FINDING MAGIC in LIFE

Thank you Justine & Michael 💚

As a child there was no doubt in your mind that magic existed. You immersed yourself in a world of wonder and amazing possibilities. But as adults, we get caught up in solving problems and simply surviving from one moment to the next, all the while forgetting about the magic of life.

Miracles are happening all the time, especially in all those small things that we so easily overlook. Recognize the magic and blessings that surround you every single day.

Filmed in Swellendam, South Africa.
Featuring Jan du Toit.

All of our films are made possible through the generous support of our patrons.

Who is Green Renaissance? We are Michael and Justine - passionate filmmakers, living off-grid and dedicating our time to making films that we hope will inspire and share positivity out into the world.

Editing - by Jackie Viviers
Sound mix - by Tamryn Breakey

Wellspring - by Eleven Tales
Lieu de Paix - by Roseblue
Ashe - by Hans Johnson
Auld Lang Syne - by Narrow Skies
Antionetta - by Bore C3 ADs
Camhanaich - by Bore C3 ADs
Ashe - by Hans Johnson
Wishes - by Lane King

A huge thank you to these guys, who so generously gave of their to time to help with language translations:
Arabic - by Mohammad Alkhudhair
Chinese - by Erika Huang
Croatian - by Davor Bobanac
Czech - by Pavla Látalová
Danish - by Jeppe Lerche Larsen
Dutch - by Rianne ten Veen
French - by Natalia Hoffsteter
Georgian - by Qeti Giorgadze
German - by Tanja Pütz
Hebrew - by Sea-van Rachel
Hindi - by Parul Sharma
Italian - by Vincenzo Mocerino
Japanese - by Asami Nishimura
Korean - by Chloe Park
Polish - by Anna Konieczna
Portuguese - by Jonatha Koeller
Russian - by Assiya Marzhanova
Slovak - by Zuzana Beratsova
Slovenian - by Jasmina Kovačič
Spanish - by Marianne Carrere
Tamil - by Sangeetha Dayanandan
Tswana - by James Motlhamme
Turkish - by Ahsen Aygören
Vietnamese - by Thi Le

[shellywilks]

If your hair grew over your face, we wouldn't see the sparkle in your eyes. And now that wouldn't be nice to deprive who loves you of that pure beauty. ❤💛💚

[thenerrdpit]

broke my heart that he was made to believe he wasn't a beautiful, magical creature. Never underestimate the impact you have on your fellow human beings. I am glad he is not bitter, but radiates love. More power to you <3

[Desertkns]

I wish he could see himself as we see him. A gifted artist, a devoted friend, a beautiful soul and yes a handsome face.

[janiceshayne]

He had me at, "I see myself as a gnome. (laugh)" I just allow myself to cry tears of gratitude to know there are kind people across the world. I've watched this and your other films a few times as I live in a small neighborhood where there are some very nasty people who have targeted me and a couple others. For what? Life is so precious, so beautiful. I watch these films to keep my heart open, my hope intact and my mind calm. In that respect, I see that while it's difficult, my situation is a gift. I must make a choice. Who am I? What path shall I take when attacked? -- I choose love. And let me tell you Green Renaissance, these films remind me of my own heart. When it is so easy to fall into anger and thoughts of ill will, I will stay true to Love. -- Thank you for what you do.

[minahsulah]

It breaks my heart when beautiful people are made to believe they are ugly.
What a sweet soul he is.

[enbyinjapan]

This brought tears to my eyes. I love knowing there are people like this out there. This man deserves a big hug. And so does everyone reading this.

[Sarahofthewoods]

How wonderful he is. If I could, I would say to him, "Sir, you are not ugly. No one who smiles such a beautiful smile can ever be ugly. You are grand and you wear your age well."

[rjrod]

I totally understand this man when he says that he doesn't like crowds, but he does love people. I am like that too. People are great, but for some of us having a one-to-one conversation is much nicer and easier than being surrounded by a lot of people. I also liked the part when he said that birthdays are important. For some reason I've never been a fan of celebrating my own birthday, but this man made me think of the meaning of it. I think I will change my mind and start celebrating my own Birthdays with joy. So thanks to this man. Thank you GR! 💚

[tanyalloyd]

Beautiful, beautiful man. I would happily sit for hours with pot of tea after pot of tea, or coffee after coffee at this man’s table, tapping into the wisdom and immense kindness in his heart. You cannot ever match the ferocity of giving and depth of kindness that comes from people who haven’t received it themselves. To consciously choose to be a better, kinder, thoughtful and loving human being than what you have encountered yourself, is the most beautiful thing in the world.

[devonseamoor]

This man is sparkle eyed no matter the subject he chooses. Checking his birthday booklet, putting a cross behind the names of those who passed away. "They're not available anymore" he says, sparkle eyed. Wonderful sense of humour, beautiful soul, so kind. Thank you again, Green Renaissance, for your continued creative work, sharing uplifting stories, and ideas in your videos. 🙏💙

[mariaetheridge]

One of the bestest gnomes I've come across! Magical doesn't come close to decribing this beautiful soul.

[marjoriegarner]

You're beautiful.... you look like Santa Clause. And that's wonderful. I'm 80 next year, and you're my kind of guy. Hugs from Miss Claus, in beauriful Montana. Looks like you make ceramics....I used to do that too. Be happy, you handsome man. I love books and gardening too. Life is magical. I live on the Continental Divide. At over 6, 000 feet elevation. There is such beauty in all life, in nature. It's an honor for me to meet you. Your children were blessed to have such a great father. So blessed. Precious, magical man.

[aiswaryap]

A pure soul...

The art of healing through other being's wisdom... That's what Green Renaissance is all about❤

[Godisgreat-]

He’s beautiful inside and out. I’m sorry to those who can’t see true beauty, when it’s right in front of them. He is kind, gentle and filled with love. This made me sad to know that there are humans like him that don’t get a chance to be a true blessing to our world. We need more just like him. ❤️

[tarotducheneblanc]

Ohh that laugh!! It made my day! And I hope this man never believes he is not beautiful.... because he is! He has let his soul shine through... I wish he was my friend... Love this soul.

[dearyou]

It was an honor to listen to his history and lessons. Such a special person! Please, tell him his is really beautiful, inside and out! And thank you, Green Renaissance, for this heartwarming video.

[innerstream]

I wish I knew his birthday and how to get a card to him….he deserves a truck load of greetings 😊

[priscillaepratt]

Dear gentle soul...you are loved. You're a wonder just as you are, You can never hide behind your beautiful beard, your twinkling eyes and happy smile will always shine through.
You have a pure heart. Stay well and joyful.

[ameliabray]

It’s so true that beauty is all in the eye of the beholder. The moment his face was onscreen and he started talking, I felt like I was being hugged. My 3 year old said, “he’s a nice Santa Mamma, not a scary one”. I deeply trust the honesty of children. And myself too, what a truely beautiful human. I wish I knew him. Thank you for sharing this.

[Ellary_Rosewood]

This video is just what I needed right now. Lately, I've been feeling these horrible thoughts of worthlessness and inadequacy, wondering what I'm doing and feeling so far from where I want to be. Today, I woke up and decided that I was going to have a good day. I took a long walk through the beautiful botanical gardens here in Tbilisi. There was nobody else around, and it was a wonderful, crisp, Autumn day. The fresh air felt like it breathed life into my soul. Taking the time to stop and smell the flowers, to breath in the sweet smell from the nature around me, it was as if all those negative thoughts were washed away. Nature has a way of reminding you what really matters in life. It's the little things. It's the magic that can be found in the bugs, the flowers, in this beautiful earth that gives us everything we need. I stopped and sat on a bench, just looking at the trees in silence for thirty minutes before moving on. If only we took the time to slow down and notice the little things, our lives would be so much fuller and happier. Not stressing about all the things that really don't even matter.
I hope everyone watching this also has a wonderful day and will stop, slow down, take a breath, to look around and notice the beauty and magic that surrounds us. ❤