I'm actively scouting around for my own plot of land, so this resonates with me.
> That being said, recently I have been feeling that all my efforts are for not, sure I might be making the world a better place in my own small way but for what purpose?
There's two things there to unpack.
First, making our part of the world better is really all we can do.
I'm a big fan of "be the change you want to see in the world". Be a role model. Show others why doing this is a good thing.
If that proves unworkable, then, well, as the saying goes, "there's your problem."
Educate others, but when they push back -- listen. Don't shout over them, or insult them. Understand why they push back, and either learn to address their concerns, or adapt your world-view to encompass them.
The second part -- what's the purpose? -- is something only you can answer.
I love nature. Especially trees. Living in Tokyo, you really start to miss trees and green spaces.
The Tokyo mindset seems to be, "oh, look, there's a bit of dirt, we could pour concrete on that."
That's why I want some land. I'm not trying to change the world, or score points from other people. My motivation is purely intrinsic -- I want that for me. And because I believe it makes the world nicer, but since I live in the world, that's also something for me.
Probably also for my future kids. I want them to be at home anywhere, whether it's rural nowhere, or a dense urban core. Far too many people have only one perspective, and it limits them.
Figure out why things matter to you. If it's because you want something from other people, validation or what-have-you -- and I am not saying that is the case -- then you're just going to be disappointed.
> I guess my point is every inch of soil I build and every tree I protect is like money in the bank, I can cash in at any time I want. The truth is every day I get more tired and feel the pull to cash it all in for my own selfish gains.
Well, which would make you happier? More money in the bank, or having your own personal forest?
Interesting fact, it was a Japanese farmers book that started me off on my path towards owning this property.
I too was living in a big city and felt the pull back to nature, then I read a tiny book called "One Straw Revolution" and I was sold on the simpler life.
I guess it's kind of a grass is greener situation as I have recently been missing living in the city with all the services offered there but when I was there I wanted to live in the country.
I think I will take the day off tomorrow (after my chores) and go for a couple hour walk through the bush, maybe it will refresh my attitude if I take a break from the grind.
> I guess it's kind of a grass is greener situation as I have recently been missing living in the city with all the services offered there but when I was there I wanted to live in the country.
Emotions matter. You're feeling that way for a reason, and should probably dig a bit into that.
Maybe it might help to sit down and list out what it is you miss, and why?
That'd give you a good starting point to see if you can't fix some of those things.
You can also book an AirBnB in a city and go spend some time there, which might help you gain a better sense of perspective.
>then I read a tiny book called "One Straw Revolution" and I was sold on the simpler life.
Good book, I have read it. Check out Krishna McKenzie of Solitude Farm, Auroville, India. An Englishman who studied at a J. Krishnamurti school in England, read that One Straw book by Masanobu Fukuoka while still in school, was so influenced by it that he went to Auroville and started a farm there (with a few others), based on Fukuoka's natural farming and permaculture's principles - all this, 25 years ago, and he is still going strong there. He has many videos on his Youtube channel about his farm work, edible weeds of the area, their farm cafe where they sell/serve healthy organic food made from their farm products, food and medicinal values of the 140-odd species they grow there, making permaculture circle gardens, hedgerows, mulch trenches, growing with high biodiversity, etc.
> That being said, recently I have been feeling that all my efforts are for not, sure I might be making the world a better place in my own small way but for what purpose?
There's two things there to unpack.
First, making our part of the world better is really all we can do.
I'm a big fan of "be the change you want to see in the world". Be a role model. Show others why doing this is a good thing.
If that proves unworkable, then, well, as the saying goes, "there's your problem."
Educate others, but when they push back -- listen. Don't shout over them, or insult them. Understand why they push back, and either learn to address their concerns, or adapt your world-view to encompass them.
The second part -- what's the purpose? -- is something only you can answer.
I love nature. Especially trees. Living in Tokyo, you really start to miss trees and green spaces.
The Tokyo mindset seems to be, "oh, look, there's a bit of dirt, we could pour concrete on that."
That's why I want some land. I'm not trying to change the world, or score points from other people. My motivation is purely intrinsic -- I want that for me. And because I believe it makes the world nicer, but since I live in the world, that's also something for me.
Probably also for my future kids. I want them to be at home anywhere, whether it's rural nowhere, or a dense urban core. Far too many people have only one perspective, and it limits them.
Figure out why things matter to you. If it's because you want something from other people, validation or what-have-you -- and I am not saying that is the case -- then you're just going to be disappointed.
> I guess my point is every inch of soil I build and every tree I protect is like money in the bank, I can cash in at any time I want. The truth is every day I get more tired and feel the pull to cash it all in for my own selfish gains.
Well, which would make you happier? More money in the bank, or having your own personal forest?