Join us to help grow the seed of our emerging Retreat Space and create a place that hundreds of future guests can enjoy. Our guests tell us that a few hours of the day spent in service to the community enhances their retreat experience. Common tasks include: gardening/grounds maintenance; simple building/decorating; and chores such as washing up or cleaning.

Karma Yoga

In the ancient Yoga tradition, one of the 4 classical paths is Karma Yoga, the path of action. Selfless action, performed without any attachment or expectation about the results, is a tried and tested spiritual practice.In Karma Yoga, we give ourselves with open heart for the needs of all. We participate willingly like a tiny cell tirelessly performs its role for the entire organism. We let go of all of our expectations about the outcome of a task, remaining focused on the work itself and allowing ourselves to be open to whatever comes up. As a result we can gradually relax, feel more connected to those around us, be deeply present in our environment, and feel a deep satisfaction from giving ourself for the common good.

Practicalities

We start the work periods with a short meeting. Firstly someone guides the group in establishing our Karma Yoga state. We feel the heart connection from our shared aspiration. We remember that the work we do is for the benefit of the whole group, and those who will come after. We aim to let the chatter of our mind subside, find the peace of our heart in the present moment, doing whatever the world needs from us now.

The second part of the meeting is a plan of the work. The tasks themselves are mostly simple and practical, allowing the mind the remain quiet. We have a wide variety of work: indoors and out; gentle or strenuous, from daily chores to big projects. You don't need any special skills, just bring some scruffy clothes and your enthusiasm.