testimonials

Not for Me

January 31, 2023
With this one decision, the false belief I had been holding on to was replaced by a feeling of such relief, such freedom, and such gratitude for the realization that I had the power to liberate myself from the guilt and confusion that was stopping me from moving forward.
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A World Restored

December 22, 2022
I knew that as long as there were people who perceived life this way, and talked about justice in its true form, there was hope in this world for other animals.
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Three volunteers sit at the Gentle World table at our vegan visitor center in Hawaii

Something We Will Never Forget

March 31, 2022
Ana and Diogo came to us from Brazil, uncertain of how to be vegan in a country that isn't so vegan-friendly! After learning about the vegan philosophy, and how to find vegan options in Brazil, they left here inspired and excited to step into their new vegan lives.
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Using My Voice

March 24, 2022
Thank you for teaching me, Gentle World. You have grounded me in my morals, thoughts, and actions. I know the future of the planet's health relies on my generation. I will do my absolute best to ensure we set a new precedent of standards. 
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The Best Experience of my Life

March 20, 2022
Gentle World taught me more than I can put into words and gave me a new perspective on life -- not just my life, but the life of everything and everyone around me. I'll carry that with me everywhere I go.
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Two volunteers enjoy a vegan breakfast at Gentle World's visitor center in Hawaii

A Newfound Sense of Purpose

February 20, 2022
At 22 and 23, Laura and Libby came to Gentle World from their home town of San Marcos in Texas, hoping to find the inspiration to transition from vegetarian to vegan.
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Volunteers at Gentle World

The Peace I Needed

December 4, 2021
Although I was aware of it, you have made me connect with veganism in a different way. I'm going back home even more sure, convinced, and aware of my decision, as well as my responsibility and the impact that it can have in the future in the world.
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Silhouette in the morning light of a hunter at the opening of Victoria's duck hunting season.

A New Way of Thinking and Living

November 3, 2021
35 years ago I went to see Gentle World when they were based in Florida. I was a full-on carnivore when I arrived with a truck full of guns, fishing gear, and animal skins and hides of every kind. The people at Gentle World gave me the opportunity to make the change fast and painless, and quite frankly I can’t imagine living any other way now.
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One of Gentle World's volunteers stands smiling in front a giant Banyan tree

A Transformational Experience

October 30, 2021
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…
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Authenticity

September 22, 2021
One of the most enriching experiences in my life took place in Gentle World. A few months ago I arrived on the Big island of Hawaii, carrying my dreams in a small backpack, looking to learn more about veganism.
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gentle world visitors

Our June Visitors

June 30, 2021
After COVID restrictions brought a serious decline in visiting volunteers, we’re finally receiving inquiries again from an increasing number of people wanting to experience Gentle World.
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Male hand with a pen and paper, with light shining in the window

Letters We Live For

September 13, 2020
I'm truly grateful, and I hope many more people will have the chance to see this beautiful place for themselves and learn what respect, compassion, and mindfulness really mean.
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A young woman gazes at the sunset sky

A Smile My Whole Body Feels

June 1, 2020
I had no idea how holistic of an experience this would be, and now I embark on this journey with a bigger, lighter heart. I leave feeling more connected to all worlds than ever before.
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sophia gw hawaii

Who I Really Want To Be

February 20, 2020
One of our favorite visitors of 2020, Sophia was a reminder of what a beautiful experience it can be to share our vegan knowledge with those who are open to receiving it.
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A beautiful little red-breasted bird perched on a branch

Letter from JP

December 18, 2019
When I came to visit you all, I was elated to find there were people like me and I was not alone. I will never forget those days as they molded me into the person I am.
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Happy smiling face of a vegan woman with glasses laying on the floor

Dawn

March 29, 2017
I told my friends, “I think it’s a vegan place... That should be interesting.” That night, I ordered chicken wings because I figured I’d better get some good food in beforehand.
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bench under trees new zealand

Spreading The Message

March 28, 2017
Thank you for showing me this beautiful place. During these past 11 days, I’ve learned a lot about veganic gardening, communal living and also even more about veganism. I leave here even more passionate about veganism, and more passionate about…
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tree trimming

A Better Reality

March 7, 2017
Three years ago, we were fortunate enough to meet two wonderful people who came to us from Italy, and volunteered in Shangri-La for two seasons in a row, becoming part of our communal family for a time. Sadly, we have…
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blue sky heart clouds scaled e1626836251181

Dearest GW Family…

April 3, 2016
Today, it has been one month since I was part of your lovely community and worked in the garden. I felt so calm and at peace in Gentle World and everything felt good. I realized there, in that beautiful spot,…
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White and yellow daisies

A New Path

February 5, 2016
In December of 2015, on a very sunny spring day, I arrived at this hidden valley in the far north of New Zealand. My first week in Gentle World passed by so quickly, as I helped with weeding, cooking, cleaning,…
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hawaii rainbow

New Friends…

October 7, 2015
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…
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Cloudy sunrise over veganic agriculture at Gentle World Hawaii

August Visitors

September 7, 2015
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,…
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View from balcony of beautiful sunset at Gentle World's vegan community

Our June Guestbook

July 8, 2015
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…
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A close up of a white luculia flower cluster beginning to open

More From Our Visitors

October 3, 2014
As we say goodbye to September, it somehow seems as though the end of the year is right around the corner. This past season at our Hawaii location has been a wonderful time for visitors and volunteers.
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light over mountain shangri la e1626412015850

I Know I’m Doing the Right Thing

May 1, 2013
I was a vegetarian for two years when I arrived in Shangri-La. But I never really thought about veganism. I didn’t want to give up my cheese (I’m French, you understand?) The first words there were “Vegan is the first…
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A monarch butterfly lands on a pink zinnia

Letters from our Visitors

April 1, 2013
from Jesse, United States: For me, visiting Gentle World was the beginning of my journey, but I was so impacted by the peaceful sanctuary and the amazing people who live in it, that I decided to come back to end…
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A deep orange-red sunset over the ocean

A Gentle World in my Heart

June 30, 2012
Aloha Lovely Gentle Worlders... You were all so wonderful and my time at the farm was great. I LOVE my new cookbook and share it with anyone who is interested. I am happily cooking for hostels everywhere with the great recipes...
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A monarch chrysalis hands from a stunning red sunflower in a brightly-colored flower garden

Creating Magic…

November 17, 2011
My experiences here have kindled a new fire in me, so instead of story-telling I jumped right to the processing. What am I learning here? The questions keep coming…
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A woman blindfolded in a black eye mask, with black background

You Can’t Return to Ignorance

September 26, 2011
On the one hand, the decision seemed pretty easy. On the other hand, my parents own a farm. They raise animals for meat, and my mum milks cows for a living. So, I had a big crisis on my hands about how to bring those alternative points of view in line.
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Woman's hand holding a white chicken's egg with a basket of eggs to the side

Waking Up: Vegetarian to Vegan

March 30, 2011
I came to Gentle World’s Vegan Education Center inspired by a friend’s email suggesting it as an interesting place to visit and drawn by the veganic gardening concept. I thought, “what the heck, why not WWOOF for a week and see what happens?”
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