The Essence

I'm Chi, a life transformation mentor born in Israel and raised in a kibbutz community. My journey began in darkness when I reached a crossroads: make a radical change or give up entirely. I chose change, and that decision transformed my life. Through 20+ years of personal exploration, including time in Eastern spiritual communities after my military service, I've discovered that true happiness resides within us all. I'm passionate about sharing a space where people can connect authentically, grow together, and live in harmony. As a father to both a 25-year-old son and a one-year-old daughter, I bring both experience and fresh perspective to my work. I'm here to support our community in confronting fears, releasing limiting beliefs, and rediscovering our true essence through presence and self-awareness.

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.

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.

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.

I came to The Essence when hiking together with Marit and Elias through Portugal and learning about ecovillages. I was seeking ways of living that help ecosystems regenerate and people to be healthy. More and more, I realized that the change within is most essential for outer transformation. The connection, clarity, and growth I experienced in The Essence inspired me to stay. I love growing sprouts, collecting wild plants, working in the garden, being in nature and with animals, giving massages, practicing holistic bodywork, and learning more deeply about life. Before joining The Essence, I studied physiotherapy and discovered my passions for permaculture, integrative medicine, planetary health, music, and art.

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.