for healing, for solutions to famine, infertility and wider conflict. It is from the hag, the wise man, the wild mountains, animals and hills that we find our way, we restore our balance and we avoid living in a wasteland.

From the edgelands, we can recognise that the pace we are in is simply one pace and it will need constant tending to and reflecting on. It is not a permamant state. Alternative ways of living, therefore, can provide much inspiration and imagination for what we may want to introduce, invite in and let go of: what we wish to nurture, inhabit and grow.

Perfection does not exist but achieving a balance is sustainable and entirely possible. With this in mind, the edgelands can feed our equilibrium - in supporting our need for expansion, freedom, pacing and presence. Moreover, alternative lifestyles show us that the only norm is what we feed, where we place our intention and the values we protect and cultivate over time - will be our life.

So pay attention to the conventions you serve and rememeber that they are simply contructs. There is always another way, always a lighter path and a life that supports who you truly are - outside the eyes of the wider world. Remember always to go outside of what feels known and tend to your wild, free and abundant self.