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Is it possible to feel rich without possessions? Can you live happily without money? In the documentary Living without Money, we meet the German woman Heidemarie Schwermer (68) who made a deliberate choice to live without money 14 years ago. One day she cancelled her flat, donated all of her belongings and started a new life based on exchanging favors – without the use of money. The experiences she made totally changed her outlook on life.
Today she is living an interesting and adventurous life, which is very much related to living in the moment without worrying about the future. She is constantly on the move and always trying to help others find their path towards a more simple and harmonic life. The reactions against her are many and various. While some get angry and call her a parasite, others think she is a visionary and a great source of inspiration.
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What a leader and what a gift she gives the world, May 18, 2013
I believe she is right and we do this in our own way with a property we own...we don't rent but allow anyone who would like to use it to feel free to use it...when someone offers us money(which we don't expect or ask for ) we ask for an energy exchange instead...can we use one of your properties when you are not around?...or can I attend your yoga class instead?. We must get along without money...Money represents the energy of humanity ...it is the energy we have to create which has value...money merely represents human value. Our present monetary system is like a game of Monopoly ...there will be a turn around the board when everyone pays all they have to the banker...then the game will end...we are moving into it exponentially.
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Lost in translation..., January 14, 2013
I love Hiedemaries heart she is a brave visionary,I see this as her translation of life coming from her described background,I dont think money is the problem but to be sure we have lost our basic connection to self and others from defining our worth thru stuff.I have a very soft heart as well and can relate to wanting deeper and richer connection to nature and family.
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Living without money, September 17, 2012
Nothing spectacular or even very new or interesting here
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Living Without Money, September 6, 2012
Heartwarming and inspiring! Heidemarie is such a strong, courageous and generous person to be living the truth of her heart and sharing her wisdom about what matters and what is important in life with others. We are blessed to have people among us, like Heidimarie, who hear a higher calling and who selflessly devote their entire lives to making our world a better place.
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How do we live?, August 26, 2012
Heidemarie lives in an affluent country, with so many consumer goods available to be bought, and yet people work and work for the money to buy these things and never get to really enjoy life. And while some are never satisfied with what they have and always want more and more, there are people who have nothing and live on the streets. Her "experiment" of living without money is all about spreading the message that we don't need a lot of things to be happy. What we need is friends, family, community, and time in nature to lead a full life. More power to her.
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Such a simplistic yet, July 30, 2012
Such a simplistic yet eye-opening concept; I have always marveled at the thought of a bartering system and what community initiatives and interconnectedness that it would bring. Ironically, this system would bring more security and yet the biggest inhibitors to all of us leading this lifestyle are fear and a loss of connection with self and our creative consciousness.
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Heidemarie's Living Without Money, July 30, 2012
Love to know where she gets alllll those coats. And her answer that "she thinks about it and things just fall into her lap" doesn't quite sit well. Also, just how much of her pension does she keep ? She is correct, however, when she talks about doing what is right for her and her values. I do like the concept...
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Heidemarie's concept, July 29, 2012
...Is far beyond the current methodologies, and requires a world view not common at this time in history. What sweetness there is in her trust. I understand her tears at what she sees. There may be many areas in which our societies seem advanced, but seeing this, I can't help but also see how primitive humanity still is in certain ways.
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the real meaning., March 1, 2012
Regardless of how you live with or without money, i think this womans point rings true at the end , to live in selflessness to others, to give without expecting anything in return, she is showing others how it can be done, you can see this womans pain for humanity, and her desire to truly help others, and that is selflessness. a wonderful example.
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Not practical, February 26, 2012
I admire Heidemarie for doing this but I don't think it's practical for everyone even if they want to. I'd probably get chased out of the store if I wanted to exchange something for food. What do you do if you need medical care or going to the dentist? Most won't even see you without insurance and for that you need money.
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All I can say is Heidemarie, February 21, 2012
All I can say is Heidemarie is a beautiful spirit who has a profound connection and understanding with our Creator. Bless you Heidemarie Schwermer on your Journey.
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Inspirational, February 12, 2012
I'm not one to join in on such a journey as this, but I do believe in a minimalist lifestyle, which can be achieved using similar principles.
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"Money distracts us from what is important.", February 10, 2012
So says Heidemarie Schwermer. This is a profound and true statement of this insanity call consumerism.
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