Artist Otto Czerepak embarks on a journey of healing in the Costa Rican jungle. Accompanied by fellow artist Julian Vadas and under the guidance of local experts, Otto aims to overcome the cancer that conventional medicine has deemed "untreatable". In the spirit of his longtime mantra: "Life is For the Living," Otto is embracing a holistic approach, focusing on not only the physical body, but the mental, spiritual, and energetic bodies as well. The approach includes an emphasis on nutrition (specifically an alkalizing diet), contact with nature and sunshine, and spiritual contemplation. Both Otto and Julian will be creating a painting each day throughout this process, in order to creatively assimilate and examine the many dimensions of this endeavor. This blog is designed for friends and family to keep track of Otto's progress while he is away, as well as to inspire others, of any degree of health.

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Back in Potsdam, NY. A show of our work from Costa Rica opened at Otto's gallery last night.
One journey ends and another begins. The conclusion of our time in Costa Rica ushers in the challenges of transplanting new habits formed abroad into the familiar context of the old habits. It is quite a challenge for Otto, but he has learned that he himself holds the key to wellness: good eating, present mind, slow breath, openness, positive intentions. It can be a lesson for anybody... we ultimately determine our own state of being, our level of health, vibrance, life, and light.
Through the power of intention, we used the generous donations of others, stubborn faith in a bold goal, and the perfect accents of indescribable serendipity to create a journey of healing that was at once difficult and rewarding, inspiring and revealing.
It is not easy to change one's habits, especially those held throughout a lifetime. To take control of one's health mean's to look inward and face ourselves, with all of our strengths and weaknesses unveiled. Becoming conscious of the intimate relationships between health and lifestyle can take courage, especially coming from a culture that may not embody healthy habits.
The coming weeks will be a true challenge for Otto to extend his new habits into normal life at home, but he has the momentum of a fantastic trip to propel him, and the support of the community of Potsdam, NY to aid him.
Stay tuned for periodic updates on Otto's progress, artistic projects, etc...