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Chapter 1: Where do we come from?
Some days are inbetween days. Some days are something more.
“Viktor. Viktor! Viktor!!”
Viktor looks around, why the shouting? Viktor turns around to face the speaker. “Everything’s dead,” the speaker says.
Viktor glances at his laptop humming along. “Viktor,” the speaker says, “all the power’s been cut”. Viktor wonders
why this has to concern him while he’s in the middle of things. Viktor looks at the laptop again as a network
connection failure comes up. “Just because the wifi goes out doesn’t mean you have to shout at, or even involve me”
says Viktor.
This document summarizes the extensive conversation and planning for a self-sustaining, off-grid retreat center and intentional community in Peru, based on sustainability, personal growth, community living, and Human Design principles.
I. Project Vision & Goals:
- Core Idea: Creating a self-sustaining, off-grid retreat center and intentional community in Peru. The project is driven by a social and environmental impact mission, aiming to be a model for a more harmonious way of life.
- Focus: Sustainability, personal growth (using Human Design), community living, and creating a positive social and environmental impact.
- Location: Initially focused on the Santa Eulalia Valley, then shifted to the Oxapampa/Villa Rica region (cloud forest), briefly considered Junín, and is now focusing on areas north of Villa Rica.
- Land Requirements: Approximately 20 hectares, with suitable terrain for earth-sheltered construction, access to water (ideally a stream), and some flat areas for gardening.
- Self-Sufficiency: A key goal is a high degree of self-sufficiency in food, energy, and water.
- Long-Term Residency: Intention to create a community for long-term residents (6+ months), posing visa challenges.
- Non-Profit/Social Impact: The project is driven by a social and environmental mission, not profit maximization.
II. Location Exploration:
- Santa Eulalia Valley (Initially):
- Pros: Closer to Lima, higher altitude (fewer insects), drier climate.
- Cons: Less lush vegetation, potentially limited water, steeper terrain.
- Junín Plateau (Briefly Considered):
- Pros: Vast open spaces, spiritual significance.
- Cons: Very high altitude, extreme climate, limited vegetation, challenging for agriculture.
- Oxapampa/Villa Rica (Current Focus):
- Pros: Lush cloud forest environment, abundant water, suitable altitude for diverse crops.
- Cons: More insects and wildlife, potentially challenging terrain, further from Lima.
- Specific Areas: Three potential plot locations identified north of Villa Rica, prioritizing pastureland or less intensive coffee cultivation, access to streams, and moderate slopes.
III. Practical Considerations:
- Land Acquisition:
- Challenges: High coffee prices have increased land values. Competition for land. Difficulty finding online listings.
- Strategies: Focus on land not in intensive coffee production (pasture, secondary forest), consider smaller farms or partnerships, prioritize local contacts.
- Budget: Estimated $100,000 - $240,000 for 20 hectares, depending on location and features.
- Construction:
- Earth-sheltered homes are a priority, requiring careful site selection (soil stability, slope orientation) and specialized construction techniques. Considering rammed earth and/or other sustainable building materials as alternatives or in combination.
- Infrastructure needs: Access road, water system, electricity (likely off-grid), wastewater system, communication infrastructure (internet access).
- Water Feature:
- Ideally, a stream that can be dammed to create a pond. Requires planning, engineering, and permitting.
- Temporary housing
- Exploring options while permanent housing is built, including simple structures like tambos, yurts, or pre-fabricated cabins.
- Considering leasing land for temporary use, possibly.
- Cost of Living (Pre-Self-Sufficiency):
- Estimated $400-$800/month per person for a frugal lifestyle.
- Total Project Budget:
- Realistically estimated at around $2 million USD, including land, construction, infrastructure, and operating expenses.
IV. Funding & Legal:
- Funding Challenges: Large funding gap between current capital ($1,000) and project cost.
- Funding Strategies:
- Phased approach: Seeking funding in stages (land, infrastructure, construction).
- Targeted investors: Impact investors, philanthropists, foundations aligned with the mission.
- Potential crowdfunding or pre-selling retreat stays.
- Exploring a sponsor for the $1,000/month income required for the Rentista visa.
- Grants: Researching potential grants from organizations focused on sustainability, permaculture, and community development in Peru/Latin America.
- Visa Requirements:
- Initial entry to Peru is visa-free for New Zealand citizens (up to 183 days).
- Long-term residency requires a visa (Rentista visa is likely, but income requirement is a challenge).
- Allowing visitors/residents 6+ months poses visa challenges. Requires legal consultation.
- Legal Structure:
- Considering non-profit, for-profit, or hybrid models.
- Need for a Peruvian immigration lawyer is critical.
- The choice of legal structure will have significant implications for tax liability, funding options, and operational flexibility. Requires careful consideration and legal advice.
V. “Bugs and Scary Creatures”:
- Cloud Forest (Oxapampa/Villa Rica): Higher diversity of insects (mosquitoes, sandflies, etc.) and wildlife (spiders, snakes). Requires precautions (mosquito nets, insect repellent, awareness of surroundings) and a degree of adaptation.
- Higher Andes (Santa Eulalia): Generally fewer insects and lower risk of snake encounters, but it is important to remember scorpions and spiders may still be present.
- Deepening Research:
- Soil analysis (using remote sensing data).
- Dam permitting regulations in Peru.
- Refining understanding of the coffee market’s impact on land prices.
- Permaculture Design: Preliminary research into permaculture principles and their application to the chosen site, including water harvesting, food forest design, and animal integration.
- Community Building: Researching best practices for establishing and maintaining a thriving intentional community, including conflict resolution, decision-making processes, and shared governance.
- Developing a “Hypothetical Scenario”: Creating a detailed plan for the project, including location, land use, water feature, financial projections, and social/environmental impact.
- Preparing for Future Contact: Refining the project vision, developing a “one-minute pitch,” and creating a detailed proposal.
VII. Key Decisions Made:
- Shifted Focus to Oxapampa/Villa Rica Region: Prioritizing the cloud forest environment.
- Prioritized Land Not in Intensive Coffee Production: To mitigate high land prices.
- Emphasized Social Impact: Framing the project as a social experiment and model for sustainable living.
- Adopted a Phased Funding Approach.
- Prioritized Legal Counsel: Recognizing the crucial role of a Peruvian immigration lawyer.
- Accepted a Frugal Lifestyle: Minimizing living expenses initially.
- Prioritized Water Availability: Made water availability (ideally a stream suitable for damming) a primary criterion for site selection.
- Temporary housing and land: a good idea.
VIII. Communication Plan (Preliminary):
- Develop a communication plan to guide interactions with potential stakeholders:
- Website/online presence (eventually).
- Informational materials (brochure, presentation).
- Social media strategy (longer-term).
Next Steps: Continue pre-contact research, refine the project vision, and prepare for outreach to potential funders and local contacts.
In the gene Keys teachings, there’s a beautiful and timely insight from the 46th Gift of Delight: “The formula for a wonderful life is so simple — tread lightly and don’t worry so much. Life will take you where it wants you to go.”
This is especially pertinent on a Monday in January, when many might be feeling the weight of expectations or plans for the year ahead. The wisdom here is to remember that you don’t have to hold everything so tightly or take it all so seriously. The more we can release our grip on how things “should” be and find delight in how things actually are, the more naturally life can unfold.
This isn’t about abandoning our goals or responsibilities - rather, it’s about holding them with a lighter touch, maintaining our sense of playfulness and wonder even as we move through our tasks and challenges. Each moment carries its own gift if we’re open to receiving it with a light heart.
Ah,..
That’s the big question. I sort of have a goal, I sorf of have a vision. I get some visions, and then get carried away in a direction that I never intended, or did I?
So who am I, well I’m Ben… I come from somewhat of a technical background, but my priorities are changing. I’m learning more and more to tgap into the deep unconscious wisdom of the universe. I can be like “Let the universe provide for me” pause for a moment .. and yet there is nothing. There are times of depth, and times of in between. And the more I learn, the more I feel we both must learn, and understanding, but only to unlearn and forget. It’s like we have to grasp things so we can let go of them.
Discovering Your Inner Superpower with Human Design
What if you had a superpower that’s been quietly guiding your life all along? That’s what Human Design is all about. It’s like finding your personal blueprint that reveals why certain things energize you while others leave you drained. Human Design isn’t about becoming someone new, but embracing who you’ve always been.
Yoga: Moving Like a Kid Again
Remember the joy of moving freely as a child? That’s the spirit of yoga. Forget perfection or intimidating poses. All you need is your body, breath, and a comfy place to sit. Explore what feels good, letting your body take the lead. Yoga is less about doing it “right” and more about doing it in a way that’s right for you.
Safety in yoga, human design, and embodiment work encompasses both what I seek to offer as a facilitator and what I hope participants can recognise within themselves.
What I offer:
- A trauma-informed approach guided by your unique Human Design
- Unconditional permission to honour your authentic experience
- Invitations to explore, not obligations to perform
- Holding space without agenda or attachment
- Compassionate presence and attunement
- Clear boundaries and agreements
What I hope you discover:
For me, the practice of yoga is a dynamic exploration of the wild and wonderful ways our bodies can move, fueled by the wisdom of intuition rather than the confines of tradition.
It’s a playground where we get to marvel at the magic of breath, discover the delights of embodied expression, and honor the unique dance that unfolds when we let our inner knowing lead the way.
With each spontaneous stretch, each unleashing of authentic movement, we reconnect to the inherent freedom that pulses within. Melting the rigidity of “right” and “wrong”, we open to the adventure of allowing aliveness to animate us without apology.
Discover Your Natural Decision-Making Style
Everyone has their own unique way of navigating life - understanding yours can help you feel more confident in your choices and more at ease in your daily life.
In these focused 40-minute sessions, we’ll explore your Human Design - think of it as your personal operating manual. Rather than adding more rules to follow, we’ll work together to recognise and trust your natural way of being.
To provide you with a Human Design reading, I need:
- Your birth date
- Birth time
- Birth location
I keep detailed session notes to:
- Track insights and patterns from our work together
- Support your ongoing journey if we continue working together
- Improve my practice and understanding
This information is shared with:
- 64keys.com for chart calculation and analysis
- Anthropic for research and service improvement
- Other practitioners I might consult with for professional development
Your information helps contribute to the broader understanding and development of Human Design practice. However, your privacy is important:
Your Human Design Session with Ben
- A relaxed 40-minute exploration of your Human Design and how it shows up in your life
- We’ll focus on what feels most relevant for you in the moment
- The session includes both conversation and simple embodied awareness practices
- After our initial chat to ensure we’re a good fit, I’ll draw up your chart before our session
- Sessions can be in-person (New Zealand) or online via Zoom
- Come as you are - no special preparation needed
