Back to the Roots: Reclaiming Life in Modern Chaos

“You know, barefoot’s the future. I think we should go primal. Let’s think ancient, let’s think into the past.”

Today’s lifestyle pushes us to stack up and build higher—physically and metaphorically. We’re disconnected from nature, separated by concrete, plastic, and glass. I believe there’s something valuable in returning to simpler ways, connecting with nature, and letting go of the digital chains that hold us.

Going Primal

Modern life pulls us from nature, but what if we went back? Imagine a time when we lived in caves, before the Industrial Revolution, before tall buildings and artificial comforts. We’ve grown so attached to these comforts, but I think there’s power in finding our way back to a primal lifestyle. Here’s why:

Barefoot Living: Walking barefoot is natural. Calloused feet, grounded posture, strengthened calves—this practice builds resilience, reconnecting us to the earth.
Natural Diet: In Zambia, I ate caterpillars and crickets; in Jericho, pigeon was my protein. These are connections to the local environment, offering unique energy and nutrients. We become what we consume.

“You are what you eat…do you want to be a little chicken, pecking away at the grass, or a majestic pigeon, flying into the distance?”

Questioning Modern Pleasures

We’re swamped with unlimited hedonism—TV shows, social media, instant pleasures on demand. It’s easy to slip into the blandness of comfort, yet this endless pursuit of pleasure distances us from true, grounded experiences.

“Maybe suffering is necessary to thrive. A little pain, a little gain. The suffering doesn’t even have to be drastic.”

Call to Disconnect: Try living off the grid in thought, cutting off the “noise” from screens, notifications, and daily clutter. Without distractions, we can be fully present, savoring the beauty around us.

Observing City and Nature

In Philadelphia, there’s a chaotic beauty. Walking the streets, I see the echoes of ancient Rome in the architecture, the layout—a city built to elevate civilization, yet somehow it loses the human touch in the process. When I compare this to life in a Zambian village, the contrast is stark:

Village Life: In the village, everyone had a role, creating a unified rhythm. The men built, the women gathered, the children contributed. Each task had purpose.
Urban Isolation: In the city, roles are blurred, and everyone fends for themselves. The beauty lies in the chaos, but the connection often feels lost.

“When I see what’s going on in Philadelphia, nothing really seems to be happening. Yet it’s all happening at once.”

Embracing Freedom in Art

Art and photography are tools of freedom, ways to capture raw reality and defy conventional boundaries. For me, the act of photographing isn’t about fame or approval. It’s about sharing my perspective, uninhibited by outside expectations.

“What’s the value of millions of followers admiring your work if they’re not your true audience?”

Create from a Place of Strength: A strong artist makes strong art. Instead of chasing happiness, focus on building strength—in art, in life. This strength forms a foundation for authentic expression, not dictated by the need for validation.

The Bliss of Physical Challenge

Pushing the body—whether through barefoot walking, lifting weights, or climbing hills—leads to genuine bliss. There’s joy in the process of building strength, of embracing a bit of pain to feel truly alive.

Barefoot Walking: Calloused feet, strong posture, and strengthened calves. This primal practice builds resilience and brings us closer to the earth.
Lifting Weights: Weightlifting isn’t just about building muscle; it’s about challenging limits. Euphoria comes with pushing those boundaries, the sense of being fully alive in your body.

Identity Beyond Labels

Society loves labels—artist, photographer, doctor, lawyer. But those titles don’t define us. When people ask me what I do, I say: Spartan. Living as a Spartan means embracing strength, resilience, and fearlessness, rather than being boxed into a predefined identity.

“Life is short, so any chance I have to express myself to the fullest, I’ll take it.”

Disconnecting to Reconnect

Stepping away from mainstream narratives, celebrity gossip, and the endless digital loop gives us room to breathe. The essence of life lies in the physical, face-to-face connections—the immediate world around us.

“The more I disconnect, the more social I become. Just leave the phone at home, go out, explore, smell the flowers, touch the grass.”

Walking through Philadelphia, I see it with fresh eyes, capturing moments, embracing the chaos while crafting a paradise from my own perspective.

Key Takeaways

Barefoot Living and Natural Diet: Primal practices build resilience and reconnect us to the earth.
Questioning Pleasure: Hedonistic pursuits distract us from real experiences; a bit of suffering helps us thrive.
Village versus City: In community roles, we thrive together; in isolation, we fend for ourselves.
Art from Strength: Creating art for joy, not validation, brings authentic fulfillment.
Physical Bliss: The joy of physical endurance surpasses shallow comforts.
Beyond Labels: Define yourself by actions and values, not titles.
True Connection: Real life happens here, away from screens, in face-to-face moments.

In the end, I strive to live as if each day, each photo, each interaction might be my last. This is the path to strength, to freedom, and to reclaiming our connection with the world.

“Maybe instead of considering good or bad, ask: is it strong? Is it weak? Just increase strength. Forget about happiness.”