mUD MOUNTAIN BLOG
Back in 2011, I found myself camping alone on a remote
Turkish hill. There was no power or water on the land.
It was the start of an adventure that profoundly changed
my beliefs about what is enjoyable, or possible...
Someone interviewed me the other day. ‘What was the biggest obstacle you faced?’ She asked. We were sitting on a rug under the shade of an olive tree surveying my mud house, which will presumably never actually be finished. Obstacle? By and large, I haven’t really suffered too many major obstacles. There were small annoyances, like running out of money, or the weather not following my timetable, but these were challenges rather than great iron doors slamming in my face. They often forced me to dig down and find skills I never knew I possessed, or slowed me up and stopped me from making any number of mistakes. No, money, weather and time are not insurmountable obstacles. They are the crucial limitations of the physical world that shape any creative project. But, there was an obstacle, a slobbering, great beast of a hindrance. As I sat, my dog gnawing relentlessly on a stick by my right leg, it welled up inside me in a bubbling wave of frustration. It’s a hurdle I seem unable to get over. And it is still driving me crazy to this day. The biggest obstacle I faced, still face, and that anyone who dares to create anything faces, is the seemingly endless deluge of naysayers, hell-bent on darkening your day. ‘It won’t work.’ ‘You can’t do that, such and such will happen.’ ‘Olmaz!’ (Turkish for all the above) The chorus resounds, on and on. Where does this incredible onslaught of negativity come from? And what is behind it? Why, when someone has never even thought about trying to do what you are already doing, when not even a single letter has been typed into Google, does he or she find the audacity to say ‘it won’t work’? I’m dumbfounded by it to be honest. I’d say, for pretty much every single thing I’ve done on this piece of land, there has been a squad of head-shaking, sighs of disapproval, or snickers behind my back. And if I had a pound for every time I’d heard the word, ‘can’t’, I’d be starting a Mud empire by now. First, I was told I couldn’t live alone on a mountain in a tent because I’d be murdered or raped, or snakes would bite me, or heaven only knows what else (I camped for eight months and I loved it), next I was told I’d never survive up here without water (I managed for two years thank you very much). As far as earthbag building goes, my house has apparently been falling down ever since I laid the first bag. I was told, including by architects, that under no circumstances could I build a house without concrete foundations (the house has survived a 6.1 quake in perfect condition), people said the walls were going to melt in the rain, that it would never be strong enough, some ‘friends’ turned up and even tried to push the walls down just to see (I believe they bruised their arms). I realise I may be on the verge of ranting here, but I’m starting to feel like Joan of Arc hacking her way through droves of invading skepticism. My right eye is beginning to twitch at the mere mention of the word ‘can’t’. And I can quite see myself pulling the next unsuspecting naysayer up by the lapels and roaring, ‘Have you actually TRIED this?’ The reason my voice is now rising an octave and I’m exhibiting a few traits of persecution complex, is that words have power. When someone is in the process of creating something new, a positive mind-set is crucial, and this ‘can’t, won’t, you’re mad’ type doomsday mentality can scupper a project before it even gets off the ground. Yes, telling someone they can’t do something is just about the worst thing you can do for them, no matter what your intention (and I’m dubious about that, too). Because you are actively helping them fail. It stops them in their tracks. It makes them feel at worst incompetent, and at best marginally unhinged for daring to step out of the herd. They waste precious time and energy doubting themselves (Can I really live in a tent? Can I build a house? Perhaps I can’t. Probably I can’t. I’ve never done it before. Perhaps I’d better give up.) Everyone has more than enough hesitancy of their own, they hardly need some other clever dick to pop his head over the flimsy parapet of faith, and add fuel to the fires of self-doubt. Which brings me to what I assume is behind this bird-brained ‘can’t’ attitude; the insatiable need for people to cut down anything created by another in a subconscious effort to boost their own flagging self-esteem. Let’s say your project didn’t work out how you planned. Perhaps your earthplaster crumbled, or the windows fell out, or the whole construction was sucked down a sinkhole. So what? Would it have been really so much smarter never to have tried, to huddle within your comfort zone and play it safe? I say those who shy from the edge wind up bored and dissatisfied, hence why they have nothing better to do than tell you, ‘No, you can’t.’ And when things do go wrong, as they do from time to time, then you’ll see the truth in the smirks lurking behind the naysayer’s veil of concern. They actually WANT you to fail, simply so that they can be right. And that, quite frankly, is just not cricket, if you ask me. So, that is my greatest obstacle. And if anyone else is daring to build from the earth, that will probably be your greatest obstacle too (unless you chance to live in North America, where folks say ‘awesome!’ and ‘hey, that’s great!’ instead). Forget about the rain, and the roof rafters, the weight of the bags, or your lack of experience. What you need, throughout, is confidence. And sometimes it’s hard to find. There is really only one thing to do about it, spend less time with the wet blankets, and more with those who believe in you. And your solace may well be online communities of people who are actually doing things, instead of just flapping their tongues.
The latest in the firing line of ‘No, you can’t’ is my organic garden. Apparently, you can’t grow plants using broken down manure from your composting toilet because a) they won’t grow, b) you’ll contract bacillary dysentery from your compost, c) you have to be a goat to make decent fertilizer(?). To see how the above is all patently nonsense, please look at my organic garden to find out the easy, clean, and healthy way to grow vegetables.
70 Comments
claudia
28/10/2013 03:39:05 am
People don't see the world as it is, but as they are.
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WinterStar
11/1/2016 06:48:01 am
BEAUTIFULLY stated! And yes...good company!
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Steve
18/1/2016 03:02:40 pm
Any personal opinions, mostly unsolicited, are based upon the emotions a negative person is experiencing at the moment. Positive, can do it people are the only ones I care to have around.
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Kerry
18/1/2016 06:40:16 pm
:)
Kerry
29/10/2013 12:29:34 pm
"People don't see the world as it is, but as they are." Hmm, I like it:)Thank you Claudia, it pays to remember that.
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21/1/2014 08:37:03 am
What an inspiring person you are! I am thoroughly enjoying reading about your building project... All the best to you!
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Kerry
26/1/2014 10:59:22 am
Thanks!
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Lisa Marie
26/8/2015 07:59:12 pm
I converted a 24' school bus a couple of years ago, and even starting with (essentially) a tank, pretty much everyone (especially men) told me that every step was wrong. That I couldn't do wood floors because they would slide apart the second I hit the road (they survived nicely, without a single gap); that skylights would leak (no, but all the rv's the following winter in a week long torrential downpour leaked like sieves); that I could never install an RV fridge myself...
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Oh this has to be comment of the month! :)) Love it Lisa. And yes I hear you, it does completely drive you crazy. I had a guy from the forestry commission pick his way gingerly down the track to survey a fallen tree near my land. He took one look at my house and said, 'Erm you know how you should have done the roof?'
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Bambi in Tennessee, USA
1/9/2015 09:54:30 am
Atuyla,
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Kerry
1/9/2015 01:02:45 pm
Thank you Bambi! Thank goodness for The Net, eh? And it is so incredibly heartening to see how many alternative building and lifestyle sites there are, and how popular they are. Things are changing. Yippee!
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11/9/2015 01:40:43 am
Vou escrever em português e vocês façam como eu usem o Google tradutor. Risos.
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Cathy Hamilton
21/9/2015 03:25:46 pm
i understand completely about the nay Sayers! My family has been so hell bent on my failure that they have done everything to discourage me to the point I have refused further contact until my "project" is finished, but like you I doubt if it will ever be truly be finished!
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Bambi
22/9/2015 05:31:46 am
So, Cathy Hamilton.... Do you live in the USA? or elsewhere? I'm just curious Where you are preparing to build.
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Clay
29/12/2015 08:10:48 am
I also wonder where all the projects are as I am in Ca. USA ( the land of permits,rules and restrictions. I am wondering if anyone else deals with this
Kerry
22/9/2015 10:30:40 am
I've often thought that every apparent obstacle was in fact helping me in ways I didn't quite know yet (ie who knows? May be it will snow where you are this winter and so you'll be sighing with relief that you didn't start the bags earlier.) Lately I've noticed that even the naysayers have brought me benefit. Once your house is complete, it gives you such an inner confidence, so that eventually nothing anyone can say about anything in your life affects you. I now feel impervious to the criticisms of others. This inner confidence can spread into every area of my life; writing, art, choice of friends, work and it produces such power! Ah enjoy the ride Cathy.
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Shenique
5/10/2015 12:23:33 pm
Thanks for telling your story it has been a great source of support for the rest of us...
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Atulya
5/10/2015 09:38:26 pm
So glad it proves useful Shenique.
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Gillian
20/10/2015 07:32:14 pm
Really encouraged by your story, I got land in Wales UK, and I'm no builder but I'm seriously doing research to build an Eco friendly fish farm this is the beginning of my own eureka moment and I hope to be totally self efficient, so to hear that you got negatives from all asunder and concurred is encouraging,thanks.
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Kerry
21/10/2015 11:20:34 am
Sounds like a great plan Gillian. Good luck!
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Awi ngak
7/11/2015 03:11:34 pm
Hi Atulya, I have read most of your articles because your earthbag home inspired me and my husband. I got interested to browse the internet to find alternative ways to build a house using soil because of the expensive materials for conventional concrete houses. Your earthbag house is a proof that beautiful homes can be made out of the materials that we have within our reach. We are planning to make an earthbag house in a rural area where we plan also to do organic garden and animal raising. However, just like your experience, we will also be expecting curious passers by with comments more on the negative because earthbag home is not yet done in the area...but we are determined to start our project next year. Thanks so much for sharing your actual experience. We are learning a lot from you....
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lis
7/11/2015 03:42:46 pm
You are right to defend your vision...the critics have no perspective or frame of reference...I am inspired and appreciate your whimsical writing the true creative force within drives your genuine need to surround yourself with this earthy connected place to manifest yourself...keep creating...for its own sake..you are making an impact!..😀
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Atulya
7/11/2015 05:46:46 pm
Thank you Lis!
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samuel sudhan
5/1/2016 12:07:08 pm
Hi, I am from Chennai, India. Nice Article. Many have done it , but can I do it? The biggest obstacle I face is myself. :(
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Atulya
5/1/2016 06:41:14 pm
Hey Samuel, if you've ever done the Chennai to Delhi train journey, let me tell you, an earthbag house is a piece of cake in comparison:))
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Kathy
10/1/2016 04:00:07 pm
Wow - you made my day. I struggle with the same people you do - the ubiquitous naysayers- who stop me dead in my tracks with so many creative exciting projects I happen to be excited about. I will keep your well written article to inpire me forward. Well done!
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Atulya
11/1/2016 05:14:59 pm
Tell 'em to eat dirt:)
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WinterStar
11/1/2016 06:46:46 am
Such inspiring posts and comments! YES!
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Atulya
11/1/2016 05:24:35 pm
Thank you so much for your thoughtful posting Winter. So much experience. Yes, I agree about that subtle glass ceiling, though I now see it's not everywhere, just certain places and certain people of both genders and various cultures. (There are some very sexist women out there too. Indeed, half of the people who didn't believe in me were women). Yet, as my journey progresses I find other wonderful places and people who are supportive, fair and positive. I now pull my time and energy away from those that block me, and put it into areas that allow me to thrive. Those places always exist somewhere. It's like a planetary law. And thus the glass ceiling dissolves for me. Thank you again for your powerful comment.
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Melanie
2/3/2017 04:36:57 pm
Winter Star,
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Grace haven paul
11/1/2016 07:15:18 am
Dear Atulya.
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Atulya
11/1/2016 05:25:06 pm
Beautiful words. I will treasure them.
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Jana McCarty
11/1/2016 04:36:19 pm
can you put electricity in a mud home? how?
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Atulya
11/1/2016 05:13:52 pm
Of course! It's mud, and mud doesn't burn. Your house is one large earthing device.
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WinterStar
11/1/2016 06:58:51 pm
+Jana McCarty , Sure. Same way electric is put into regular houses.
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Atulya
11/1/2016 07:11:17 pm
Cheers Winter! Glad you're on the team:) I guess I need a forum. Jana, I've posted a photo of how my cables run through the earthbag wall on the FB page.
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WinterStar
11/1/2016 07:10:50 pm
I don't know how to respond to Clay's question about Permits in places like CA. I can tell him that Nadir Khalili started The CalEarth Institute down in Hesperia, CA years ago, and started building Earthbag houses--it was his engineering which kicked-off "using the tools of war to build houses": sandbags, barbed wire, and cement. http://calearth.org Hesperia is in one of the most highly seismic areas...AND he got San Bernardino County to issue Permits for earthbag buildings, and also I think for his ceramicized buildings. What's mind-boggling, is that so few have been built in the S.CA region, since the benefits are huge, for building that way. I was ready to build an ancillary building using earthbags, in Mom's back yard, several decades ago.
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Kerry
18/1/2016 06:37:12 pm
I know WinterStar, this methodology is not particularly new, been subject to a lot of structural testing, cheap and easy, yet sooo slow to take off. I'm doing some research about permits. But there are states in the US with no permit required, others that do give permits for earthbag, and others that are plain difficult. You are right CalEarth is the place to go.
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WinterStar
23/2/2016 01:19:39 am
Permitting is more like...per County, not per State.
Mike - the Walrus
21/2/2016 07:58:01 pm
Those that say you can't are normally those that won't or daren't try to be different! They tend to be jealous because you dare and often can! OK on the way we maybe have the odd mishap, adds to the experience, but doesn't stop us from moving on! If you want to you do and the devil take the hindmost. If you don't tell others they can't - you as a person have failed - sad isn't it?
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Atulya
22/2/2016 01:27:52 am
Indeed Mike. That's exactly how it is.
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I've just set up a forum for people to post and read all info about building codes and permits, and how they get around them.
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Stan Nissy
12/3/2016 04:36:51 pm
You don't need anyone's blessing, approval or permission. Why do even give the nay-sayers a moments thought?
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joe kersh
14/3/2016 05:49:58 pm
hello Atulya,
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Atulya
14/3/2016 07:17:50 pm
Thanks Joe, keep us up to date with the dome construction.
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Om my Godess! Thank you for all this wonderful strong Women!
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Atulya
24/6/2016 10:50:15 am
I missed this one Ilka. Yes, I agree. In a way the criticism stokes the fires of obstinacy, and then when you prove them wrong, you feel invincible.
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Chris butler
22/6/2016 04:09:35 pm
Thank you so much. Very enlightening.
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Atulya
22/6/2016 08:43:07 pm
:)
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Connie
24/6/2016 04:03:56 am
Yes I'm having the same experience with people. You have nailed it on the head about negativity in people. So far it sends me into a tail spin of doubt for a couple of days and then I bounce back and get back to building my dream. Even though it's very hard physical work, I just keep thinking about how it's going to look when I'm done and that keeps me going. No I've never done this kind of work before but I've ready many books and have gone to a few workshops. Becky Bee says anyone can do it and I believe her.
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Atulya
24/6/2016 10:48:32 am
Becky Bee is right. Anyone can do it. It's not rocket science, though some will have you believe it is. I too was told by many to buy a gun. I never did. So glad because I certainly would have used it, and it wouldn't have been on an animal:) Guns just up the ante in any conflict. Better to learn some good negotiating skills, create secret exits, set a few man traps and don't forget; earthbag is bulletproof:)))
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WinterStar
25/6/2016 02:54:56 am
Well, maybe bullet-resistant; depends on how thick walls are, what those are plastered with, and what sort of gun/ammo is used on them.
Paul Collins
29/9/2016 01:57:32 am
This is all so inspirational! I'm desperate to find some land & start building but I need to do a lot more research on building codes/regulations here in Australia.
Marjorie Curtiss
25/7/2016 04:13:42 pm
Thank you all for the encouragement ♡♡♡
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Atulya
25/7/2016 09:09:58 pm
You are very welcome Marjorie.
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Ashley Ferguson
30/8/2016 08:52:06 am
Thanks so much for the encouragement. That's probably the main reason I haven't accomplished 90% of my goals and dreams, but at the same time the only way I've had the many adventures I've had. Something about someone telling me I can't do something just has a tendency to light a fire under my ass,... That is until it starts to sink in and they help the obstacles along.
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Atulya
30/8/2016 10:38:57 am
Yes, I know what you mean Ashley. I can't quite decide sometimes whether the naysaying is galvanizing me or hindering me. I think it depends on how confident I am of the outcome. If I'm reasonably confident, it motivates me. If not, it helps my doubts manifest.
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Paul Collins
29/9/2016 02:01:06 am
Thank you Atulya
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Atulya
30/12/2016 12:23:20 pm
Cheers Paul! Indeed, we just have to keep walking our roads, step by step:)
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Tshili
16/4/2017 08:38:34 am
Thank you for being such an inspiration. The naysayers have been my obstacle to date and I am using their negativity to fuel me.
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Atulya
17/4/2017 01:44:47 pm
Hahaha..make 'em pay;) Yes and it never ever seems to change no matter what you do. I'm now in a van travelling Europe (which quite frankly after Mud Mountain in Turkey is very tame) but they're still at it.
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Harry
28/11/2018 05:46:47 pm
You are such an inspiration! When I first heard you on a podcast, I thought "Aw hell yeah she's awesome."
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Atulya
28/11/2018 08:31:52 pm
Thank you Harry! Good luck with your project. The desert is perfect for earthbag.
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Atulya
2/5/2019 09:08:39 pm
Thank you Michel!
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Jonathan Norman
23/12/2019 07:46:28 pm
This is great! You are totally right. the Nay-sayers seems to be the biggest obstacle in building with mud. I have just stop sharing my idea and focusing on demonstration.
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21/2/2020 06:59:22 am
thanks for providing useful information on Measurement and Instrumentation Questions and Answers Preparation
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Just wanted to say thank you for that post about your greatest obstacle. It helps to know that others have struggled and come out the other side.
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N
13/2/2023 06:11:15 pm
Just got this in an email and I knew I HAD to read it. I'm about to move to another country, alone with my two babies. My plan for affordable housing? An earthbag house! I'm already imagining everything everyone is going to say, and I know I'm going to get earfuls all the time, but I DON'T CARE anymore if people think I'm crazy. I'm gonna do it. Thank you for your posts!
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