The Limitations of External Authority

Markus and I have often talked about how deeply ingrained authority and hierarchy are in our society — but we feel this doesn’t align with the natural order of the universe, where everyone is equal and fully responsible for their own life. Through our personal journeys, especially when it came to health, we had to step away from relying on external experts who couldn’t provide the answers we needed. Instead, we had to become our own authority, our own teachers. For us, real healing and well-being start with looking within and understanding the root causes ourselves, not handing over that responsibility to others. At the same time, we see how the world is facing massive challenges — from soil destruction to the risks of AI — while so many stay focused on profit and personal gain.

Rethinking Success and Growth

Together, we’ve come to question what success really means. We see how the constant chase for wealth and status is driven by ego and the need to satisfy individual desires, often at the expense of the planet and all living beings. For us, true growth doesn’t come from external accomplishments or material possessions. It’s about growing vertically — through self-discovery and deepening our understanding of who we really are. We believe that instead of getting lost in building companies or chasing more, it’s far more powerful to be present and connected to what truly matters inside.

The Path to Inner Freedom and Happiness

What we’ve found is that freedom and happiness aren’t things we can find outside of ourselves. They come from simply being, from letting go of attachments and the endless seeking of external things. And when we’re in that space of stillness and presence, it not only transforms us but naturally impacts those around us in a positive way. Life, for us, is about experiencing and embracing what’s already within — all the sensations and emotions that make us human — instead of chasing after fleeting external highs.

Embracing Individuality and the Spiritual Path

A big part of our journey has been learning to let go of societal expectations and discovering who we are at our core. The spiritual path, as we see it, isn’t something you can package or teach in a conventional sense. It’s an inner, deeply personal journey that asks us to surrender ego, illusions, and what we think we know, and to courageously look at our true nature. It’s not always easy — in fact, it’s rare — but we believe it’s the only way to become fully conscious, fully ourselves.

Sustainability and Harmony with Nature

We often reflect on how the systems we live in today — systems that prioritize growth and security at all costs — have led to so much destruction, from weapons of mass destruction to environmental collapse. What’s needed is a shift in perspective, a return to living in harmony with nature. We admire examples of this, like a woman we know who left the modeling world and joined a community living sustainably with an African tribe. This tribe moves with the animals, uses natural resources respectfully, and celebrates the life they take for food, showing a deep connection to the earth. It’s a stark contrast to life in places like Chicago, where convenience has replaced basic human skills like cooking, creating, and truly connecting with the world around us.