I just posted this in facebook:
In case more people are considering coming to stay with me, I'm having my doubts right now about the moneyless tribe and my leadership ability. I need a break, time to breathe, have some time to myself, at least for now. I want my friends already here to stay (I love them dearly), but I don't have the means to accept more visitors right now - especially in the winter.
I still envision moneyless community. If moneyless community is meant to be, a better place/situation will naturally arise to accommodate folks and sustainable community. "Public" land around here is over-run by tourists, not sustainable for communities to live off the land, and living off of society's waste (dumpsters, etc) can only go so far. Living on society's overwhelming waste is only a stepping stone until free, unowned, sustainable land and livelihood arises.
Common sense says that no land that is owned can be the land of the free nor the brave.
Free means unowned.
Free means no money.
We live in a land of the majority bound and fearful, naysayers without vision.
But my optimistic self sees human beings alive under there somewhere, ready to wake up.
In case more people are considering coming to stay with me, I'm having my doubts right now about the moneyless tribe and my leadership ability. I need a break, time to breathe, have some time to myself, at least for now. I want my friends already here to stay (I love them dearly), but I don't have the means to accept more visitors right now - especially in the winter.
I still envision moneyless community. If moneyless community is meant to be, a better place/situation will naturally arise to accommodate folks and sustainable community. "Public" land around here is over-run by tourists, not sustainable for communities to live off the land, and living off of society's waste (dumpsters, etc) can only go so far. Living on society's overwhelming waste is only a stepping stone until free, unowned, sustainable land and livelihood arises.
Common sense says that no land that is owned can be the land of the free nor the brave.
Free means unowned.
Free means no money.
We live in a land of the majority bound and fearful, naysayers without vision.
But my optimistic self sees human beings alive under there somewhere, ready to wake up.
Just on the off chance that there were any money free tribe members that were planning to head to Moab this winter but need an alternative place to go, I've been trying to get a little sustainable money free neomadic prototribe going down in Arizona.
ReplyDeleteI'm in North Central Arizona, in the Verde Valley and am surrounded by abandoned properties and roughly 16 million acres of forest land that's infrequently patrolled by a few very nice rangers. I've been camping around here for three years and never encountered a ranger or tourist while out in the hills.
I've had to delay the build of my bamboo/hemp cloth, pedal powered camper trike for the winter because the natural resins need heat to cure. The goal for the winter is to find a more stable place to setup shop again and find some tribe members to collaborate with, along with spending lots of time in hot springs. The money free thing makes finding a stable spot very tricky in this country but I have faith that the combined energy of a few people with common goals can manifest something.
My two dogs and I are going on a walkabout for a few months starting tomorrow, hoping to find some like minded souls. I've found lots of very remote, resource heavy places to camp and know where all of the good food banks and dumpsters are too. If anyone wants to come do a little primitive living down here for the rest of the winter, I'd love the company. I've posted all about my feelings and mission on CampExist.org. If anyone wants to come camp feel free to post up and introduce yourself at the site, or email at campexist at gmail. I hope to come visit Moab someday when the time is right.
You're a true inspiration Mr. Suelo. :)
Peace,
Ernesto
We own the land we live on and that is the one place where I never quite follow you to. If I didn't own this land, anyone could throw me off. If I worked on making a garden more fertile for 25 years (which we have), someone else could come take it, without being a country of laws? The Rainbows were here a couple of years ago and called us and DEMANDED we find work for them and PAY them -- even tho we don't deal in much money, hire almost nothing done, but because we owned land, we owed them work and payment. So, I don't know. I do know that the God that money IS in this society is sick, and sickens people. Thank you for your work.
ReplyDeleteCG- Do you pay property taxes? If so, the federal government could throw you off. If you don't, well that's very rare outside of Alaska, so nice! People in the lower 48 who "own land" are really just leasing it from someone else (the government) whether they have paid it off or not. Its sad.
DeleteNative tribes around the world had it right from the beginning of 'civilization' - it's impossible to actually own land. As mentioned above, if you pay taxes (ie 'rent'), your property could be condemned under either State or Federal eminent domain clauses. So, 'your' property is actually 'owned' by the gov... BUT, governments are never permanent, so the gov. only pretends to own the land for a temporary period of time. Ultimately, we 'own' nothing - we just have the temporary use of things. We came into this world with nothing, and certainly will leave with nothing.
DeleteIf you think about it, the only reason we have 'law enforcement' and wars is to protect (or in some cases, usurp) 'private' property.
Common sense would dictate that the material things that we use are 'ours' - ie the garden that you have tended to for 25 years in a sense belongs to you - but the ultimate freedom would be when none of us are attached to anything we 'own.'
The tricky part is that no one should be forced into this idealistic ideology. A true 'gift economy' should come about by a grass roots, peaceful revolution of 'defectors' from the System.
Mr. Suelo,
ReplyDeleteI just want to offer some words of support in this uncertain time for you. I have been following you for a couple years now and of course have read the book written about you and the history of the area of Moab. I have deep respect for you as someone who truely lives his beliefs and values. How courageous! Perhaps your current challenges come because you were born before your time. One day you may be regarded as a pioneer of days to come. I do believe the monetary system will one day reach a breaking point and how well will society be prepared?
I have been following others efforts as well and of all the information I have learned from others, one thing stands out. Mark Boyle suggests that just as he used his resources to set himself up for his initial moneyless year back in 2008, perhaps society should be using current resources to prepare for a sustainable tomorrow. There are others who are headed in that direction. In Canada, a small group of some 30ish people are doing just that. Working within the confines of current laws, they have pooled their resources to build a sustainable village and a permaculture farming cooperative, to live on and sell goods to pay their land taxes. Potentially, they will have all they need to live when the monetary system inevitably collapses.
Now I am in no way trying to sway your current directions. I want you to know we too are headed your way, albeit at a much slower pace. You are not alone in your beliefs. You are inspiring to those of us not brave enough to live without our creature comforts. One day the masses will see that sharing and caring are the only currencies that matter.
And so from my middleground I wish you well. I hope your chin will hold high and you will have a warm and caring Holiday Season.
Sincerely, Val V
Are you on fb ernesto? Sounds like a good situation you have carved out in Arizona. Keep it going brother :)
ReplyDeleteTwhitneyosu@gmail.com
FB banned me for being an anti-currency activist but I am on diaspora occasionally. Username ErnestoA at the shrekislove.us pod. Still trying to figure out how it works but its much better than facebook. Arizona is a very special place for lots of reasons and so far, other than a lack of community, has proven to be the most sustainable and hospitable place for nomads that I've found. nice weather, good water, low population density, large remote areas, etc. I really think that a tribe of up to ten people could go relatively unnoticed here.
ReplyDeleteTo the others suggesting land ownership and participation in commerce,
Please remember that by owning land, paying taxes, and participating in commerce, a large portion of the value you add to the world is going to support the slavery systems that you're trying to escape. The taxes on your land and taxes on goods you buy and sell are buying bullets that are being used to kill kids in the name of luxury for a very few. I know that this is what happens and actually see blood spatters on the paper when I see money. Anyone that truly believes in peace but is still dealing in currency and property ownership is living hypocritically and extending tyranny.
Since you have taken control of a large chunk of resources and claimed it as your own, in the system you work within, the only way you can pay back people that you are withholding resources from is to reimburse them, either through barter or currency. The land belongs to all of us and none of us. Better yet, we belong to it. You're kind of living with each of your feet in a different world and in a collapsing economy, that will make you both the enemy of the system and a target for the displaced. Whatever comfort you're experiencing now will likely be offset by equal suffering once the inevitable collapse of civilization happens.
These are just tactical/survival tips and I really wish you all the best.
Merry Christmas, wishing you all peace, health and happiness.
ReplyDeleteHey Suelo, I can understand your burnout with regards to community. I've gone through it myself. Dealing with people is a lot of work, and leading (genuine service leading like Jesus did) is a thankless and tireless job. I think it's a good idea for you to set some kind of limits on the moneyless tribe.
ReplyDeleteSomehow it would be good for people to appreciate the commitment that is needed in order to get a tribe going. You need at least one other committed person to support you in order to keep it running. I am not making any judgments, but it does seem like people just come and go as they feel, and I suppose that's partly been the philosophy. I'm sure it's been an enjoyable and enlightening experience. But speaking as someone who has lived in community for 10 years, that is very taxing on the more permanent members. When things are given easily, then it is easy to take those things for granted. Community is one of those things. -Raj
I've just come along to say three things.
ReplyDelete1) Your life and your blog are an inspiration to me. I do not live without money, but I see its perils - perhaps not as clearly as you do. When I make my decisions and plot my course on life's journey, yours is one of the wise voices I have in mind. Thank you for your example, you influence, your inspiration.
2) About the moneyless tribe - perhaps it is indeed a realistic and forming community, but the net is more loosely woven that you had envisaged? Maybe, like stars coming out at night across the whole sky, this will not be a local phenomenon, but scattered worldwide.
3) I wanted to say God bless you and keep you safe. As we come into the season of sun-return past the solstice, and observe the holy festival celebrating the free spirit of God manifest in a child who owned nothing and had no home, may you be blessed in your endeavours and the path you have taken. It is an expression of the way of God. In 2015 may angels watch over you and your way be blessed.
Keep the faith Suelo.You are planting the seeds of a better society.It may take awhile for those seeds to produce the plant with the intended fruit.Even if we all could turn away from money tomorrow it would be best to transition into it,and create less chaos while doing.We are becoming a regenerative culture in steps.Thanks for all you do!!!!!
ReplyDelete"Living on society's overwhelming waste is only a stepping stone until free, unowned, sustainable land and livelihood arises"
ReplyDeleteYou must realize by now that this is not a "stepping stone" but an aberration, Suelo. Just as wild animals that come scavenging in city dumpsters are considered a nuisance to be eliminated, so we regard humans living off of our waste. It can't be a way forward because the society that produces that obscene amount of waste is doomed. Concentration of wealth and cost-free pollution of the atmosphere now constitute the greatest threat to civilization and what you call "sustainable community". Perhaps you expect a catastrophic collapse of this unsustainable society, and that could happen. Unless and until that collapse comes to pass your way of life will not be allowed. Perhaps then individuals like you may be free to subsist off the land - until barter and trade economies arise again - but it's a double edged sword. You'll find yourself at the mercy of natural events and lawless tribes that would not hesitate to exploit or enslave you. It all comes around to the realization that benign communities don't form spontaneously and we should not be so naive as to indiscriminately trust people who gravitate to our "free" campsite in search of salvation. Not for nothing does Christianity seek to reduce humanity to a flock of sheep, but beware the wolf in sheep's clothing.
"How vain it is to sit down and write when you have not stood up to live"
DeleteHenry David Thoreau
it's a shame that a collapse would have to come in the first place but a system that regards the earth as a commodity to own,exploit,and to work the downtrodden for unsustainable wages is a system that is doomed to fail eventually. does that mean humanity can't live in a somewhat harmonious system and one that respects nature while simultaneously advancing technologically? i think humanity has great potential when socioeconomic engineering techniques are not in place working against our efforts for bettering ourselves and the planet as a whole.
Deleteit seems to best bring about change, one would need to plant the seed far and wide, rather than being complacent. Wouldn't travelling to different areas and planting seeds..alone or with a small group, trying to find hospitable areas that like minded folk could be converted and stay on in there area, while you moved on to sow more seeds. Is that how religion was originally formed? Or is simple existence enough? spreading the word by internet? Technology is a new world, but some old rules still apply.
ReplyDeleteAre you saying that Suelo should travel more? I am not sure if you are aware that he does and has traveled quite extensively. Do you feel called to travel? -Raj
DeleteJust thought that I would add that like for many people, travel for Suelo has been in stages. I've gone through something similar myself. I've traveled for years at a time trying to connect with like minded people, and then I've burnt out a bit on that and desire a bit more of a stable community. One can go through ups and downs with it. I do still feel a need to travel. It gets me out of my comfort zone and challenges me to not get too comfortable or attached.
DeleteJust finished the book featuring your story.
ReplyDeleteI too was born in the early 60’s and share some of your views. I hope your peace can be sustained through the coming years and look forward to reading more of your blogs.
I hope when others read your insights they can act and train others in their own sphere of influence to behave better, truer and more wholesome.
My journey has been different than yours, yet the fundamental truths are the same, I have found my peace, my Buddha, and believe there is universal appeal for each person to take a journey of discovery. Your blog, insights and commentary have surely given strength to people to embark.
Thank you.
If my peace can be sustained through the coming years, it is true.
DeleteIf it cannot be sustained through the coming years, it is illusion.
Either way, truth will be known.
Thanks.
Dan: you're an inspiration! I admire your courage and am touched by your honesty and faith.
ReplyDeleteAs long as you want nothing, the same grace that has guided you for the last 12-13 years will continue to operate and enable you with whatever's needed to create and lead a community, if one is meant to happen by HIS will. Of course, if it's your want to have a community, it 's for you to worry about matters like leadership ability, responsibility, etc; but if you're truly able to let go of wants like you have been able to for so many years, the grace will surely take care of everything by giving you the necessary guidance and ability and all things will transpire as they should. You know this more than anybody else. Just trust what you already know.
What inspires me most about you isn't that you live without money; but that you're able to trust the almighty to provide for whatever's necessary. To live freely without anxiety or worry and to be able to trust and surrender to the loving grace is what inspires me. So if you should start a community, please don't let it be about money; let it be about living fearlessly and about connecting with THAT grace in whose arms one feels unconditional love and freedom. Yes, money's an illusion, and the animal kingdom doesn't use it; but neither do animals use clothes, words, technology, transportation or tools. Everything's indeed an illusion and only love's real. As long as we're using these tools as a means to simplify our life and use all our leisure time to wake up from the illusion and to discover true love, it's not such a bad thing, isn't it?
You may have read stories in Upanishads where Kings renounced their kingdom, and went in search of enlightenment....once they permanently renounced their ego, they came back and ruled their kingdom as liberated sages. Although outwardly attached, inwardly they were totally free. After all, it's this inward freedom's what real, isn't it? There are many fake sadhus in India who appear externally free of attachment but internally burn with desires. Truly liberated ones are free internally, although they make no show of outwardly, isn't it? I think you'll like the poem below.
http://inneryoga.blogspot.com/2006/12/act-playfully-in-world-o-raghava.html
Peace and love my friend,
keep doing what you're doing,
K
Your comment is spot on, K. Thanks.
Delete"Inwardly free from all desires,
dispassionate and detached,
but outwardly active in all directions,
act playfully in the world, O Raghava!"
Suelo,it's a great inspiration you follow.However,extremes are never good.Better to work a little and have a better quality of life,than be constrained to always eating out of dumpsters.The middle path,the golden mean is best.
ReplyDeleteCheck out the FAQs: this one in particular:
Deletehttps://sites.google.com/site/livingwithoutmoney/Home/why-are-you-an-extremist-shouldn-t-you-follow-the-middle-way-between-extremes
Hello Suelo, hope all is well! I love your blog! You are truly an inspiration. I don't know if you've posted anything like this before, but I have two questions if you don't mind answering. One: what advice would you give to the people who would like to live a moneyless life? and ways to get to that point. Two: what spiritual advice would you give someone? Thank you!
ReplyDeleteRead the 'frequently asked questions' section
DeleteK.O. - Yeah, I'd recommend checking out the FAQ. Get back to me if it doesn't answer your questions.
DeleteSuelo, Perhaps you should just do the money less tribe thing during certain parts of the year and the rest of the year do your own thing - travel about,stay with friends,enjoy time in your desert cave contemplating the meaning of life and all that jazz.
ReplyDeleteHello Suelo. Do you pray? If you do, how do you do it and what is your approach to it? Thanks for your help.
ReplyDeleteEvery true action and every true thought is prayer. Prayer cannot be requests, not demands that our own will be done, not assertions, but a giving up of our own will. Prayer itself really can't be ourselves praying, but the energy of the Whole Universe uttering through us. Crying is prayer, praise is prayer, anger is prayer, laughter is prayer, screaming is prayer, singing is prayer, silence is prayer. Birds singing and leaves blowing are prayer. Prayer can be words, leading the mind beyond words into meditation.
DeleteIf you are of Christian tradition, consider what the Lord's Prayer really is. The Lord's prayer is meaningless until we realize it is not a request but a statement, a celebration and a praise of what already is. "Your rule is come. Your will is being done on earth as it is in heaven. You give us this day our daily bread. Now think about this one: You do not lead us into temptation, but you deliver us from evil." If this were a request, it would mean your god is the devil (ie, your ego), who might lead you into temptation. If any of the Lord's prayer is a request, it would come from a covetous heart, a deluded heart, and nothing coming from delusion can be heard by Reality. If you are praying, your prayer is damaging. If it is the Whole praying through you, it is power. When prayer erupts not from you, this Lord's Prayer is a statement, and it will finally make sense and become all powerful to you. Prayer is realizing nothing is our own and nothing can be ours, including what we think is our own will. "Not my will, but yours."
If it were my prayer, it would be called My Prayer. But all true prayer is the Lord's Prayer, or the Utterance of the Entire Universe.
Hello, Suelo, What is your take on depression? Thank you for sharing your insights.
ReplyDeleteP.
Depression = opression.
DeleteNever give up, things will change. I a loan wolf un Singapore, its up and down, found a good volunteer opportunity and spent my days teaching kids to ride, no need to dive here lots of temple give food. Keep going I enjoy your blogs, maybe someday I get to meet you
ReplyDeleteHello Suelo. I am faced with a dilemma which I hope you can assist me with. This is my third day to come to school without money, giving the faith and universe and this lifestyle a shot (although I drive, I could walk, which I plan on doing soon!). As much as I would like to just drop Babylon altogether, I cannot completely right now. Anyways, here is my dilemma: just having faith. Having faith that I will be fed and given whatever else I need throughout the day. Although I live with my family, I just eat when I get home. So, just breakfast, then dinner. Even though coming to school without money may not be seen as a valid step, I believe it is... trust me, I'm hungry right now. However, a local church by campus feeds for free on Thursdays, so I have that taken care of. I got a free sprite from a friend yesterday, which I was super thankful for, as I had not had anything but drinking from the water fountains that day. I can see how this lifestyle helps spiritually, being very thankful for what is given to you. Also, I would just like your input. Is God/the universe simply giving me food back at home, is that when the manifestation happens? Hopefully my post is coherent enough for an answer. I guess I'm just faced with the challenge of faith and manifestation. Thank you for your help.
ReplyDeleteI Gresham's your dilemma. Just as I was freeing myself, I met I mush that took me in and reignited many things I don't want. It took a long time to let go of books, cars, smart phones... And it's very easy to feel like a victim, especially considering my background.
DeleteAll of Mr. Suelo's ideas are not for everyone. Trust your subconscious, which speaks when we don't expectit to. Somehow we are going to have to find out what is true for us. Faith is true. Verb is true. Keep speaking, being silent, asking questions, being confident, loving, and being connected to people.
I'm trying to encourage you, but I need it myself. I'm still in limbo, with one cabbage growing, rent, citizenship, a cell...I decided last week to live rather than die hard. Yet I need help, just like you, to "die daily" (1 Corinthians 15:31,1 John 1:2... I think).
Doing is also part of faith. Trust that everything IS alright, right now. Not easy, but when it works, it WORKS. Hard to explain. But don't forget to DO, to live. Action, movement is part of the picture. As far as I know, of course. Just my two cents. Cheers. P.
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