Everland's Origin Story from Jonny

MY STORY OF HOW EVERLAND BEGAN

My initial inspiration for Everland was a place of longevity and permanence, not connected to any dogma or political view, a place that celebrated each person as valuable. 

I grew up in a tight-knit church community that was so beautiful, where everyone showed up for each other supportive and vibrant.  Since being outside of the church setting, and for many years traveling the world, I didn’t see communities similar to that value system. 

Then at Burning Man 8 years ago, I had a reawakening, seeing so many people working hard, collaborating, gifting incredible craftsmanship for no other reason than to bring beauty, delight, and play to the world. For 6 years in Taiwan, I was dedicated to growing the Burner community because of the influence that the Burn had on me. 

The Everland vision came to me after a near death experience where I fell three stories off a bridge in a serious motorcycle accident.  While in the hospital for several weeks on my healing journey, a deep heart-space opened up in me as I laid there listening to people's stories.  It was then that I realized: all we have is our connection to and experience with others.  Recovering from that motorcycle wreck and asking myself how can I be of service to this world? I had a vision to go back to America.

I saw a landscape full of treehouses, creativity, and gatherings.  I wasn’t quite sure if it was an eco-village or treehouse resort, but I moved back to America to look for land and drop into this vision more.  Upon returning, I co-founded Archipelago, an organization based in Denver for mind-body-spirit connection.  I watched the power and the growth of that community evolve and became even more inspired to create Everland. 

A couple of years ago on the drive to Burning Man, the vision of Everland became much clearer: it WILL be an actual place.  It will be filled with art, immersive events, a place to heal us, change us, bring our presence, get lost in play.   The name Everland came about tying all those things together.  

The main obstacle was searching for land--it was a long pursuit.  I stumbled upon a property that seemed ideal, an 145 acre Korean Retreat Center, but it was off-market.   I kept looking vigorously for every other unique, large property near Denver, but that particular one remained on my mind.  I kept in connection with the owners. Through a series of synchronous events it opened up, and it has been the catalyst for launching this vision!

The property has been used for healing, community, and intention for many years. There is already so much infrastructure on the land for the intentions we have for it. We, as a collective, get to focus on the creative part.

The vision is grand and we need you. As we emerge from deep isolation, help us rewrite the stories of authentic connection and play. This global trauma has a ripple effect on us all. Join us in shaping what comes next.

Thanks again and we’ll talk soon,

Jonny

Founder, Everland

P.S. If you haven't joined our Facebook Messenger LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP GIVEAWAY or the Everland Facebook Group yet, please do so!