Hello van-dwelling/minimalist/cheaprvliving community!
I first want to say that the message, mission, and atmosphere of this entire site has brought me great joy as I feel as though I have finally found my tribe. There are some things that I really wish to ask those more experienced than myself, as this is a very difficult time of my life, but I truly feel as though this community is the one in which I will find the most helpful advice.
Although I am very young, (16 years old, 17 in April, Junior in High School) I have studied spirituality my entire life, as I grew up in a parochial Lutheran school. I have been certain since before I could read and write that I wanted to pursue spirituality. It wasn't until about 2 years ago that I discovered Hinduism and Buddhism, and though I don't subscribe to any particular religion, I would say that the principles of those two beliefs are the primary foundation of my own, but I'm kindof doing my own thing. I have decided that I want to devote my life to a monk-like lifestyle, living off of only the bare essentials necessary and spending each and every moment of my life in the pursuit of the enlightenment and awakening of all the people on the planet. It is an unbearable surge within myself, sortof like a mission that I cant possibly not fulfill. Some call this being a Starseed or Bodhisattva, I'm jsut being me. I do not feel the need to pursue any particular civilized career, as I have no need for the pursuit of possessions. This is why I am here, because I believe the van dwelling lifestyle will provide me with the perfect amount of simplicity and oneness with the planet to live my life for others. (I promise I'm getting to point soon! xD)
The curse beneath the blessing of being so spiritually aware at such a young age is according to the U.S public school system, if I don't have a plan or a college admission, I am a failure. I try hard not to let the opinions of other effect my inner happiness, because I am aware that I am the only controller of my emotions, but I still am unsure. I know that living life on the road I will need a source of income, so I must prepare to learn a trade, but I don't know what trade to learn that would be the most versatile on the road. So now I am here, seeking the advice of my elder van dwellers, to ask a few simple questions, because I am very lost.
1.) Is there anything wrong with someone changing life to the van dwelling lifestyle after high school graduation for the purpose of a spiritual devotion to the planet and its people?
2) I will need to learn a trade in order to make enough money to live. What trade would be the best to learn for a van dweller? Which trade is easiest to find work with in any particular town I find myself in?
3)Is there anything wrong with not going to college? Or should I postpone my monk destiny after college?
4) what advice would you give a young person in a situation such as my own? I feel as though this is truly my destiny. But at the same time I am very young and impulsive, but I feel as though I've gave this much thought.
Thank you to everyone who replies and feel free to give any advice you can or tell me your own story. I wish all of you good vibrations and love on your travels and lives.
_Neverwas
I first want to say that the message, mission, and atmosphere of this entire site has brought me great joy as I feel as though I have finally found my tribe. There are some things that I really wish to ask those more experienced than myself, as this is a very difficult time of my life, but I truly feel as though this community is the one in which I will find the most helpful advice.
Although I am very young, (16 years old, 17 in April, Junior in High School) I have studied spirituality my entire life, as I grew up in a parochial Lutheran school. I have been certain since before I could read and write that I wanted to pursue spirituality. It wasn't until about 2 years ago that I discovered Hinduism and Buddhism, and though I don't subscribe to any particular religion, I would say that the principles of those two beliefs are the primary foundation of my own, but I'm kindof doing my own thing. I have decided that I want to devote my life to a monk-like lifestyle, living off of only the bare essentials necessary and spending each and every moment of my life in the pursuit of the enlightenment and awakening of all the people on the planet. It is an unbearable surge within myself, sortof like a mission that I cant possibly not fulfill. Some call this being a Starseed or Bodhisattva, I'm jsut being me. I do not feel the need to pursue any particular civilized career, as I have no need for the pursuit of possessions. This is why I am here, because I believe the van dwelling lifestyle will provide me with the perfect amount of simplicity and oneness with the planet to live my life for others. (I promise I'm getting to point soon! xD)
The curse beneath the blessing of being so spiritually aware at such a young age is according to the U.S public school system, if I don't have a plan or a college admission, I am a failure. I try hard not to let the opinions of other effect my inner happiness, because I am aware that I am the only controller of my emotions, but I still am unsure. I know that living life on the road I will need a source of income, so I must prepare to learn a trade, but I don't know what trade to learn that would be the most versatile on the road. So now I am here, seeking the advice of my elder van dwellers, to ask a few simple questions, because I am very lost.
1.) Is there anything wrong with someone changing life to the van dwelling lifestyle after high school graduation for the purpose of a spiritual devotion to the planet and its people?
2) I will need to learn a trade in order to make enough money to live. What trade would be the best to learn for a van dweller? Which trade is easiest to find work with in any particular town I find myself in?
3)Is there anything wrong with not going to college? Or should I postpone my monk destiny after college?
4) what advice would you give a young person in a situation such as my own? I feel as though this is truly my destiny. But at the same time I am very young and impulsive, but I feel as though I've gave this much thought.
Thank you to everyone who replies and feel free to give any advice you can or tell me your own story. I wish all of you good vibrations and love on your travels and lives.
_Neverwas