Ancient Wisdom and a Good Life

KOGUI

Hey everyone! Have you ever wondered why we live our lives the way we do everyday? Waking up early, going to work at jobs we sometimes don't like, often rushing? And all of this to maybe buy new things that we don't really need, then still always wanting more? Doesn´t it feel like an endless, meaningless struggle?

But what if there's another way to think about happiness and living well, a way that's been around for thousands of years?

Let's look at a cool group of people called the Kogi. I got to truly learn about them and understand them when I lived in Colombia a few years back. They are a really interesting bunch. They live high in the mountains of Colombia, South America. The Kogi aren't like us at all. They don't use cars, phones, or even money in the way we do. They live very simply, connected deeply to nature. Yes, in a way very similar to the Amish.

The Kogi's Big Idea: We're All Connected

The Kogi have a really wise philosophy. They call the Earth "Aluna," which is like the Great Mother or the spirit of everything. They believe that everything; the trees, the rivers, the animals, and us humans; are all part of one big living body. Because of this, they see themselves as the "Elder Brothers" who have a special job: to take care of the Earth and keep it healthy.

They believe that if we hurt the Earth, we hurt ourselves. They see our modern world, where people cut down too many trees, pollute rivers, and use up too much stuff, as breaking the balance of Aluna. They even do special ceremonies and meditations to try and "heal" the damage we do. They try to take only what they need and always give thanks and respect to nature.

How Do We Live? The "Modern Way"

Now, think about how many of us live. We're often taught that "more is better." We want bigger houses, cooler gadgets, faster cars. We measure success by how much money we make or how many things we own. We call this "progress."

We often see nature as something "out there" to use. Rivers are for water, forests are for wood, and the land is for building. We focus a lot on our own needs right now, and maybe a little bit on our kids' needs. But do we really think about what happens to the Earth in 50 years, or 100 years, or even 200 years?

Which Path Leads to a Good Life for All?

So, here's the tough question: If we want everyone on Earth to live a happy, healthy, and balanced life, which way of thinking makes more sense?

The "modern way" has given us amazing technology and made life easier in many ways. We have hospitals that save lives, schools that teach us incredible things, and ways to connect with people all over the world. But it has also led to big problems like climate change, pollution, and some people having way too much while others have almost nothing.

The Kogi's way, and the way of many other ancient cultures (like some Native American tribes), might seem "old-fashioned" to us. But it teaches us to be humble, to live with less, and to understand that we depend on nature, not the other way around. It teaches us about balance and sharing, not just taking. Do we really need ´more´ to be or feel happy?

If we keep going the "modern way," we're going to keep running out of resources and making the planet sick. This can't lead to a good life for everyone in the long run.

Maybe the real "progress" isn't about how much we can get, but how well we can live together with the Earth. If we could take some of that ancient wisdom, the idea that we're all connected, and that we need to respect and protect nature, and combine it with our modern smarts and technology, imagine the kind of world we could build! A world where everyone has enough, where nature is healthy, and where true happiness comes from balance, not just buying more stuff.

It's a big thought, but maybe the answers aren't always in new inventions, but in very old wisdom.

Thanks for reading. Abrazos.

Diego Rojas