Ben (31) is currently enjoying jungle life on the Big Island of Hawaii. Before moving to the islands to help some friends manage a large property on the North end of the island, Ben and his wife Lily spent the summer working at a remote tented bear viewing camp, without streaming water and electricity, in Chinitna Bay, De l'Alaska.
That’s how we met Ben and Lily. It’s a cute couple and they were great hosts. During 3 days Lily prepared us delicious food, and Ben, our ‘ranger’ and lead guide, took care of our bear sightings and shared unforgettable experiences with us.
Currently, Ben and Lily are working and traveling, hoping to explore new cultures and places while in search of opportunities to help others, and share in new adventures. Ben’s friends may describe him as being born in the wrong time period, and he would most likely agree, being told often that he is an “old soul”. Ben loves design, art, nature, history, music, play, people…and says he “loves the feeling when life feels illuminated; when things line up and speak to the Spirit inside ourselves, so purely it can only last a moment, but leaves us grasping at the feeling for days.”
We felt lucky to meet Ben and Lily.We had great conversations, and extreme ‘bear-memories’ which will last forever. We had such fun with them and we admire their adventurous and dedicated spirit. They share experiences via their blog onbeinghere.wordpress.com
We are very glad Ben accepted the 6vitesse-on-tour interview.
WHAT DOES ‘FREEDOM’ MEAN TO YOU?
Wow, impossibly tough question. Pour moi, freedom, though a beautiful word, and a privilege to have, actually carries a devastating responsibility that is sometimes anything but “freeing”. I believe, the gift we are given in freedom as people, gives us a choice to act greatly, or to act poorly. To perform honorably, or selfishly. The difficult part is I feel the tendency of human nature is to take advantage of our freedoms for selfish motives. Cependant, the hope in freedom is that at any time we can choose to stand for what gives others a chance at freedom as well. I believe that these moments truly define the word freedom, which is why moments like these are the ones we choose to remember. Those moments best define freedom to me.
Que signifie «amitié» signifie pour vous?
It means a wonderful gift of sharing moments in life together, and is irreplaceable.
QU'EST-CE QUE «succès» signifie pour vous?
Most likely accurate perspective on success would be given at an older age. I think success would mean living a story that you are proud to share, and that inspires others to do the same.
WHO DO YOU ADMIRE THE MOST IN THE WORLD?
I admire people who love generously, and who it comes so naturally to no one ever questions their authenticity. And I admire those who can speak to the heart of things using just a few words.
QU'EST-CE QUE VOUS DONNE DE L'ÉNERGIE?
Creating, building, and being overwhelmed by natures infinite abundance. Sometimes I go out late at night and walk around with music; I’ll dance, I’ll pray, I do whatever feels right while I’m out there. That is always refreshing.
AVEZ-VOUS UN RÊVE QUE VOUS espérer un jour REMPLIR?
I would like to sail. My wife would like to sail as well. I think it’s probably a dream worth pursuing when both you and your spouse want the same thing, especially an amazing thing. Still, I have many dreams…
EN QUOI ÊTES-VOUS UN TALENT DE LA NATURE?
Working and creating with my hands. Whether I’m good at it or not doesn’t seem to matter I guess, because I find joy while I’m doing it, and I enjoy sharing the product after.
Qui pensez-vous respecter le plus au monde?
I respect individuals who stand up for what is right, what is truth, and what is just, and do so in a way that promotes positive change for the world around them. I’ve always wanted to be someone who does that, but have found out it isn’t easy for me to stick my neck out like that. So to me it is worth respect, admiration, and aspiration.
QU'EST-CE QUE VOUS DEVEZ grandir comme une personne?
The first step is I need to admit and be resolved that I need to grow, to change, to mature. It always seemed that change might come over time alone, but as I grow older I see that there is much more to it. And most people who think they don’t need growth, aren’t growing. I think I also need to be held accountable. I hate to admit it, but I can’t do it alone.
WHAT DOESN’T KILL YOU MAKES YOU STRONGER THEY SAY. SAVIEZ-VOUS RENCONTREZ CE?
Well, what doesn’t kill you, doesn’t kill you. I think it’s up to the individual how they will learn from trying times, and each trial is different. I feel like I have definitely come out of hard times with new self awareness, though often it’s awareness of where I am weak. But perhaps this is where the greatest strength can be found, no? I sure hope so, Ha!
DID YOU ONCE TAKE A LEAP AHEAD BY TAKING A SMALL STEP BACKWARDS? HOW?
One time I leapt right off a small cliff and missed the tree limb I was trying to grab…I could have died down there on the river bank, but that’s a different story.
QU'EST-CE QUE VOULEZ-VOUS AU CHANGEMENT DANS LE MONDE?
Where does one begin to answer this question: I’m not sure I would know what to change in order to do the most good. I’d say Mosquitoes can go, but they’re an integral part of the food chain, yeah yeahhh. Seriously though, I would maybe ask the world to re-evaluate the word “progress”, because I feel like a lot of our forward momentum might be casting us away from some real solid principles I don’t think we should lose track of.
Quel est le plus précieux pour VOUS? Being healthy and being capable. I think it’s always underestimated until it’s lost.
IS THERE SOMETHING THAT YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO DO, Mais jamais osé? I’m sure there are many things, just none that come to mind. (Wink!) Actually, here’s a simple one; a back-flip. Front one is just fine, but that back one….yikes.
Ce qui vous motive? Quelles sont vos valeurs? Ce qui vous branche? I have been driven by different things at different times of my life. Most consistently though, I am driven by my desire to know how things work, and see what I can create in light of that knowledge. I would imagine my values to be somewhat evident based on my answers so far.
But I will say that I am obsessed with things of old; art forms that seems to be slipping away with technologies overwhelming advance. I think it’s important that we carry some of those things forward with us. In fact, I wish this could all have been written, and read, on paper. I I do tick, I hope it’s reminiscent of a grandfather clock.