Yurt Life Lessons

The Yurt. A big, round, very cozy, home. I lovingly call her a glorified tent. Living in a round space does pose some organization challenges, but the tradeoff of being enveloped in this blurry border between inside and outside is magical. Approaching the end of my third year and entering into my fourth winter, this experience has taught me more than I could have imagined.

I am "off the grid". My power is solar, I fill and haul containers for water and I compost everything...everything.

I share my stories of living here with those that are curious and intrigued by this lifestyle. Offering my observations and adventures is reserved for those who are interested and I do not broadly advertise. Not everyone gets this and they would never know I lived in a Yurt unless the information was volunteered.

I can go into more detail later and I'm happy to answer any questions. For today, I offer a few (as in 20) things I've learned. Some are obvious, many are unexpected and this list continues to grow.

1) Daily routines and processes we take for granted. All of these had to be re-learned, configured and streamlined. Daily chores took on a whole new meaning and for the first year this was mentally exhausting and a challenge I didn't see coming. Brushing my teeth, taking a shower, cooking my food. Every detail had to be figured out, made efficient and performed enough times to become habit and automatic. A surprising amount of brain power and energy went into this and I'm not sure you could ever be completely prepared.

2) Birds get up and start singing really early. This is, of course, a wonderful side-effect. As a self-proclaimed "night-owl", I am now a solid morning person. Thanks, birds!

3) A covered porch is not overrated. I will be devoting an entire post on this subject. Porches can save the world, I'm convinced.

4) Staying warm in a glorified tent is difficult. Although I have a wood burning stove and enjoy the flames, ambiance and heat, my walls are not solid and once the fire goes out, the cold comes in.

5) Chopping wood is really enjoyable! My son bought me an axe for Christmas and I love it so much. Everyone should do hard, physical work. It keeps us young, strong and warm.

6) Wool is invaluable. Sheep are amazing.

7) Who knew there were so many uses for a 5 gallon bucket? Oh yes, I have a long list.

8) I'll never tire of gardening, watching bees, birds and butterflies and smiling back at the faces of sunflowers.

9) I can care for everything I own. I am not overwhelmed with stuff and enjoy devoting time to each plant, pathway and creature comfort under my care.

10) My dog is living her best life. I am living my best life.

11) Silence is full of sounds and connections.

12) I'm becoming a very tidy person. By necessity, by choice and by practice and this makes me very happy.

13) Composting is miraculous, efficient, cheap and life-giving.

14) Nothing tastes better or is better for you than food from your own garden

15) I can still be fancy. You'd never know I live in a Yurt. Some people don't need to know.

16) Water is THE most important resource for life

17) I enjoy sentimental and pretty things. Items I love that really have no practical purpose. They are carefully selected and bring art and beauty to my world.

18) Cacti can survive my indoor temperature extremes. They are tough cookies!

19) I can clean a stovepipe, build a pallet porch and hang a gate.

20) People think I'm a badass. I'm not, really. I just leapt into fear and the unknown for the joy of a new adventure that I thought was possible and this brings me a lot of confidence for the future. I can do hard and challenging stuff and this is empowering.

This is my home, where I belong right now. I sit on my pallet porch just before sunrise and cannot imagine a more perfect setting. I am beyond grateful for this special place, where beauty surrounds me and nature teaches me how to slow down and connect. This home has allowed me the solitude to find comfort and contentment. Trails Of Balance was born many years before I moved into a Yurt, but living here has made this path come to life.

Yurt stories; there are many and I love sharing. Please let me know if you'd like more on this life or if you have questions. By no means am I an expert, but I have a few years under my belt now. Experience can be helpful.

Get to the Trail. Find some space outside. Go for a walk. Sit on your porch without a phone or laptop. You will not be disappointed. Enjoy!