We have spent the last few weeks in Italy.
It was like a movie, I had to remind myself over and over again that everything was real.
We live a great life, connecting in wonderful places with many people with whom it is a real pleasure to spend these days.

We had a busy year: 15 camps in one year, 152 camp days. During this time, nearly 160 people attended Dharmaral camps. And in a week's time, our camp in France will begin.

Lessons and observations

I learned a lot about compassion, openness and the diversity of human nature. Humans are truly social beings, and everyone longs for a sense of belonging. It has reinforced the idea that people are inherently good and free, but that the mirror in front of them is often distorted by social systems. Human nature can truly soar when we break down the patterns and connect to a simpler, more natural way of life.

Freedom and free will

I believe in freedom, free life and free will. I believe in karma. We humans are free, and we define ourselves by our own actions, by our own thinking. It is important that everyone puts their own humanity first and not allow themselves to be influenced by something that they do not want to become their quality.

The human capacity for change

We are inherently capable of change. We are capable of becoming better, purer and more human. The Buddha's thinking is always wandering in the present, emphasising that you must be the best version of yourself here and now, and that the past cannot define you. The present is where you get new possibilities.

Meditation and stress management

People often tell me that it is difficult to be conscious and ask me how to start on this path. What do I do when I'm tired, when I'm weary? How do I not open a bar of chocolate and eat it all when I am sad? How do I de-stress at the end of the week, if not by drinking alcohol? When I feel all the burdens weighing on my shoulders and despair weaves its way through my being, I sit down and meditate. I let go of the outside world, let it happen, and don't think. Human nature is constantly changing and flowing, and true peace comes when we recognize and accept this variability.

Moral framework and inner peace

The past year has taught me that the focus should be on understanding and developing human nature from within. We need a moral framework in order to be truly free. And to achieve inner peace and awareness, we need will. If you really want it, you get closer to it every day.

Are you free if you're always doing something else?
Are you free if you find fault in everything?
Are you free if you are always influenced by others?
Are you free when fears have you pinned down?
Are you free if the silence inside makes you afraid? 

No, because your attention and energy are tied up in other people's problems instead of focusing on yourself.

No, because your negative attitude prevents you from enjoying life and its opportunities.

No, because you are not in control of your life, you are under the influence of others.

No, because fears inhibit personal development and happiness.

No, because without understanding and accepting the inner silence you will not find inner peace.

We need to be able to control and curb these ups and downs that cause us to doubt. Settle your consciousness, live with free will and take control of your karma to guide your behaviour.

What is common to human nature? 

Everyone wants one thing: to be free from the past and live a much freer life in the future. 

According to the Buddha's teachings, people are responsible for their actions, and these actions shape their future destiny. According to the law of karma, the consequences of good and bad deeds are reflected in one's life, which means that one should be able to make ethical choices, which implies the existence of free will.

We humans are fallible, we make mistakes and sometimes we lose our way. But we have the ability to live this great life freely if we really want to. 

There is always help, and don't be afraid to ask for help as there are great people living their lives alongside us, be thankful to the universe that we are living ours at the same time. 

 

It's important to think carefully about who you have on your side, because only with those who genuinely support and inspire you can you achieve true freedom. Let us choose our environment wisely, because the key to freedom lies not only in ourselves but also in those around us.