Community Life
Maitreya began in 2022 with six passionate founders, united by a shared vision of global healing, inner growth, and a balanced, conscious way of living together. Over time, the community has transformed — today, two of the original founders remain, and the spirit of Maitreya continues to be shaped by the many hearts and hands that have passed through.
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Thanks to the dedication of hundreds of volunteers, friends, and visitors, Maitreya has grown into a vibrant ecosystem of people exploring authentic connection, personal healing, and community living. We are still learning, changing, and discovering what it means to live in harmony with ourselves, each other, and the land.
The community now includes:
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Friends and family, who remain connected through love and shared history
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Short- and long-term volunteers, who support and engage with daily life
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Colivers and digital nomads who stay for extended periods to experience and contribute to communal living
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Guests, who come to rest, recharge, and reconnect with nature
- And new long-term collaborators, committed souls choosing to co-create the future of Maitreya, with some planning to settle here permanently
We welcome you to be part of this ongoing journey — come as you are, and experience the magic of this ever-evolving place we call home.
Team
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Michael Lorek
Co-Founder. Management, Yoga & Pedagogy
Being a certified and experienced Yoga teacher, and an educator of Waldorf/Steiner at heart, with Michi, Maitreya can rely on a deep source of wisdom for both our community life and our retreats. Michi's efficiency, motivation and commitment to our tribe is unmatched. Michi is not just an expert on how to guide young beings in the world but is also a proud and heartwarming father of Enki Maitreya.
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Vera Lorek
Owner. Wisdom Keeper & Grandmother
Grandmother of Enki and mother of Michi, Vera supports our project with deep wisdom. She has the beautiful gift of bringing people together. Her warmth and love makes sure we can trust in the process of change and transformation. She has a huge passion for travelling and experiencing life in its fullest.
Durjoy Biswas
Community Member. Natural Builder, Media Creator & Tattoo Artist
Durjoy blends artistry, grounded presence, and technical skill at Maitreya. With an architecture background and passion for bamboo, he’s worked with farmers in Northeast India to build sustainable, regenerative structures. As a media producer and designer, Durjoy supports Maitreya’s vision through storytelling and design, working with care and intention.
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Karen Piotrowski
Co-Founder. Retreats, Coaching, Sound & Breathwork Healer
Karen is not only a heart-melting mother to Enki Maitreya but also supports the whole tribe with warmth and calmness. Her grounding energy makes sure Maitreya runs smoothly and allows us to reflect and come back to center. Karen is also a sound & breathwork healer. With her interdisciplinary talents and background in IT she is a valuable source of knowledge for our project.
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Nic Kuck
Community Member. Yoga, Retreats, Massage & Gestalt Therapy
Nic is a yoga teacher, massage therapist, and Gestalt therapy trainee who brings a grounded, heartful presence to Maitreya. He creates spaces for men to connect — with themselves, their bodies, and each other. Through yoga, touch, and honest conversation, he supports growth, presence, and embodied connection.
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Enki Maitreya
Head of Cuteness & Keeper of Lightness & Laughter
Our youngest tribe member fills our hearts with tenderness, wonder, and contagious laughter. Through his curious eyes, we see our project with fresh perspective — free from judgment, pressure, and routine. Time with him feels like meditation — a joyful reminder to express freely, live lightly, and build something meaningful. Now 3.5 years old, he’s been part of the community nearly since birth.
Bas van Asselt
Community Member. Beekeeper, Retreat Support & Welcoming Presence
Bas is a grounding presence at Maitreya, bringing calm and steadiness to the community. He began his journey here as a beekeeper, inspired by the bees’ quiet wisdom and collaboration. Today, he supports the community through retreat cooking, event organization, and managing guest bookings — always with a deep commitment to communal life.
