From City to Nature: A Journey of Transformation and Rediscovery

For the majority of my life, I was a city and suburbia person, enjoying all the benefits of urban living with little interest in the outdoors. My initial reaction to encountering any bug was to squash it, driven by the ignorance that it might be a foreign invader set to harm me or take over my house. In reality, most creatures are harmless and only pose a threat when provoked, if any. In hindsight, I realize my ignorance stemmed from fear—a fear nurtured by a system that pampers you with comforts and minimizes your thinking to your daily job. This daily enslavement uses most of your energy in exchange for coins that you spend on distractions from the city's harsh reality.

City dwellers often strive to collect as many coins as possible, either to escape their urban confines or buy objects that distract them. Personal space is limited, confined to living quarters, and stepping outside means adhering to the rules of a perfect community but most importantly, spending money. This dystopian world traps most humans, creating a mental prison where fear keeps you in the cage, running on the hamster wheel. Kids brimming with energy are medicated to keep them calm, preserving the delicate constructs of this artificial reality.

Yet, amid the concrete jungles and neon lights, a pervasive sense of dissatisfaction lingers. Many city dwellers find themselves grappling with an underlying unhappiness, stemming from a lack of true purpose. The pursuit of material wealth and societal approval often leaves a void, as the deeper connections to nature, community, and self-discovery are overlooked.

Years passed, and I acquired a piece of land, hoping to build something for myself and escape the shackles of our pseudo-perfect system. The decision was driven by a realization that city life was unsustainable. Despite working as an engineer and making relatively good money, it was still not enough to buy a home unless I committed to an unwise 20-30 year mortgage. Such a pact almost guarantees a lifetime of financial slavery. It's intriguing how people accept such offers without fully understanding the true cost of construction and the immense amount of time they are sacrificing.

This step outside my comfort zone was where the magic began, but it came at a cost. Living outside the city's protection required syncing with a system I felt I had little in common with—nature, which sent bugs and unknown creatures my way. It was a journey of learning, initially filled with doubts and challenges.

At first my physical health was poor, my diet consisted of processed foods, and I was not keen on learning new things, confident in my mechanical engineering degree from a certified university. I questioned what I could possibly learn outside the classroom and why I should bother with tasks that wouldn't yield more coins. Like many city dwellers, I believed work had to be compensated with money, and if the pay was insufficient, it was acceptable to reject such offers.

The idea behind my initial rejection of nature was not just a lack of interaction but also the system's teachings that nature constantly wants to kill us, as Jordan Peterson often mentions. However, I believe this fear stems more from a lack of understanding. Many humans (outside our system) still successfully live in harmony with nature, finding balance and fulfillment.

Ironically, life often teaches us that everything is the opposite of what we were taught. As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, resources dwindled, and external help disappeared. I felt compelled to step out of my comfort zone and explore what lay beyond it. Tasks like shoveling dirt and building trails, which seemed burdensome at first, became necessary. City dwellers pay for gym memberships to tune their bodies in synthetic ways, attempting to emulate the natural benefits of living in harmony with nature.

The initial weeks were emotionally complex, but as I integrated into this natural system, I began to see results both physically and psychologically. The journey taught me that the true potential of humans lies beyond the confines of urban life, in reconnecting with nature and discovering a more meaningful existence.

I noticed a profound shift in my mindset. The once daunting tasks became meditative practices, grounding me in the present moment. The fear that initially paralyzed me transformed into a curiosity about the world around me. I started to see nature not as an adversary but as a partner in my journey. The bugs that once frightened me became subjects of fascination. Each new plant I encountered held the promise of discovery and learning, especially in medicinal benefits.

As my physical health improved, so did my mental clarity. The processed foods of my past were replaced with fresh, homegrown produce. My body responded positively to this change, shedding the ailments that plagued me in the city. I felt stronger, more energetic, and more connected to the rhythms of the natural world.

Psychologically, the benefits were even more profound. The relentless pursuit of coins and material possessions gave way to a search for deeper meaning. I began to understand the wisdom in the old adage that money can't buy happiness. The joy I found in tending to my garden, building trails, and simply being in nature was unparalleled. It was a joy that didn't come with a price tag, a joy that was rooted in a sense of purpose and connection.

This newfound sense of purpose was something I had been missing in the city. Many of my fellow urbanites were unhappy, not because they lacked material wealth, but because they lacked a deeper sense of fulfillment. The city's fast pace, the constant noise, and the superficial connections left them feeling isolated and unfulfilled. In contrast, my life in nature offered a sense of peace and purpose that was deeply satisfying.

As time passed, I discovered that every plant, bug, and entity in nature has a purpose in the ecosystem. This understanding deepened my appreciation for the natural world and my role within it. The interconnectedness of all living things became evident, and I realized that each creature, no matter how small, contributes to the balance and health of the environment.

The journey from city to nature was not without its challenges, but it was a journey worth taking. It taught me the value of stepping outside my comfort zone, embracing the unknown, and reconnecting with the natural world. It reminded me that true happiness and fulfillment come not from accumulating wealth, but from living a life of purpose, connection, and harmony with nature.

As I continue to grow and learn in this natural setting, I am reminded daily of the beauty and wisdom that nature offers. The fear that once held me back has been replaced with a sense of wonder and gratitude. I am no longer a city dweller trapped in a mental prison. I am part of nature, living in harmony with the world around me, and discovering the true potential of what it means to be human. We truly are part of nature, and in recognizing this, we find our place and purpose in the grand tapestry of life.