My journey: An unusual blend of art, science, consciousness, and sustainability in the Puerto Rican rainforest

The vibrant dawn of another day unfurls in the heart of the Puerto Rican rainforest, my adopted home for the past 23 years. My life is like a river coursing through this forest, through dense groves of cultural complexity, and cascades of ecological nuance; a dance on the colorful palette of existence within this subtropical wet forest in the south east of the island, a place where exact science, sublime artistry, conscious evolution, and the quest for sustainability all converge. I describe myself as a Performance Scientist and Research Artist.

My life in Puerto Rico was originally sparked by a three-year coral-reef research expedition onboard the Research Vessel Heraclitus, where I learnt to shake off the shackles of everything I had ever known before and developed the avid desire to traverse unknown territories. A nervous swimmer, I was soon diving in cathedrals of coral reefs, swimming with giant manta rays, exploring the depths of the world’s oceans, and in this close-knit community of my seafaring companions, we cultivated a deep sense of trust and reliance on one another.

This global journey fueled my scientific curiosity, igniting a desire to unlock the secrets of diverse ecosystems, eventually leading me to the high desert of New Mexico, where at Synergia Ranch, Center for Innovation, I tended to an organic fruit orchard planted in the 1970s. In December 1999 I went to the rainforest project, known as Las Casas de la Selva, in southeast Puerto Rico. These projects were all linked by the people that founded them. People that lived together and worked together.

My journey to Puerto Rico initially had a straightforward objective: to study the rainforest’s biome, with a particular focus on its unique ecosystem dynamics with line-planted trees, and biodiversity. I spent the next several years inside the forest, learning to identify trees, measuring trees and canopies, and learning to collect & collate data. Yet, the endeavor evolved into a complex analysis of symbiotic relationships, not just within the ecosystem but between the ecosystem and the local human population. My purpose was to decipher the esoteric utterances of this tropical biome, and with each passing day, my journey transcended its scientific premise, spiraling it to a profound exploration of co-existence and the reciprocal maintenance of all things living.

Despite having lived in Puerto Rico for more than two decades, I often find myself navigating this realm with the respectful tentativeness of a visitor. Amid the rainforest’s lively chorus, my voice merges as a gentle whisper, as I strive to build a respectful and symbiotic relationship with the land, its people, and rich culture. My hesitancy to assert myself within this community does not stem from fear, but rather a deep respect for the Puerto Ricans and their land. I have observed, learned, and adapted, yet always mindful that my status as an outsider is not an impediment but an avenue leading to a richer understanding and a deeper appreciation of the culture and ecosystem I am privileged to inhabit. I’ve learned that cultural boundaries need not limit our capacity to understand, respect, and love other cultures and ecosystems.

The rainforest is a sanctuary of inspiration, a scientific marvel and muse, as much as an artistic studio. As a fine artist, I strive to unravel the raw beauty of nature, by examining it in detail; as a scientist, I aim to decipher the intricate dance of life; the rainforest’s diversity and interconnectivity, finding unity and diversity entwined like vines in a harmonious dance.

Transvangard is a wisp on the winds of change, it is the soul’s intrepid journey beyond the tangible edges of our shared reality. It is the dance upon the shifting sands of culture, a fluid ballet that transcends the hand-me-down boundaries and the well-trodden paths of tradition. My life here is a living testament to the ethos of transvangard.

In its essence, Transvangard is the courageous call of the human spirit to venture into uncharted territories. It is the wild breath that fills the sails of our ships of exploration, powering them beyond the rigid cliffs of norms, across the frothing seas of diversity, and into the tranquil harbors of commonality. Transvangard is the embodiment of the realization that we are not islands unto ourselves, but rather vast and interconnected archipelagoes, woven together in the ocean of shared human experiences. It is the embrace of diversity, the celebration of individuality, and the indefatigable pursuit of authenticity.  

Living here, I’ve learned to weave my individuality with the unique rhythm of Puerto Rican life; I’m a rare bloom in the rainforest, hopefully enriching Puerto Rico’s cultural and ecological fabric. My dance is an invitation to authenticity, transcendence of societal norms and the embracing of a symphony that resonates with the planet. An authentic life is one that celebrates diversity, just as the Puerto Rican rainforest does in every leaf, every tree, and every creature. An authentic life is like the rainforest – diverse, harmonious, and beautifully intertwined with every element of the cosmos. 

Throughout this journey, my fascination with human consciousness and altered states of being has persisted. The rainforest, with its serene and transformative aura, serves as a catalyst for self-growth, providing an environment conducive to introspection and conscious evolution.

In the realm of forestry, tree growing, and wood production, I have been fortunate to contribute significantly, and through my work, I have shone a spotlight on the value of wood, on an island that never had a wood industry to speak of, bridging the gap between the concerns for critical environmental conservation and sustainable use. I am proud to be part of a team that has brought together this movement. Our initiatives have not only cultivated an appreciation for wood as a valuable resource but have also paved the way for a burgeoning local industry that is mindful of the environment’s wellbeing.

I remain conscious of my ‘otherness’ within my deep connection with Puerto Rico. This outsider’s perspective enriches my narrative, amplifying my understanding and appreciation of local culture, the natural biome, and the evolving wood industry. My life is a testament to a mindful existence, and forestry, resonating with the rhythm of the rainforest and the local community. I am Thrity Vakil, and not Thrity Vakil. I am a pioneer whose journey transcends borders. Despite being an outsider, I have found my place here, not by forcing myself upon the land or its people, but by embracing the rhythms of the forest and becoming an integral part of its existence.

My odyssey is not defined by mere markers of time or topography, but rather by the subtle symphony of experiences, discoveries, and wisdom that continue to shape my narrative. Each day in this verdant paradise presents an opportunity to discover, to learn, and to evolve; each moment is an invitation to delve deeper into the enigma that is life, a canvas that invites both the scientist and the artist in me to unravel its mysteries and marvels. This foreign land has become an inseparable part of my identity, and much like the rainforest that offers sanctuary to an exquisite array of life, is a muse that inspires my scientific endeavors, fuels my artistic pursuits, expands my consciousness, and champions my sustainability efforts. As I navigate this ongoing journey, I realize that while I may remain an outsider to some, to the rainforest and its inhabitants, I am no longer a stranger, but an integral part of a beautiful, pulsating mosaic of life and existence.

As a testament to the resilience of nature, and indeed of life itself, my journey has been punctuated by overcoming significant adversities, specifically the devastating aftermaths of Hurricane Maria in 2017 and Hurricane Fiona in 2022. These storms, in all their fury, ravaged the island, leaving in their wake a trail of destruction that tested the very resilience of the Puerto Rican community and the surrounding ecosystems. Yet, within this seeming chaos, there emerged a profound lesson in resilience and restoration. In the face of such challenges, I witnessed the unwavering spirit of Puerto Rico, as local communities rallied together, rebuilding not just physical structures, but also their shared cultural and ecological heritage.

This resilience was mirrored in the rainforest’s extraordinary response. From the ruins of old, sprang forth new life; from the remains of once towering trees, emerged fresh tendrils of hope, reaching upwards towards the sun. The devastated landscape rebirthed itself in a spectacle of nature’s audacious resilience, its phoenix-like emergence, an awe-inspiring testament to the miraculous cycle of life.

These experiences have deeply carved into my being, leaving behind an even greater reverence for the intricate web of life, fueling my commitment to sustainable development and reforestation. Like the rainforest, I too have embraced resilience as an innate rhythm, learning to dance with the winds of adversity, to bend but not break, to shed leaves but sprout anew, echoing the transformative beat of the rainforest and the resilient song of the Puerto Rican community. Hurricanes Maria and Fiona taught me that resilience is not just about enduring; it’s about growing, flourishing, and blooming amidst the storm’s aftermath. This lesson is a symphony sung by the rainforest, a chorus harmonized by the Puerto Rican people, and a melody I now hum as my own.

Thrity 3t Vakil, June 2023