Join Estelle Willemse as she becomes a committed member of Khula Dhamma eco-village near East London, to live in an eco-friendly, sustainable way in harmony with nature. [for part 1] [part 2], [part 3], [part 4] and [part 5]

It’s 7:52pm and I’m wide awake (usually I would be in bed by now, as the daylight has faded) looking through pictures of my time spent here at Khula Dhamma. Some photos seem completely surreal, as if from another world. I still have to pinch myself every now and then, just to make sure this experience is real.

This past month have been filled with events and ceremonies, birthdays, screenings and parties! Sleeping under the stars has become a regular practice & community relationships are becoming stronger by the day. The community has grown to such an extent that on any given gathering there have been at least 15 people, enough for an intimate celebration!

There have been many talking circles as the whole community pulled together to gather information to set up a new charter. These circles were filled with open-heart discussions and deep moments. One of the ‘tasks’ decided on by the community members was to write down their personal story and vision for Khula Dhamma.

This was a truly blessed experience, as every single resident as well as integrator had a supported chance to speak openly about their life journey, what brought them to Khula Dhamma, and where they were at the present moment. Magically enough, many shared very similar experiences on their life journeys…

With regards to my personal journey, I have decided to attend a 10 day Vision Quest, held in the Skilderkranz Nature Reserve in the foothills of the Kouga Mountain Range, facilitated by two of the residents here. This is an opportunity to undertake an in depth exploration into the nature of one’s being and awaken the gifts that lie dormant within each of us.

As is stated in the introductory letter : “…whatever the reason may be, you will know in the core of your being that the time has come to leave behind what no longer serves you. To heed the call to Quest, demands a steep price. You will die to your outgrown, created image of yourself. You will let go all that is familiar and comfortable to you so you may retrieve - with new eyes - only that which truly enriches a life that serves your soul-potential and others around you…”

The Vision Quest or similar forms of ‘initiation’ is found in all indigenous, nature-based cultures and forms the basis from which to move towards adulthood and a deeper understanding of one’s life purpose. The Quest entails 3 parts: Severance (4 days preparing in base-camp), Threshold (4 days solo-time fasting in wilderness) and Re-integration (2 days story-telling in base-camp).

We will be leaving early tomorrow morning, embracing the beauty of the eastern cape sunrise, and returning on the 25th of March…

See you when I return from my adventure! ;)

“Deep down you know the Truth. You must cross the border. You must take the step. You must inherit your life. You must grow, because growth is required in order for you to survive…”
The Book of the Vision Quest, Steven Foster

“Our demons are our own limitations which shut us off from the realization of spirit…each of these demons are conquered on a Vision Quest.” Joseph Campbell