Man Isolates Himself From Society For Over 25 Years. What He Does Is Beyond Belief
In our noisy, hyper-connected world, the dream of quiet solitude can feel like a fantasy. Yet, one man, Ra Paulette, chose to live it. Over 25 years ago, he retreated to the sandstone hills of New Mexico, not out of bitterness, but in pursuit of purpose and beauty.
Armed with only simple hand tools, Paulette began digging. His project evolved from a small space into a labyrinth of sacred caves. These hand-sculpted spaces feature soaring arches, intricate carvings, and meditation chambers, forming sanctuaries for the soul.
Paulette is not a trained artist or architect. His work is the result of pure vision and obsessive devotion. For decades, he worked alone for up to 12 hours a day, removing tons of rock to create these breathtaking subterranean cathedrals.
The experience inside his caves is profound. Visitors report a life-changing sense of peace. The acoustics and filtered light create an environment where the world’s noise falls away, inviting deep contemplation and wordless healing.
Paulette calls his creations “wilderness shrines.” They were built not for fame or tourists, but to inspire connection. Most remain hidden on private land, beautiful secrets in the wilderness.
His story gained wider recognition through the 2013 Oscar-nominated documentary, “Cave Digger.” The film highlighted his unwavering commitment to his artistic vision, often refusing to compromise for patrons.
Ra Paulette’s journey is a powerful lesson. It reminds us that true artistry emerges from passion, not the pursuit of applause. His legacy is a testament to the idea that you don’t need permission to follow a calling, only the courage to begin.
