Until a few years ago, Mauro was always on the go, working in the hospitality and restaurant sectors in various corners of the world. Despite his professional success, he felt a void: a fast-paced life that seemed fulfilling but lacked a real inner connection. In search of something deeper, Mauro decided to embark on a journey inward. This inner adventure led him to settle on the Monti Sibillini, in a remote and untouched area of central Italy, where he finally found the space to listen to himself and rediscover his connection to nature.

A self-sufficient life led by nature

Now, Mauro lives at an altitude of 1050 meters, without electricity, gas, or running water. He heats and cooks with wood and collects water from a natural spring near his house nestled in the woods. In his small organic garden, he grows what he needs, and for everything else, he relies on barter with the few neighbors in the area.

Although this was a radical lifestyle choice and not without its challenges, Mauro feels more convinced than ever that he made the right decision. For him, nature has transformed from the backdrop of his days into a silent teacher. By learning to respect it, Mauro receives everything he needs. His mountain house is small and simple, but to Mauro, it’s a true haven—a place where he can reconnect with the essence of life and find peace.

The benefits of an authentic existence

Living immersed in nature has given Mauro much more than a home: he has found a deep connection with himself and the world around him. Each day, every gesture is slow and mindful, and each moment is lived with intention. Over time, this rhythm has allowed Mauro to develop a deep gratitude for the little things, like the warmth of the fire or the satisfaction of eating what he’s grown.

Self-sufficiency has not only provided him with a healthier diet with a lower environmental impact, but it has also strengthened his sense of independence. From woodworking to cultivating his garden, each day now offers an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to create something tangible with his hands. It’s as if every action is part of a cycle, a life that feels more real and complete.

Embracing challenges and overcoming fear

Life alone on the Monti Sibillini isn’t without difficulties, and Mauro openly shares that he has faced many challenges. Living without modern comforts requires resilience and adaptability, and facing solitude has also meant confronting his own fears. For him, however, fear has become an ally, a natural emotion that, when accepted, can become the most powerful drive for change. Instead of holding him back, fear has helped him develop creative problem-solving skills. Each challenge he overcomes has become a story to tell, a piece of experience that brings him closer to a simple and sustainable life.

The surprises of slow living

Over time, Mauro has discovered that living far from the city’s hustle and without all the modern conveniences has allowed him to reconnect with the simple joys of everyday life, rekindling that sense of wonder we feel as children. Not only has he learned new and useful skills, but he has also come to appreciate the value of slow living, enjoying each moment without rushing, letting each day be a small journey to savor in all its shades.

In a Nutshell

Mauro’s story is a journey of life change at 1050 meters. After deciding to leave his job, Mauro moved to the Monti Sibillini, where he chose a life in complete harmony with nature, without electricity or modern comforts. His path toward self-sufficiency, deep connection with nature, and self-discovery has given him a new perspective on life and the value of time. Through this experience, Mauro has learned to live with gratitude, to find beauty in the small things, and to turn every challenge into growth. And maybe, just maybe, true happiness lies in the simplest, most genuine choices.