Occasionally, in my wandering about the grid, I stumble
across a real gem of a build. Unique among regions, Nirvana is truly an island
of peace and tranquility in the hurricane of clubs, sporting arenas, and combat
sims that abound in SecondLife. There I
met Sky Wildmist, the true inspiration behind Nirvana.
Josh Bellic (JB): So
tell me, Sky. Just what is Nirvana
Island all about?
Sky Wildmist (SW):
Nirvana is about providing a place of healing and nurture of the mind-body and spirit. It is a place of peace and serenity open to all who visit
without an emphasis on any single belief system, cult, or creed. Some say
Nirvana is a sanctuary for your soul. Originally conceived as a home for the
Forest of Eye-Blinks Group, it is now evolved and continues to do so. Nirvana is spiritually based... diverse
traditions and systems are harmoniously connected. It is a place where you can
explore divergent pathways at leisure, according to your interest; a place
where, when you seem to arrive at the end of a trail, another begins.
Here is what I say to people when hosting events - Nirvana
is a sim dedicated to wellbeing - a not for profit sim. If you are in need of healing, solace, or
sanctuary - you will find it here. You will also discover many romantic areas
with cuddles and dances for you and your lover. Solitary sits for reflection
and group gatherings for a pleasant chat can also be found.
JB: What was it that inspired
you to build Nirvana Island?
SW: I taught a
troubled resident to meditate during my first weeks in SL and realized that my path in SL was to form
a spiritual group. My main avi, Isis Pleides, created The Forest of Eyeblinks on 1 Jan 2010. Now Isis does the talks and I do the building
and management. I built Nirvana Island about a year later as the group had
grown and we needed a full sim to allow access to meetings. Its design came as
a series of visions - based on the development of the mind-body and spirit.
JB: You seem well laid
out. Just what are some of the
activities people can do here?
SW: Well all manner of spiritual practice - meditation,
chanting, Tai Chi, discussion, drumming.
We also do Healing. Many
different forms may be undertaken here in the virtual world and especially now
with COVID and social distancing so prevalent, many now are more open to these
things. (I have been doing virtual healing as a RL professional practice for
many years). We also have a games area,
a balloon tour for two, a butterfly ride to explore the floating islands, a
2-person canoe, and riding horses and bicycles for exploration. Many people just come to chill or dance.
JB: So tell me. What is this Great Tree in the middle of the
island all about?
SW: This is a replica
of my first home in SL - The Great Tree of Elven Glen - I have no breathing
issues personally but when I entered the canopy in the tree, I experienced a
physical sensation of deeper breathing which opened my eyes to the potential the real benefit of the virtual experience. Here
also, there is here a concept of a Mother Tree on which the land's ethos is based
with strong roots in the Earth-loving space and a glorious canopy representing
a stable well-balanced humanity.
JB: What has been
your greatest challenge in operating Nirvana Island?
SW: My greatest challenge? Well, to be honest, the answer to
that question is two-fold.
First, there are Financial Challenges. We are not for profit
and the monthly tier relies on the donations of Patrons and a few residents who
support what is here and why. Second, Nirvana aims to be as unconditionally
loving as possible. That means setting aside assumptions and judgment. As we
develop and grow, these things have to be worked on and it is not always easy.
JB: Have you actually
seen lives changed through your efforts here?
SW: I have yes - including
my own. As a professional therapist, I rarely talk about these things. In time people can gain better balance in
their lives at every level when they feel supported by a constant stable
presence. There are very many spiritual
and healing sites in SL but I think Nirvana is one of the longest-running now
on a constant site.
People come and go and land disappears and reforms. But when
people need support at any level, they require underlying stability which is
often missing. By maintaining this site
as a constant presence many who no longer visit Nirvana still support it with
just a dollar a month, knowing that I will do my best to ensure that needed continuity
for others. We have been recognized as one constant on the grid.
JB: Can you share any
of your success stories?
SW: Everyone who
lands on Nirvana is part of that success, although we cannot measure it
scientifically. The fact that those who recognize its value sufficiently to
support it financially speaks for itself and there are those who have supported
for 10 years. I send them all LOVE and GRATITUDE
There have been those who come here when they are dying and
help to create some areas which enriches their time and quality of life and can
dull pain. One lovely gentleman created a sound garden up at spirit park for
those sight challenged.
And now we have offered space to the Gardens of Absentia who
logged in one day to find their land gone. They now have a new home up at
Spirit Park.
JB: Tell us about
some of the events you host here?
SW: We have many
different types of activities here. We
have Open Mic Poetry, Art Appreciation, Music, Dance, Opera, Ballet. Art and
Music are enormously important to wellbeing even if it is not realized. Watching
and participating in the art and skill of the DEJA VU Scenic Group who perform
here monthly is an amazing experience.
Musicals, ballet, contemporary dance and opera also is an
experience which can be enjoyed by people in their own way. We have many
different venues for dance, music and performance. Those who are unable to see
can enjoy the music and those unable to hear may be able to use acoustic
processing software that allows them to appreciate beat and identify sounds. at
Nirvana I really try to enable and include as far as possible.
JB: What types of
events and activities do you have planned for the future?
SW: I would like to
encourage more spiritual speakers and events and some art exhibitions and
Charity Events. My new Events Manager will work with me on this as the greater
variety and opportunities that are here will attract those who would not
normally visit a healing spiritual sim.
JB: Is there anything
else you would like to share with our readers?
SW: The whole island
is a model - an allegory for the development of mind body and spirit as I interpret
it. Like all of us, it is constantly
evolving. It is constructed on many levels both below the water and above. Nirvana
is an experience for everyone to share and enjoy in their individual way. Some
fly and miss it all! Others take time
and walk or ride and explore thoroughly to return often. finding what is not so
obvious. There are parts of Nirvana that have never been discovered where there
is a hidden gift for those who find it. Maybe
some of your readers will be the ones who find those places?"
SURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/New%20Paris/227/27/22
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