the cummunity
Art Director
Chi
I am a human being who has realized that freedom only exists in the present moment.
I support myself through others in confronting fear, releasing limiting beliefs, and reconnecting with our true essence. I am passionate about living a conscious life with a community—a space where people can connect, grow, and live in harmony.
My gift lies in inquiring into the nature of the mind and offering insights that awaken self-awareness. In this community, I envision to inspire connection, simplicity, and awareness as we co-create a life rooted in clarity, presence, and resilience.
Tech Lead
Chia
I chose to live in this conscious community from of a deep desire to live a simple, intentional, and profound life. This space challenges me to grow, to be more resilient, and to commit wholeheartedly to a life of awareness and connection.
My journey began over a decade ago during a period of personal upheaval. After losing my job, relationship, and sense of direction, I set out on a path of self-discovery. Traveling through Southeast Asia, I explored yoga, meditation, healing practices, and Buddhist philosophy. A three-year journey across the globe brought me closer to spiritual traditions and teachers, but it wasn’t until I sought the guidance of a mentor that I found clarity.
That pivotal moment led me to Chi, my partner in life and transformation.
Being part of this community now is a natural continuation of that path. Here, I receive the support I need to thrive, share my knowledge and skills, and learn from the diverse experiences of others. It’s a space where I’m challenged, where I can practice and free myself from distractions and limiting beliefs, and embrace a meaningful, sustainable way of living.
A special part of my journey is sharing it with my one-year-old daughter, Chitta, who is not only my greatest teacher but also a vibrant part of this community. Growing up among conscious individuals, she is surrounded by the care and wisdom that will nurture her own growth and contribute to a world she can help shape for generations to come.
Product Manager
Fabian
My journey began at the age of 17 with the diagnosis of a tumor and chronic pain that lasted for over a decade. Throughout this time, I explored countless therapeutic approaches, visited numerous doctors, and spent time in clinics and retreats. Along the way, I immersed myself in books on Western psychology, spirituality, and self-discovery.
In August 2024, I met Chi, Chia, and Chitta, who provided me with deep insights and a long-awaited sense of clarity. Within just four months, my life changed radically. Now, I want to contribute to the community by inspiring others to transform their pain into growth. I have a deep interest in understanding the patterns of the ego — both within myself and others.
Product Designer
Marit
I spent much of my life in school and university, but when I finished my master’s degree in cultural anthropology, I couldn’t see how this degree could help me find happiness or live the life I wanted — a life in community, in nature, and in connection. I didn’t want to live and participate in a system that, in my view, is unhealthy and unable to make people happy.
A few months ago, I met Ursula in a community in Sweden where we made plans to travel around Europe, visit various communities, and learn what we found valuable. In the second community we stayed at, we met Chi, Chia, Chitta, and Fabian and decided to join their conscious community. Since then, I have learned a lot about myself, my underlying beliefs, and the stories I’ve been unconsciously telling myself for years.
My deepest wish is to feel truly at peace with and connected to myself, other beings, and my surroundings. I sometimes experience this deep connection when I’m walking in nature, giving someone a massage, singing with people, playing the piano, or baking and cooking for others. I hope I can learn to feel this connection no matter what I’m doing, to feel present in every moment.
I contribute to this community with my quiet yet critical presence and by spoiling everyone with my cakes and cookies.
Customer Support Lead
Kelly
I was born in Belgium and moved to Spain at 23 years old, where I ran a small family hotel for 20 years. I was overtaken by stress and the busy daily rhythm, where I felt stuck and lost. After being able to let go of that business, I had no idea what I wanted in life and began a year of self-discovery, which led me to this community.
Here, I found support, wisdom, and daily practices that help me connect to myself, be more present, and find clarity within. Feeling the support, love, and care of the community members, along with a delicious plant-based diet, are some of the many benefits you can find here.
This is a space where everybody can be themselves while living with like-minded people, offering countless opportunities to learn and grow in a very supportive way.
HR Lead
Elias
As I approached adulthood, I began to feel more and more that the way society functions and thinks isn't for me. It became clear that I needed to seek out a new path that truly makes sense and is worth living. After about a year and a half of traveling and exploring different living concepts, I joined The Essence in December 2024. I feel that here I finally found something of unique value.
To me, this is more than just a project — it’s the life I want to live. Especially the daily practices, something entirely new to me, have profoundly changed my perspective and brought balance to my life. I’m passionate about finding creative solutions and new approaches to the challenges that arise so we can build a life together rooted in awareness, clarity, and connection.
HR Lead
Ursula
I am drawn to a life of simplicity, creativity, and harmony with nature. I have a love for growing sprouts, collecting wild plants, working in the garden, giving massages, holistic bodywork, and learning more deeply about life. I cherish the connection and growth that come from living in this conscious community and the peace I find in being with plants and animals.
I came to The Essence through the "Wanderuni" project, seeking ways to live more regeneratively on the earth and create systems that support healthy people and thriving ecosystems. Before that, I studied physiotherapy and explored my passions for permaculture, integrative medicine, planetary health, music, and art. My secret talent is licking bowls and pots so clean that people think they haven’t been used.
For me, this journey is about deepening self-knowledge, discovering how to live in community, and embarking on an adventure of a conscious and thriving life.