APPRECIATING THE PRESENT AND EMPOWERING CHANGE FROM WITHIN: THE PHILOSOPHY OF OLYMPIC SNOWBOARDER, KJERSTI BUAAS
Kjersti Buaas embodies the energy and curiosity of the human spirit. Her life path has been paved with accomplishments achieved throughout her incredible snowboarding career, but perhaps more impressive is the underlying simplicity that shines through her actions and teachings. The four-time Olympian currently spends her days deeply connected with nature as she spreads awareness on sustainable van living. Buaas exemplifies the positive ripple effect that can be accomplished when someone is passionate about what they do.
From designing and demonstrating sustainable vans, to guiding and lecturing on the practice of breath work, so much of what Buaas does is designed for positive change. She strives to be the best version of herself each day, constantly creating the future she envisions. Buaas sees a tomorrow where individuals are motivated to focus on the inner work necessary to allow for bigger movements to take place.
With the health of our planet in a state of urgency, Kjersti Buaas works with many nonprofits like Protect OurWinters, Lonely Whale, and Project Drawdown with Paul Hawken to fight for a better tomorrow. She and her partner, Chanelle, founded PRSNT Adventure Retreats to guide and empower women through the experiences of outdoor sports and excursions.
Buaas possesses a unique mindset and drive that inspires positivity and appreciation. Face the Current spoke with her to discuss her motivations, outlook, story, and more.
Ty Johnson: Currently, you and your partner Chanelle are living out of a converted sprinter van, demonstrating its accessibility and spreading awareness on sustainable van living. What challenges and joys have you encountered throughout this process?
Kjersti Buaas: Yes, Chanelle and I have converted a sprinter van and we are now traveling around in it. We named her Lady Luna and she is powered to go anywhere with four-by-four, off-grid systems, designed and built to get lost for days in comfort! This winter was our first proper winter in the van, and it was magical. We traveled to different Ikon Pass resorts in California, likeTahoe, Mammoth and Big Bear.
Waking up in the van is so special. The walls are made from beautiful bamboo that we made and stained ourselves with non-toxic oil. We have a shower and a composting toilet. The kitchen is eighteen feet long because we love cooking! The van is insulated with wool and we made sure not to use harmful chemicals and materials in the process, as it’s a small space and living and breathing in toxins is no good. I usually do meditation first thing when I wake up. Breathing calmly and consciously sets me up for a day of joy. I don’t really need much to happen; life feels good as it is in the meditative state of mind. After that I love making a fresh pot of coffee and enjoying it as I look outside the window. When we were on the road this last winter, we were blessed with fresh snow. Some mornings I climbed up on the roof to wipe off all the snow from the solar panels. It’s such a fun, adventurous way to explore life, nature, and an active lifestyle—always on the move!
TJ: You have a permaculture design certificate, are a Wilderness First Responder, and are a certified meditation teacher and teacher of presence. What fuels your desire to continue learning and expanding your abilities as a human being?
Yes, I love learning and expanding my knowledge, especially when it comes to planetary and people health. I earned the permaculture certification back in 2012 on the Big Island in Hawaii, learning about plants and getting my hands dirty. Nature’s own systems are so clever! We humans tend to want to rip everything out, quickly labeling things as weeds. Learning how to work with nature, not against it, using all its properties and designing smart systems, you learn to think differently. And permaculture principles can translate into anything really—I absolutely love it! I use permaculture in other areas of life, too. It’s the same with meditation
