There’s a quiet ache that comes from spending time with people who don’t get you. You know the feeling—conversations that fizzle out, values that clash, or a subtle sense of being out of place, even among family or old friends. It’s not that they’re bad people; it’s just that your soul craves connection with those who see the world through a similar lens, who meet you in both thought and action. Finding your tribe—those who align with your functionality and morality—isn’t about “using” others for gain. It’s about discovering spiritually valuable bonds that energize, inspire, and amplify your way of being.

For me, this journey is rooted in a deep love for regenerative agriculture, cooking, fitness, nature, freedom, voluntaryism, and what I call “earth-based wellness”—practices like sunning, grounding, and soaking in the raw vitality of the natural world. These aren’t just hobbies; they’re a philosophy, a moral and functional framework for living in harmony. But living this way can feel isolating when the people around you don’t share that vision. That’s why finding your tribe matters so much.

The Drain of Misalignment

Spending time with those who don’t share your morals or ideals can be spiritually exhausting. It’s not about judgment—it’s about energy. When you pour yourself into explaining why you believe in soil health, or why you prioritize cooking from scratch, or why true freedom and voluntaryism are non-negotiable, and you’re met with blank stares or pushback, it takes a toll. Even family, who we love deeply, can unintentionally drain us if they don’t have the capacity to meet us where we are.

This doesn’t mean we cut these people out. Love and connection with family or old friends can still hold space in our lives. But it does mean being honest about where our hearts lie. It means gently setting boundaries and saying, “This is what I’m passionate about, and this is where I’m investing my time.” It’s about protecting your energy so you can thrive.

The Power of a Shared Vision

Your tribe isn’t just a group of friends—it’s a community of people who mirror your values and amplify your purpose. These are the folks who geek out over composting techniques, who’ll join you for a sunrise hike to ground barefoot in the grass, who understand why you’d rather grill vegetables from your garden than order takeout. They’re the ones who nod along when you talk about voluntaryism, not because they’re blindly agreeing, but because they’ve wrestled with the same ideas and landed in a similar place.

Functionally, your tribe meets you in action. They’re the ones showing up to plant trees, lift weights, or cook a feast together. They’re not just talking about regenerative agriculture—they’re digging in the dirt with you. They’re not just preaching wellness—they’re out there sunning and grounding beside you. This shared functionality creates a rhythm, a flow of doing that feels effortless because it’s rooted in mutual understanding.

Morally, your tribe aligns with your deepest principles. They value freedom, not as a buzzword, but as a lived practice. They see nature as a partner, not a resource to exploit. They believe in building systems—whether farms, kitchens, or communities—that regenerate rather than deplete. This moral alignment creates a bond that goes beyond surface-level interests. It’s spiritual. It’s sacred.

How to Find Your Tribe

So, how do you find these people? It starts with living unapologetically. Show up to the places that light you up—farmers’ markets, weekend retreats or workshops, fitness groups, or voluntaryism meetups. Share your passions online, whether through a blog, X posts, or local community boards. Cook a meal and invite others to join. Host a grounding session in your backyard. The more you embody your values, the more you’ll attract those who resonate with them.

It’s also about patience. Your tribe might not be in your immediate circle or even your hometown. Find the interests that you feel are the most stringent dealbreakers, and start there. It might be food! It might be freedom! Try finding a Weston A Price foundation, or a Nourishing Connections food club. Find a local Freedom Cell or Libertarian (the fake voluntaryists) gathering to see if anyone clicks. Be open to building these connections gradually, and don’t be afraid to nurture them across distances through calls, messages, or visits.

The Joy of Being Seen

When you find your tribe, it’s like coming home. There’s a lightness to it—a sense of being seen, understood, and celebrated for who you are. You’re not explaining yourself constantly; you’re collaborating, creating, and growing together. These moments recharge your soul.

A Call to Connect

If you’re feeling drained by connections that don’t align, take it as a sign to seek your tribe. Start small. Plant a seed—literally or figuratively—and see who shows up to water it with you. Lean into the things you love and trust that there are others out there who love them too. We’re waiting to meet you, to build something meaningful together, to create a resilient community, immune to social decay.