Chapter 1: A Personal Odyssey in the Rainforest

The vibrant hues of dawn emerge in the depths of the Puerto Rican rainforest, a place I have called home for over two decades. As a Performance Scientist and Research Artist, my life is akin to a river winding through this lush environment, navigating the intricate cultural and ecological landscapes. Here, science, artistry, conscious evolution, and the pursuit of sustainability harmoniously intersect.

My journey to Puerto Rico ignited with a three-year research expedition focused on coral reefs aboard the Research Vessel Heraclitus. This experience liberated me from past constraints and instilled a fervent desire to explore the unknown. Though I was initially an anxious swimmer, I soon found myself diving into breathtaking coral cathedral ecosystems, swimming with majestic manta rays, and immersing in the camaraderie of my seafaring crew, fostering trust and interdependence.

This global journey ignited my scientific curiosity, leading me to the high desert of New Mexico and Synergia Ranch, where I nurtured a fruit orchard established in the 1970s. In December 1999, I embarked on a rainforest project, Las Casas de la Selva, in southeastern Puerto Rico, where I connected with like-minded individuals dedicated to living and working collaboratively.

Initially, my aim in Puerto Rico was to investigate the rainforest's biome, particularly its unique ecosystem dynamics and biodiversity. I spent countless years amidst the trees, learning to identify species, measuring canopies, and gathering data. However, my research evolved into a nuanced analysis of symbiotic interactions, both within the ecosystem and between it and the local human community. I sought to interpret the hidden dialogues of this tropical biome, and with each passing day, my scientific inquiry transformed into a profound exploration of co-existence and the mutual sustenance of all living entities.

Despite having spent over twenty years in Puerto Rico, I often navigate this realm with the cautious respect of a visitor. My voice joins the rainforest's lively symphony as I strive to cultivate a respectful and symbiotic relationship with the land, its inhabitants, and their rich cultural heritage. My reluctance to assert my presence stems not from fear but from a profound respect for Puerto Ricans and their environment. While I have observed, learned, and adapted, I recognize my outsider status as a pathway to deeper understanding and appreciation of the culture and ecosystem I am fortunate to inhabit.

The rainforest serves as both a sanctuary of inspiration and a scientific wonder, as well as a canvas for my artistic endeavors. As a fine artist, I delve into nature's raw beauty, examining it meticulously; as a scientist, I aim to decode the intricate dance of life, uncovering the rainforest's interwoven diversity and connectivity.

Transvangard represents a flicker of change, encapsulating the soul's courageous journey beyond the confines of our shared reality. It embodies a fluid dance that transcends traditional boundaries, urging us to explore new cultural landscapes. My life here stands as a testament to the ethos of Transvangard.

At its core, Transvangard signifies the brave call of the human spirit to explore uncharted territories. It represents the breath that fills our exploration vessels, propelling us beyond societal norms and into the serene harbors of shared experiences. It celebrates diversity, individuality, and the relentless pursuit of authenticity.

In my time here, I have learned to blend my individuality with the unique rhythm of Puerto Rican life, becoming a rare bloom in the rainforest, enhancing its cultural and ecological tapestry. My journey invites authenticity and transcends societal norms, resonating with the symphony of the planet. An authentic life mirrors the diversity of the rainforest—harmonious and intricately connected to the cosmos.

Throughout this journey, my fascination with human consciousness and altered states of being has remained steadfast. The rainforest's serene and transformative atmosphere acts as a catalyst for self-discovery, creating an environment that fosters introspection and conscious evolution.

In the realms of forestry and wood production, I have been fortunate to make significant contributions, highlighting the value of wood on an island that had little industry in this area. Our initiatives have bridged the gap between critical environmental conservation and sustainable use, fostering a burgeoning local industry mindful of ecological well-being.

I remain acutely aware of my ‘otherness’ in my deep connection with Puerto Rico. This outsider's perspective enriches my understanding of local culture, the natural environment, and the evolving wood industry. My life embodies a mindful existence, resonating with the rhythm of the rainforest and its community. I am both Thrity Vakil and not; a pioneer whose journey transcends borders. I have found my place here, not through imposition but by embracing the forest's rhythms and becoming a vital part of its existence.

My odyssey is defined not by time or geography but by the intricate symphony of experiences and wisdom that shapes my narrative. Each day in this lush paradise invites discovery, learning, and growth; each moment beckons me to delve deeper into life's mysteries, a canvas for both the scientist and artist within me. This foreign land has become an inseparable part of my identity, a muse inspiring my scientific work, artistic pursuits, and commitment to sustainability. As I continue this journey, I realize that while I may be seen as an outsider, to the rainforest and its inhabitants, I am now an integral part of a vibrant mosaic of life.

My journey underscores nature’s resilience and life’s tenacity, particularly marked by the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017 and Hurricane Fiona in 2022. These storms unleashed their fury, devastating the island and testing the resilience of both the Puerto Rican community and its ecosystems. Yet, from this chaos emerged profound lessons in resilience and restoration. I witnessed the unwavering spirit of Puerto Rico, as communities united to rebuild their physical and cultural heritage.

The rainforest mirrored this resilience; from the remnants of devastation arose new life, and from fallen giants sprouted fresh tendrils of hope reaching for the sun. This rebirth showcased nature's extraordinary ability to renew, an awe-inspiring testament to the cycle of life.

These experiences have profoundly shaped my understanding of the intricate web of life, fueling my commitment to sustainable development and reforestation. Like the rainforest, I have embraced resilience, learning to navigate adversity, to bend without breaking, and to sprout anew, echoing the transformative rhythms of nature and the resilient spirit of the Puerto Rican community. Hurricanes Maria and Fiona taught me that resilience transcends mere survival; it encompasses growth, flourishing, and blooming amidst adversity—a melody sung by the rainforest and harmonized by the Puerto Rican people, a tune I now claim as my own.

All images created by the author in Midjourney & Photoshop