For many years, Gentle World volunteers have been searching for the ideal location for the expansion of our vegan educational program in Hawaii. During this time, we have been limited by our two acres of space, even as the number of visitors seeking to participate in our program increases year by year. Now, we are [...]

by Taylor Dawn Bernarda My journey began in the summer of 2014, when I decided to take a trip to Hawaii with my two best friends, through a program called WWOOF (world wide opportunities on organic farms). We made it to our first farm on the Big Island, and things didn’t go quite as we had [...]

I’ve found the garden to be a place of reciprocity. As I nurture it, it nurtures me. As my plants grow, I grow simultaneously. As my garden flourishes, I flourish. At least, this has been my experience as a novice gardener. I’ve learned much more than how to grow plants… I feel like I’ve been [...]

On October 23rd, Island-based cardiologist Lawrence Derbes spoke at the Gentle World educational center in North Kohala, bringing his message of plant-based healing to dozens of inspired attendees. After 23 years of practicing cardiology, Dr. Derbes abandoned his practice of performing cardiac catheterizations and other interventional procedures in 2013, in favor of practicing strictly preventive care, with an emphasis [...]

I am Valiant. I was given that name to give me self-esteem and courage. I was always scared back then, and my friends wanted me to think of myself as someone I could be proud of. They wanted to give me confidence. And so, they named me Valiant. I wasn’t always so lucky. Before this, [...]

On October 18th, Gentle World welcomed over 60 people to our North Kohala center for an afternoon of education and inspiration. Guests had the chance to take home free samples of vegan alternative products, as well as enjoying a delicious vegan meal. More important though, many were visibly moved by the powerful presentation, which consisted of a one-hour film comprised of clips [...]

Gentle World Family, Though our time here was brief, we are grateful for the exposure to the truth about animal exploitation. You gave us a strong definition of veganism. Thank you all so much for hosting us and teaching us about your way of life. Our time here was short, but we learned a lot, [...]

I cannot begin to describe how much I have learned and experienced the past week. I am absolutely grateful that life brought me here, even if it was for a fleeting period. I arrived here as someone curious about veganism, but I leave as an individual enlightened, and committed to a kinder, gentler, loving way [...]

My vegan family! You guys transformed me into a person I am proud to be. I see life differently. I have noticed that I pay attention to the little things. My life in California was different. I wanted to help everyone and sometimes I would get overwhelmed, but now I have the perfect answer. Vegan will [...]

Since our return from Shangri-La in April, we have had the pleasure to get to know a number of beautiful people who have passed through our Hawaii home. Not only are our gardens and grounds looking better and better with the help of a lot of loving hands, but we’ve also made a whole new collection [...]

Yesterday, while staying in my home town of Wellington, New Zealand, I visited an historic house constructed in the 1800s. The ‘Colonial Cottage’ had housed children and grandchildren of the original settlers who built it, until it was bequeathed to the city in the 1960s. As we came down a set of narrow steps and through an old wooden door, [...]