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 many deep-rooted emotional and mental conditionings have brought forth from previous lives spent in conventional society.

The re-assessment of our goals and visions for the farm was discussed in an atmosphere of trust and open communication, allowing everyone to speak their highest truths without judgment or fear of disapproval. Thus being a conscious merging of intentions and aspirations into a united vision.

Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words.
Keep your words positive because your words become your behaviors.
Keep your behaviors positive because your behaviors become your habits.
Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values.
Keep your values positive because your values become your destiny.
Mahatma Gandhi

The farm has been buzzing since January with the building of the new HOPE (Home of Providence & Ecoliving) Center, the forming of grassroots projects, establishing connections with local communities, and the ongoing process of growing the garden to the capacity where it will be able to provide continual nourishment for the whole community.

Slowly evolving into more of a sense of tribe, we’re at a very interesting time of our growth, having now to deal with fundamentals such as proper schooling for the kids, creating sustainable, right livelihoods, getting the necessary infrastructure set up to provide security for food and water, and developing the fertile soil in which individuals may grow into their full spiritual potential.

We opened the Hope Centre for its first workshop, the South African Ecovillagers Convergence, between 18-20 September. It proved to be quite a significant occasion.
We welcomed an intimate gathering of tribes including representatives from Zuvuya, Xhabbo and Berg en Dal communities, to form a core group from which a South African Ecovillage Network is to emerge.

The convergence introduced a unique opportunity for the community of Khula Dhamma to work collectively on a project. Quite an inspiring sight, the effortless merging of helpful hands and hearts, with a free flow, all aspects of the event were quickly covered, with every individual blossoming into their own unique ‘place in the puzzle’…A powerful example of the fluidity and efficacy of collective intent.

With all the craziness of the past 9 months, the community decided it was time for a break, and a ‘Tribal Retreat’ was welcomed by all. Being a gift to one another wherein which we could switch off all electronics and contact with the world beyond the farm, in order to delve into the depths of our individual as well as collective consciousness. A sacred space created to reflect on the present moment to draw out the quintessence and re-allign with our souls journeys.

On a more practical note, we have had an influx of woofers on the farm, which has been a great help with regards to setting up a potato field, re-structuring the garden and helping out with some much-needed tree planting. Welcoming new faces also has its challenges, as previously unexplored depths of personal growth can be reached through the interaction with and reflections of those coming from another area of understanding or living.

An interesting aspect of community living recently came up for myself…It was time to start looking at ways in which I will be able to support myself in a creative, fulfilling and sustainable way. Being a crafter of cloth by passion and trade, I have started investigating the different ways of generating the necessary income to cover the basics I am not yet able to acquire from the land. These include things such as organic toothpaste and shampoo, 'products' that we aim to be producing for ourselves within the near future.

When quietly contemplating things such as these, living in an eco (ecologically conscious) -community has completely shifted the considerations. Now instead of looking at the number of funds I could earn and what status a particular job or career would provide, the deciding factors have become things like whether the venture supports local economy? Whether it is ethically and ecologically sound? Does it agree with my moral compass? Does it fulfil my need for creative expression & provide me with enough freedom to move around wherever and whenever my spirit leads me? These are very important questions, as I now no longer serve merely body and intellect, but rather my higher purpose, my spirit's longing.

Living close to the land, we are blessed in the sense that our material cost of living is comparatively low, the majority of the community having wholeheartedly embraced the practical aspect of spirituality which is continually and systematically reducing one’s ‘needs’.

This is a very exciting time for me as ‘newbie’ in the community. I have a unique perspective of seeing both sides of the life & starting to fully embrace the feeling of unity among peers.
I love this journey! Gratitude as Always!

"Work is Love made visible...
And all work is empty save when there is love...
And what is it to work with love?
It is to weave the cloth with threads drawn from your heart, even as if your beloved were to wear that cloth.
It is to build a house with affection, even as if your beloved were to dwell in that house.
It is to sow seeds with tenderness and reap the harvest with joy, even as if your beloved were to eat the fruit.
It is to charge all things you fashion with a breath of your own spirit..."
Khalil Gibran

Peace Be With You. Always

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], [part 6], [part 7], and[part 8]

This blog was written and sent via email to the sprouts using SOLAR POWER