THE POWER OF THE WARRIOR MEDITATOR A NEW SUMMER vOLUNTEER PROGRAMME …
from 1 November until 22 December 2024
In past years volunteer placements have been closed over the summer months … however - DUE TO MANY FAVORABLE CONDITIONS and requests coming in … Dharma Gaia is offering…THE POWER OF THE WARRIOR MEDITATOR from 1 November until 22 December 2024 .
LET YOURSELF BE immersed in the river of awakening in daily life
We know that meditation is so much more than the practice of sitting. Meditation is a powerful tool both on and off the cushion. It can lift us up and support us to hone our vital energies … to live strong … to live fully and to take skillful action on our own behalf and on behalf of our planet
Are you energetic and interested in strengthening your mind body heart and spirit in a vibrant community of Earth-loving peaceful warriors
Would you love the opportunity to share simple wholesome meals, music, beauty, and the power of Mindful living,
Or … if you are considering joining the programme for 2025 and would like a chance to feel what that might be like …
then Dharma Gaia would love to hear from you
Our teachers, centre guardians and many wonderful volunteers have helped develop the Dharma Gaia Mindfulness-Based Volunteer Programme. It is a mutually nourishing aspect of the Dharma Gaia life. It is organic and continually evolving.
We have a deep commitment to our volunteers to support them in gaining the skills and the power to live deliberately and authentically, to live a mindful life. The love and gratitude we feel for each other is palpable … it is based in respect, kindness and commitment to purpose. We know that we are not separate from the land, we know we are not separate from each other. We are working together for well-being.
We offer guidance and support, teachings, techniques and skills for cultivating mindfulness, concentration and awareness and to nourish peace and true freedom.
The training happens within everyday awareness is the transformation, The work is an important part of our empowerment.
Living in a Mindfulness Practice Centre is a real chance to take hold of our own lives. . It is a profound opportunity to change habit energies and patterns of thinking, feeling and acting that simply do not serve our well-being and our joy for life.. Our practice is rooted in the earth of Sangha - community. It is through the power and the practice of a compassionate and caring community that we learn to live and to love more fully and to deepen our joy, peace and happiness.
Transformation brings more ease and freedom and more connection to life and to others. And transformation is not always easy. We learn the art of Mindful Living in order to transform our compost into roses - our suffering into joy and well-being.
Volunteers on this programme are invited to apply for the whole 7 weeks or for at least 4 weeks, although there are sometimes opportunities for shorter periods.
overview of the volunteers WHO are called to Dharma Gaia
Most people who are called here are young seekers (young at heart and mind) and love to work in nature and in community. We provide work exchange places for volunteers who are mature, self-motivated and generally able to enjoy physically work.
We are a close, caring community and we respect each other’s privacy and individuality. In mindfulness, we appreciate authentic conversation but also periods of quiet reflection and rest. Music making is a profound aspect of our joy as is physical endeavors - yoga, tai chi and hiking.
Our work includes gardening and tree care , lawns , housekeeping, cooking, landscaping, maintenance and building.
We also enjoy a "Lazy Day" each week. This is a day of "no schedule, no work period and no formal practice,” although people are welcome to organise together or to use the meditation room for their own practice as they wish. It is often a day when volunteers plan day trips together.
What this particular Summer Volunteer Programme will offer
Practice together as a community: morning practice includes sitting and walking meditation. We enjoy 'working' not just to get a job done but to develop skills of mindful work practice. We take turns to prepare and clear up after meals in a restful and peaceful way. We also enjoy eating in just the same restful way!
The afternoons are generally a time when we offer teachings and nourishment sessions (tai chi, yoga, deep relaxation chanting, sharing). Our volunteers also take time to explore the beautiful land and sea around us or spend time relaxing in the hammocks, reading, writing and enjoying both friendship and quiet personal time.
At least one evening a week we come together in an intimate and nourishing way to learn and share our experiences and our questions regarding life and mindfulness. It is a time of warmth and togetherness where we find it very easy to be authentic, and to benefit from our collective companionship and the sharing of life experiences.
When retreats occur during a volunteer’s stay at Dharma Gaia we encourage attendance and we are happy to find ways for this to be possible.
Accommodation, meals and contribution,
We offer simple, clean and comfortable accommodation. Meals are also simple and nutritious, prepared with care and mindfulness. We have a vegetarian policy. and make great effort to provide quality, organic food,. As much as possible our food is locally grown.
YOUR INVESTMENT: is $90 per week* for accommodation food and the programme content which includes the morning work meditation of 4 hours, 5 days a week
The Natural Environment
The centre is surrounded by nature nestled in bush , stream, gardens and the atmosphere is one of peacefulness and nurturing. We are close to beaches and forest, there is much beauty on the Coromandel for hikers and bikers. In the local community other practices such as Tai Chi, massage and various body/mind therapies are also available and the hot springs are an hour away by car.
TO APPLY FOR THE POWER OF THE WARRIOR MEDITATOR summer programme Between 1 November to 20 December 2024
please email us and include in your email:
preferred dates if less than the full 7 weeks
And then please share:
About yourself, and what calls you to participate in this programme
your background,
where you are from,
your age and gender,
what skills and experience do you have,
what is your capacity for physical work, and are you healthy in mind and body?
your interests,
any previous experience with meditation and/or mindfulness
and you can also include any other information that you feel is relevant to share. We would be very happy to hear about what draws you to apply and what you hope to get from the experience.
If you love music then please visit the joyful sharings of our young residents: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1ctTnTgq9dmKYwrFGX-eJg
