When I lived in Oregon, I had a friend who lived out in the woods in a yert. He
had been living that way for twenty five years and always considered himself lucky. I couldn’t understand for the life of me why he chose such a lifestyle and took it upon myself to always invite him over to eat in my home and do home-like things. I even offered up my couch on a few occasions because I just couldn’t understand why/how he could actually enjoy living out in the woods without the comforts of a home. I mean, he had a nice set up, his tent/yert was really clean, he had a heater of sorts, he had underground storage which was very clean, solar panels, and very pure mountainous views all over the place. But still, it lacked certain creature comforts and I was in awe that he was so content to be that way. I think he saw it as freedom though… he told me once that he stayed in a house for a few days, and he cried… he felt trapped.
Now, I live in my car. I have found an excellent sleeping position. I have a wonderful routine each day where I work on my writing, socialize and even have a sort of “home base” where I take care brushing my teeth, washing my face and relaxing. I do lots of things that make me happy and I live a life of freedom.
If someone told me a few years ago that it would be in the cards that I would actually choose to live in my car, I would have said NEVER! I used to get concerned for my friend who lived in the woods because I couldn’t understand and I always thought I would NEVER partake in such a life…
I have learned though… Never say never because anything is possible at any time. I have learned to remain open to the possibilities because in the places where I have said never, I have learned the most about myself and undergone tremendous evolution into my most authentic expression and yearnings.
Though in my case, I know this is not forever and I will inevitably find my own version of “home” when the time is right, and I know when people offer me a couch I will go because I am trying to catalyze a global family… and doing such a thing, I cannot stay closed off by myself…
You know, people often ask me when this will stop and I say I honestly don’t know, I guess I’ll just have a feeling and move on to where ever I am headed next. I’ve been asked what I would do if I had millions of dollars and could do anything I wanted. My honest answer as I understand it in this moment is that I would simply buy a bigger and safer car which I would sleep in when I wasn’t traveling extensively…
I think if I had to stay in ONE home, I would cry. As I have learned more about myself I know that freedom is my keyword… The yearning to explore and flow is so strong within my heart which is why I choose to live this way… I love the freedom of not being tied down to one place… it’s so nice to couch surf on and off; it truly is a gift to get to know other people while staying in their homes. I love seeing how other people live… I really do. I love seeing how much kindness is in the world through living this way by way of people offering up couches, meals, sometimes electric/mind blowing conversations about global community is sparked… I love the hope in peoples eyes when I tell them my big dreams… and I really love the freedom that comes with staying in my car too… it gives me such a sense of nourishing solitude, free from much of the distracting noise society provides which I find takes the focus off of a connection to one’s higher self…
Never say never…
I’m happy to hear the freedom and peace you have found in this tour.