In the forests of New Zealand, people from around the world came together to rediscover themselves and reconnect with the Earth.
It has been my dream for tens of years to create a place where people from around the world could come together and connect deeply with their true selves, with one another, with nature, and with Earth itself. After exploring many places across the globe and trying out some of them, I finally arrived in New Zealand, a land where nature feels primordial and pure.
Little by little, over ten years, with the generous help of those who share my dream, I developed what I call an Earth Village on the North Island of New Zealand. It is still growing, but already there are spaces where people can rest, reflect, and meditate, returning their minds to the zero point and opening their hearts wide. Together with my team, we created forest walking paths, meditation platforms and gardens, a sauna, and an outdoor natural carbonated mineral water bath.
Although Earth Village has welcomed visitors before, only recently did I feel we were ready to invite a larger gathering. We decided to host a Forest Healing Festival where people from around the world could rediscover themselves in the New Zealand forest, supported by community and the principles and practices of Brain Education. We aimed to facilitate an awakening of consciousness, a deep connection with nature, and the elevation of humanity in order to create a world of harmonious coexistence.
Where People Join in Harmony
We invited people from around New Zealand and Body & Brain Yoga and Tai Chi centers in the United States, South Korea, Japan, and Europe to bring groups of their members for this five-day event.
As we prepared for the event, we received additional support. Eighty-one young volunteers from nineteen countries on working holidays came to help prepare the village. They set up glamping tents, installed eco-friendly showers and restrooms, prepared a stage and sound system, and created a Mongolian tent for training and gathering.
I also spoke about the spirit of “Arirang,” which resonates with the New Zealand spirit of Kia Ora. I told those present, “Although our bodies are separate, our minds and spirits are one, which is why we have met here. My choice to choose New Zealand and your choice to be here have created this moment. I feel rewarded for coming here.” I also sang “Arirang” and played the flute.
The Global Collective Meditation
On the third evening, we held performances and a global collective meditation.
I gave my own speech and performance and sang “You Raise Me Up,” joined by the audience. I spoke of the value of Earth Village and told them, “Enlightenment is not something you learn. Enlightenment comes to those who are prepared. It comes to me like sunlight, like starlight.”
That evening’s performances and meditations were streamed live on YouTube. Earth Citizens joined from around the world, including New Zealand, Taiwan, Italy, France, Germany, Latvia, Canada, Brazil, Portugal, Luxembourg, the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, Turkey, and South Korea.
You can watch the recording and become a part of it as well:
After that evening, many people asked how they could contribute to the future of Earth Village. Some even proposed plans for larger retreats of 2,000 to 3,000 participants. We also received heartfelt encouragement through the Forest Healing Festival Facebook page.
By the end of the festival, almost 900 people had gathered, either for the day or staying in tents, vans, and glamping sites across Earth Village. All the sites harmoniously blended together, creating a vibrant, bustling atmosphere.
Dreams Do Come True
I have long dreamed that this would become a place where all Earth Citizens can meet nature, meet the Earth, and encounter their own divinity. Our beginning may have been humble, but our end will be magnificent and grand. Those who hold a great dream are themselves great. A dream dreamed alone may be small, but a dream dreamed together possesses a magnificent energy. If we choose it, it will happen.
I offer Earth Village to humanity and the Earth. What greater joy could there be than welcoming people from around the world to experience happiness, reconnect with themselves, and encounter Brain Education here?
Earth Village is just beginning. Let us nurture this dream and make it grow—together.
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