Escaping the Concrete Jungle

Greetings, All!

Newbie here. In short, writing, as I am experiencing a myriad of adverse health symptoms living in the concrete jungle - with some of the most prevalent being EMF exposure, breathing in asphalt, and noise pollution. I am sensitive to noise to begin with (former trauma) and ready to escape this mess to take back my health and live with the land. As I have formerly lived in a small town with low EMF, low noise pollution, etc. I am aware of the difference location makes in supporting one's health/happiness.

Some ideas I have are living in a tiny house, RV, trailer living etc. Not sure if this is an appropriate forum for this topic. But, I need support. I'm a bit frustrated as everyone I know who has done such successfully comes from a wealthy family (land inherited, parents still support em' into 30s and 40s). Non-judgmental here, as there are many walks of life in this world, BUT the lack of "pay it forward" is what is getting me down. I'm looking at getting back to work after a major medical hardship (again, no support - minus one). Last year, every day, I found myself battling people who didn't support my dreams, goals, or ideals (or, wanted to work against me, sabotage me, take credit for my efforts etc.) As I get older, it is apparent that genuine love and support are needed to make this dream a reality. In addition, I am aiming when all this is said and done to be a raw foodie (currently 80/20) and have a nice space for meditation, yoga, and crafts making - And, hopefully have this as a permanent move!. I'm scared if I end up back "in the grind" I will be eternally stuck there with all my energy sucked away from company politics.

I have one person in life who is supportive, but he has hardships as we all do. When we first met, we were feeding off one another's positive energy and I was beginning to heal internally (no meds - just eating healthy and exercising). Then, life took its course and we both have daily life BS to deal with (which put us both in a bit of a funk). I'm a communicator - he's not. So, he's just going to end up on someone else's land (someone who's wealthy) I'm so frustrated to be back to square one. Trying to be happy for him, but bummed I'm not invited.

So now what?

I'm so sick of being ill every day. I've thought about trying to find some folks to live with, so I can learn by doing and observing. I'm more of a kinesthetic learner than full textbook.

I'm pretty serious and, already a minimalist. I don't even have records, dvds or anything anymore. Just looking to keep life functional, as opposed to trendy. I love the arts, but will put that second to achieve this goal, as well. I'll take only what I need to succeed if it gets me OUT of this concrete mess.

Well, that's all for now! Any insights are appreciated.

Thanks for Reading

Cookie

I empathize with you so much. I was so ill living in the city, and even after moving to the country it took years to get better. My husband and I were able to move even though not wealthy because we had one good year of earning from career, and we saved using what we call the "Poverty Plan" which is basically no matter how much money you're making, you live as frugally as possible. But if someone doesn't have a job in which they can get lucky and make one killing, I think it would be very difficult and take a lot longer.

There are many people here on permies looking for help working their land. Perhaps folks will come on this thread and offer a place to stay. There's also the more formal and usually more expensive option of intentional communities, which always seem to be looking for new people. Many have some kind of entry fee, but all are different, and all have different kinds and degrees of rules.

Tyler,

Thank you for the reply, and for the recommendation of intentional communities. Last year, I spent much of the year researching such, applied to a couple, and interviewed at one. The overall vibe is either too strict or too loose - and a huge flux of folks all the time - no real privacy. Plus, it's kind of like high school, to be honest - you are picked if they "like you" as opposed to what you can contribute or are capable of contributing. I felt utterly rejected after applying twice to an intentional community in Oregon, only to be rejected both times. I feel as if the application wasn't taken as seriously as the time put into it. Essentially, they are the gatekeepers. Of all the IC's the one in Oregon appeared to be pretty rad, with rent for a room in the 400 range and rent for a 1 bedroom apartment at $750 (on 40 acres). I'm also substance-free and extremely health conscious (make everything from scratch). There was alcohol on the property, which I find has no nutritional or spiritual value (although I respect the free will of others)

Working on others' land does sound like a good next step - it's just getting the courage to do so. I have a liberal arts background and have traveled (US/international) as well as lived internationally. I've found some of the land owners to not understand this former lifestyle, as it is likely they have lived on a farm/small town for a huge duration of life. So, it's difficult to come up with a serious pitch.

A huge impetus in getting more serious was meeting someone who was stable after I had been traveling and be-bopping around extensively. It's nice to have someone and a stable place to "come home to" - no matter how small the space. The stability and deep connection with one person, space, and community as opposed to "seeing the world" put my head on straight. Plus, once I'm well again, I much prefer forest trekking as opposed to shopping or other frivolous, non-nonsensical "activities." I prefer trees, bird watching, and sitting by the lake or a hiking to an alpine lake!

Also, I don't typically use technology (well, aside from doing research). I much prefer being engaged with an activity and have a "go-phone" (for practical use). This is, yet another barrier, as I have yet to find some folks who can honestly put a device down to focus on a task. Plus "society" is going more "digital," which has only polluted the cities more with EMF. Most people I knew in my former life spread rumors around that I was "crazy." So now, - there is just me and someone I hold dear to me.

I am sorry to hear you were feeling ill from this EMF health epidemic. Oy! To most, I am deemed a lunatic. What health progress have you made? And, do you mind sharing more about your experience living in "exile?"

Thanks for the reply!

Cookie

For me it was noise, air pollution (I lived in Los Angeles) and a very stressful career (showbiz). I got so I could not hold a job. Years later, after we had moved to Texas, I was diagnosed bipolar (my sister is also). Thanks to the peace and quiet of the country, I am mostly healthy now and take little medication (at least lately). I work at home, still for showbiz but that work is drying up and going away, which is fine with me because it's still too stressful (deadlines). But this work going away rather suddenly means we're now on the Poverty Plan for real. These days I spend most of my time working outdoors on projects I've put off for years, and come onto permies during rest breaks. And I work a little for my husband's home business which is still very small.

I have the same reservations about intentional communities that you seem to have, that they are quite possibly a popular kids' club and the wrong kind of weirdos need not apply. But I don't get along well around people, so unless my only other option would be to live in a cardboard box under an overpass, I would probably never personally try to join one. Seems like there ought to be another option such as living on a corner of someone else's land with some basic mutual agreement but none of the in-your-faceness of an intentional community.