Visiting Gentle World is not just an educational opportunity to learn more about veganism and sustainability. It is a one-of-a-kind transformational experience into a higher life of peace, harmlessness, spirituality, and compassion for all.
When I stumbled upon Gentle World online, the word “Vegan” immediately jumped out at me. How could anything be more perfect? Going to Hawai’i, a place I had dreamed about for years, and surrounding myself with individuals who shared the vegan values I hold so close to my heart.
When I arrived at Gentle World, it was both nothing and everything that I expected. Almost immediately, it very easily began to feel like home.
That’s what makes Gentle World different from other experiences. The best educational experiences arise in safe, friendly environments such as this one. Each member of Gentle World exhibits a genuine interest, love, and care for you and your personal journey into veganism and spirituality.
Over the years, the non-profit organization has released two cookbooks packed with delicious vegan recipes as well as educational books by Dr. Michael Klaper that are focused on the nutrition and medical side of plant-based living. Gentle World also opened a fully vegan restaurant on Maui called The Vegan Restaurant in 1989. Then, in 2000, they moved to North Kohala on The Big Island and opened the vegan education center that I would find myself in 21 years later.
The history of Gentle World has shaped what it is today. In its 45+ years of existence, Gentle World has helped so many people become vegan and gain a higher mindset. Founded by Light and Sun, Gentle World began as an intentional community seeking to create… well, a more gentle world. The people of Gentle World truly practice what they preach.
I’ve learned so much about veganic gardening, sustainability, and plant-based cooking here. Every day, there is always work to do, but it becomes fulfilling as you see how your contribution lifts up and betters the household. Focused work like weeding the garden or mopping the floors clears the mind and pushes you along your journey. There are always times of leisure throughout the week to enjoy the warm sunshine, walk to town for a coffee, or read a book out on the deck. Not to mention the sweet and playful dogs, Freedom and Fawn, who keep you company throughout the day.
Every day concludes with a delicious and beautiful home-cooked vegan meal, proving that the best way to the heart is truly through the stomach. Through amazing food, Gentle World shows that a vegan life is not one of deprivation, but one of abundance.
Gentle World has shown me how to live in abundance. An abundance of love, an abundance of compassion, an abundance of peace, and yes… an abundance of good vegan food.
I will be with Gentle World for almost three months, but even when I board the plane that will take me far away from The Big Island, I will always carry my experiences here so close to my heart and soul that it will be as if I haven’t truly left.
