The first Space of Love gathering in South Africa took place early February this year. This was a wholly co-created event inspired by Anastasia and the Ringing Cedar series. The intentions were to create a safe, harmonious space in which people of all colours and creeds could come together in unity and celebration of life. An experiment in temporary community, in order to taste a way of life that is lived in close communion with nature and one another as true brothers and sisters.

The gathering took place over a weekend and was hosted by the Blue Hippo Tipi Village in Greyton. This is the home of many an ancient Oak, majestic horses, a beautiful lake, an array of magical plant- and wildlife, as well as a handfull of ancient souls...two of these being the lovely ladies who seeded the event.

The past few months at Khula Dhamma have unfolded quite remarkably. Our community has been going through what I can only term as ‘blessed unrest’ or growth pains. Endlessly moving through processes of embracing as well as letting go of ideologies, thought patterns and ideas of separation that have been subconsciously holding us back from living our full, free potential.

We are presently in the process of pioneering and moulding the community into a form that serves all, and thus be able to embrace truth as our compass. As I am voicing these changes we’ve been going through as a community, I innately, have been going through the exact changes within myself. I am realizing the power of individuals coming together and working through our personal ‘blocks’ in order to help each other become more authentic.

The past few months have been radical…hence the tardiness of this blog. Life in community has reached new depths, depths that I could never have imagined possible.

Up until a month or two ago, I can honestly say I was living mostly through my intellect…my body acting out the ideals which were formed in my mind and in the minds and hearts of those within the community. Striving to live as truthfully as possible to these ideals, holding the vision firmly, wavering at times…Every step thus far has been carefully weighed & chosen. It is only within the past few months that alas! my heart has started leading the way, as the foundation has now been created for the embarking on the ever-unfolding journey of self-realisation.

The community itself has collectively reached a new level of ‘becoming real’ or becoming aware of the present moment. Talking circles have become so transparent that

A few days ago I returned to Khula Dhamma after a two month trip to Cape Town, during which I was at times ‘plugged into’ the grid of everyday life in the city environment.

On my return, I was picked up at the bus station by one of the residents who was on his way to drop off the community’s recycling. As the bakkie, filled to the brim & tied with ropes, was nearing I couldn’t help but smile to myself - never a dull moment on the farm!

That sight, which once would have caused my stomach to turn – coming from a place where tidiness and image were always overemphasized – has now become a scene that brings warm feelings of familiarity to my heart.

We arrived late afternoon when the usual busyness I knew has quieted down.

Join Estelle Willemse as she becomes a committed member of Khula Dhamma eco-village near East London, to live in an eco-friendly, sustainable way in harmony with nature. [for part 1] [part 2], [part 3], [part 4], [part 5] and [part 6]

It is Monday 27th April. I am back at Khula Dhamma, and a month has passed since my return from the Vision Quest...

Join Estelle Willemse as she becomes a committed member of Khula Dhamma eco-village near East London, to live in an eco-friendly, sustainable way in harmony with nature. [for part 1] [part 2], [part 3], [part 4] and [part 5]

It’s 7:52pm and I’m wide awake (usually I would be in bed by now, as the daylight has faded) looking through pictures of my time spent here at Khula Dhamma. Some photos seem completely surreal, as if from another world. I still have to pinch myself every now and then, just to make sure this experience is real.

Join Estelle Willemse as she becomes a committed member of Khula Dhamma eco-village near East London, to live in an eco-friendly, sustainable way in harmony with nature. [for part 1] [part 2] & [part 3] and [part 4]

It is 10:38 am and I am sitting outside on the grass under a magnificent blue sky, clouds scattered here and there and I can feel the wind softly moving through the trees and leaves. I arrived back at Khula Dhamma about a week ago, and have been settling into my new room and adjusting to the change, coming, as I have, from the fast-paced city-life...

Join Estelle Willemse as her time as a wwoofer at Khula Dhamma eco-village near East London to learn the ins and outs of eco-friendly, sustainable living, comes to an end…yet gains a new beginning [for part 1] [part 2] & [part 3]

I returned to Khula Dhamma after completing the 10 day Vipassana course recently. I am feeling enriched, blessed and filled with gratitude like never before. I wish the whole world could enrol in this course, as I have found it to be the most practical, essential & universal teaching to bless mankind. It is a technique of self purification through sustained self observation, and the 3 trainings include sila-morality, samadhi-mastery of the mind & panna-wisdom through insight. Practising correctly directly enables us to experience liberation & inner peace.

I was humbled to return to the beauty of Khula Dhamma, which now

Join Estelle Willemse as she wwoofs at Khula Dhamma eco-village near East London to learn the ins and outs of eco-friendly, sustainable living… [for part 1]& [part 2]

Saturday, 6 December 2008

It is Saturday evening, and I’ve returned after a relaxing gathering around the fire. Some visitors have arrived today, and we’re sharing & getting to know each other and contemplating our life experiences.

I have been experiencing a lot of changes during the past few weeks. Physically & mentally. It has been a month since I arrived & I’m feeling very intrigued with the notion of extending my stay here.

Physically, I have been partaking in many activities that require quite some muscle power, & getting down and dirty working on much needed projects around the community. I can feel my body adjusting to the new environment. My hands are not quite as delicate as they used to be, my feet have been thoroughly re-acquinted with the bare soil beneath them & I can feel my muscles and back strengthening by the day.

Join Estelle Willemse as she wwoofs at Khula Dhamma eco-village near East London to learn the ins and outs of eco-friendly, sustainable living… [for part 1]

Saturday, 22 November, 2008

It’s Saturday, and I’ve been here almost 2 weeks. This week has gone by particularly fast as there’s so much happening around the community. Everyone is working hard to complete different projects, from building houses to digging in the garden.

It’s 4pm and I’m lying in a hammock overlooking the farm and the valleys beyond. I’m enjoying the sound of birds and the faint murmurs of a group of residents talking & sharing while completing some work on the grass in front of the house. I’ve finished work for the day. It’s a good feeling, having put in a conscious effort & seeing the results of the work you’ve done. It’s the perfect atmosphere in which to learn responsibility and discipline, because here, if you don’t do something yourself, it simply won’t get done.