We will gather around a set of collective understandings and interests, including sociocracy, permaculture, and compassionate communication and deep listening. Community living isn’t always easy. However, with a solid foundation of care and compassion for ourselves and each other, and clear pathways and practices to remain open and present with the energy of conflict, this might be a transformative learning experience.
Whilst we honour that everyone is drawn to living in community for slightly different reasons, there are key elements that we wish to hold in our hearts:
- A deep care for the value of all living things on this planet, including ourselves, each other, humanity at large and the natural world.
- A willingness to explore and venture upon a more holistic life-path.
- An interest in understanding and creating the essence of family and community.
- A dedication to personal growth, healing, transformation, and spiritual understanding.
These community projects are invitations to learn about how we can best serve the flourishing of a peaceful world. We are particularly keen to share this learning journey with those who wish to teach, learn, and honour the differences and similarities within all of us. When considering individuals who are excited to support the flourishing of the WholeSky vision, we invite the following qualities:
- People who are excited to live or participate in a compassionate-service focused intentional community where active participation in land-based and community building projects are required.
- People who are actively self-aware and mindful, who are cultivating a balanced and healthy relationship with their inner lives and the outer world.
- People who wish to be active participants in a community life, who are excited to share themselves, their interests, their talents, their challenges, and their friendship, in an ongoing way with the community.
- People who have integrity and honour their agreements, who can speak what is true for them and own their experience, follow through with their commitments, and who align their values with their actions.
- People who might also feel called to create a home in a Gifting Gardens community. Who are (or have a plan to be) financially independent to enable them to contribute a modest amount of volunteer time and energy to support the WholeSky vision.
- Commitment to self care and self work as well as group work (i.e. regular circle/meetings, celebrations, etc.)
- People who are inspired to spend time in a community where ‘real’ human connection, mindfulness and joy is nourished; an antidote to loneliness, digital overload and the proliferation of many distractions of our contemporary times. As such, we seek people who are comfortable with a ‘low tech’ lifestyle, are comfortable with personal tech devices being kept away from all shared spaces, workshops and time together. There will be a central phone for emergencies, with the possibility for communal computers to be used mindfully in dedicated learning spaces.
- Fostering the qualities of ‘clear mind, open heart’ we seek people who are committed to a drug and tobacco free lifestyle, and are comfortable with only occasional, moderate alcohol use.
- Be comfortable with a communal kitchen environment where animal products and meat are included. Particular emphasis will be placed on local and ethical meat and animal products.
- Honouring the needs of those with chemical sensitivities, an environment free of artificial scents and perfumes in personal use and household items.
Read more: The Gifting Gardens Communities