Have you ever wanted to live off the grid and follow an alternative lifestyle? A lifestyle that lets you connect with nature, make friends with like-minded people, and excel at self-sufficiency. Before doing all that, you need to master the basics of off-the-grid living, and taking a course or workshop is the most effective way.
Sanctuaries such as Azhen Sanctuary (a retreat spread across 160 acres) give you a chance to do precisely that. They offer educational courses and workshops to guide you through buying land, building your own house and becoming self-sufficient.
Here is some information about the courses available and why living in nature is healthy.
Some reasons for off-grid living
Science shows that being in nature and living close to it positively affects your mental and physical health and makes you feel happier, healthier and calmer.
Being in nature helps reduce stress, improve mood and boost self-esteem. Spending time outside is also good for your mental and physical health, which is why you need to make time for it each day.
What is an off-grid sanctuary?
It means that the sanctuary is self-sufficient and doesn't rely on outside resources like the grid or utilities. It has solar panels and a wind turbine, which power it year-round. The water catchment system collects rainwater and filters it through a biofilter before being used for drinking or irrigation purposes.
In addition to working as an organic farm and education center, these sanctuaries also hope to help increase environmental awareness by helping reforestation efforts in the local areas where they are located.
Some sanctuaries are indigenously owned, allowing you to learn about indigenous teachings and live a modern lifestyle while remaining in touch with oneself and nature. You also get to communicate with the elders in their community and observe their way of life. Staying in these is a unique experience.
What courses do they offer?
Sanctuaries focusing on off-grid living offer various courses that teach you how to live off-grid and become self-sufficient in your land. They include things like a permaculture design course (which teaches planning techniques), medicinal herb courses (which teach how to grow and harvest wild plants), building natural homes with modern techniques (which teaches construction techniques) and more!
The staff at the sanctuary are experts in each field so that they can guide people through their learning process while still giving them space if needed during their time there.
Things that you can expect to learn from an off-grid sanctuary
Land design and layout
Planning is essential for future needs when it comes to land design and layout. Your project will likely expand over time, so ensure you have enough space for everything now and in the future. You should also consider what type of terrain you want on your land.
For example, if your goal is to grow food, then a flat piece of land might be best—this way, you can quickly flood it during the rainy season when water is needed to irrigate crops.
Building solar and micro hydro power
Off-grid sanctuaries are often fueled by sustainable and renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or hydroelectric power. Both solar and micro-hydro are common in off-grid settings because they're both efficient, long-lasting, and cost-effective. These two forms of energy have been used for centuries to power homes and businesses worldwide!
Finding the right tools for off-grid living
You can only get started with off-grid living if you have the right tools. While searching for efficient tools for alternative living, here are some things to consider:
- Functionality
- Durability/reliability
- Design and ease of use/maintenance
These are some things about off-grid living that you learn at places like Azhen Sanctuary, allowing you to live a happier, healthier life. It will enable you to connect with nature, understand the value of community living, and become self-sufficient. You also learn a lot of things and gain skills along the way.