Nine months ago, we shared on YouTube the spark of an idea—a vision of a place that would catalyze the emergence of a new world and contribute meaningfully to finding potent responses to the meta-crisis. Today, as we stand on the brink of CUSTODIA’s opening, that vision has taken root in a living experiment. This documentation piece provides an overview of the philosophical foundation of this place, the process by which it became reality, and how it fits into the global picture.
In a world teetering on the edge of unsustainable practices and deep disconnection, CUSTODIA emerges as a transformative response—a living experiment aimed at redefining how we coexist with our environment and each other. This project is not just about building a physical space, but about serving the paradigm shift in how humanity addresses the intertwined challenges of personal, social, and environmental crises.
Through the lens of a nine-month journey of relentless creativity and honest self-reflection, the first documentation piece invites us to witness the evolution from a mere idea into a tangible sanctuary for change. It challenges us to rethink our relationships with nature, technology, and our own inner lives. As we explore the following chapters, we’ll discover how CUSTODIA’s ethos—rooted in the deep call for custodianship—offers insights that extend far beyond building a physical place.
Chapters
00:00 – 9 months of being pregnant with CUSTODIA
It all began with a dream shared on our founders, Robert Gladitz’s, YouTube channel—nine months of passion, trials, and breakthroughs that transformed a mere idea into a tangible place.
01:23 – A response to the meta-crisis
CUSTODIA emerges as our answer to the meta-crisis—a term that encapsulates the interlinked personal, social, economic, and environmental challenges that leave us feeling fragmented and overwhelmed and put Homo sapiens in danger of extinction.
03:58 – It all began with a positive pregnancy test
On a Berlin summer morning in June 2021, Robert and Elina held a positive pregnancy test in their hands. This life-altering moment raised profound questions about our readiness to nurture new life amid a world that seems rigged against genuine care and connection.
05:41 – The first attempt failed
The honest story of the thrive villages, the first attempt at creating alternative living spaces. After 14 months of trial and error, decreasing community coherence, leadership challenges, and a lot of painful lessons the thrive villages dissolved.
08:32 – Humanity needs to become custodians
We are called to embrace a new role—not as conquerors of nature, but as its caretakers. This chapter asks us to step into custodianship, nurturing and protecting the very ecosystem we depend on and make this newfound identity our modus operandi.
10:49 – Where is the perfect place for CUSTODIA?
How would a space look that embodies true custodianship? Here, we question where we can live in a way that allows us to thrive while leaving a minimal ecological footprint. Our answer: tropical mountain regions.
13:37 – We found the land
After exploring countless pieces of land, we found the perfect place in Jatiluwih, Bali. Meeting the owner, making the down payment, and realizing that this piece of earth will become the heart of our living experiment.
16:53 – Wisdom and intelligence
In this chapter, we delve into the crucial balance between intelligence and wisdom. We explore how our technological prowess must serve a deeper, ethical wisdom—or we put us and the whole biosphere in danger of extinction.
18:56 – True partnership
A personal narrative unfolds as we recount Robert meeting his partner, David, at the first CUSTODIA Incubator in Poland. Their collaboration marks a turning point, emphasizing the power of shared vision and partnership in overcoming formidable challenges.
23:28 – We are products of our environment
Through the concept of ontological design we explore how our environment shapes who we are—inviting reflection on the design of our surroundings and the transformative impact of spaces that foster genuine human connection.
28:05 – Becoming the new hyper agents
Here, we look at transforming our power and influence. We discuss how we can evolve into the new hyper agents—creative, connected change-makers who use their influence to build viable alternatives to today’s exploitative systems.
31:16 – The status quo at CUSTODIA
A candid glimpse into life at CUSTODIA: our shared community spaces, sustainable accommodations, vibrant gardens, and the everyday practices that embody our commitment to putting technology in service to nature.
32:07 – How to get involved
Lastly, we extend a call to action. Whether as a second home for Bali based custodians or a by attending a brief immersion, this chapter explains how you can join us in co-creating a future that serves all life on Earth.
Additional Resources
Throughout the episode, we reference a range of important works and initiatives that have shaped CUSTODIA tremendously:
Writings:
- Gaia’s Custodians by Robert Gladitz
- The Continuum Concept by Jean Liedloff
- The more beautiful world our hearts know is possible by Charles Eisenstein
- The Master and His Emissary by Iain McGilchrist
- The Consilience Project and the entirety of Daniel Schmachtenberger’s work
Concepts:
- Spiral Dynamics – a model for understanding human evolution and societal change
Projects:
- thrive villages – our earlier experiment in community living and its lessons
- CUSTODIA Incubator Poland – where pivotal partnerships were formed
- Robert Gladitz’s vlog series – daily episodes on YouTube of building CUSTODIA
- Nordisk – Danish sustainability leaders providing the cotton tents for CUSTODIA
CUSTODIA:
- CUSTODIA Program – every month CUSTODIA hosts a variety of events, gatherings, immersions and initiatives
- CUSTODIA Membership – CUSTODIA serves as a second home for Bali based change makers
- CUSTODIA on Instagram – follow the CUSTODIA journey through frequent updates and glimpses into every day life
- CUSTODIA on YouTube – the place for high production quality insights into CUSTODIA