2019 – Last year of Decade

As this year begins Green Fire EcoMinistry is committed to focusing on assisting local food programs and helping elderly engage in community gardens.  This last year of the second decade of the second millennial (Gregorian Calendar) will be full of strife as political systems continue to fail to meet the needs of people globally and economic hardship is increasing. 

Since its inception Green Fire EcoMinistry has always been a bit ahead of the curve and we hope to continue guiding and assisting Earth Stewards every where who are walking one step ahead of the collapsing bridges that were built out of weak materials. 

We want to thank all of our members who have given so much to help keep this ministry going all these years and we look forward to lighting more Green Fire’s in hearts everywhere. 

 

Earth Day 2018 Regenerative Design Institute

I can not think of a better way to spend earth day! I got to go to a all day Permaculture class thanks to my good friend Alexa! We got to explore one of my favorite subjects ever! Social Permaculture, the invisible structures of community(and many other awesome subjects). Big shout out to Ryan Rising for teaching such an amazing class today! I loved every bit of it! Massive amounts of gratitude goes out to the Regenerative Design Institute at Commonweal Gardens for all that they do!

A Windspirit Life – A Cob Oven Project

The music is blaring, the laughs are abundant, and the Cobb cha cha is in full effect! There is nothing like the feeling of a group of neighbors coming together to co-create something that will benefit the land and its people. Have you ever heard that term “It takes a village”? I truly believe this quote is tremendously relevant to many situations today. Anything from raising your children, to building your house. It is way more enjoyable and efficient, if a whole community comes together to accomplish something that is directly contributing to the village. Its a total win win.

Before it needed to take a village, I needed to asses the situation of this unfinished Cobb oven project I was planning to take on.

There appeared to be some masonry work with local stones. The motor was concrete. That was a little weird to me. The technique I know has no concrete, just clay, sand, straw and stones. So this was something I had to navigate. On top of this concrete stone base was six inches of cob that formed a ring  around a sand circle that held the fire brick oven floor.

Communities around the globe know this site all too well.

UNFINISHED PROJECTS!

That might not sound like such a big deal at first, but in a Ecovillage setting, it can be progressions black plague.

They seem like great people, no malicious intent what so ever. They either failed to account the time factor for the completion of the task they were in charge of, they were slacking, or many other reasons. Which is cool. Ideally next time they will think twice before biting off more than they can chew.

When all that is said and done, the village is left with this uncompleted project that they now have to delegate and expend resources on. It can be highly unfortunate when these unfinished projects increase in number. They pile up and began to put the community in a never ending “catch up” phase.  This in severe cases can cause a massive blow to the moral of the community members. A worse case scenario would be the members leaving the community.

Moral of the story….. think before you commit.

Back to the Cobb Oven…. There it was. I was going to build a Cobb Oven on top of a preexisting stone and concrete base. I have never done this before, but I feel I am competent enough to take on the task. Here we go, time to analyze!

Okay, the whole reason they put on this Cobb ring on top of the base was to replicate a center full of sand for the fire brick oven floor be leveled in. In the technique I know that I got from the lovely Sigi Koko, requires you to build a hollow base made of stone and Cobb. Basically a cylinder standing upright. Fill it with non-compressible material like tamped gravel, with four inches of sand heaping passed the top. The sand will help level your bricks flush with one another.

This Cobb ring has got to go. Even the fire bricks were molded with the Cobb at the corners. It is totally compressible material. It will weather and crack, most often where the Cobb meets the concrete causing foundation issues.

Why not build a concrete sand box and scratch up the outside so that it can adhere to the Cobb from the Oven. In doing this I will have a strong reliable base that conforms with the preexisting concrete base, and it will provide a surface that will have what it takes to bond with Cobb.

Within the course of a day I built a frame and was filling up my home made concrete sandbox so that I could start leveling my bricks for the oven floor when the Portland cement dried.

Then Wha La! I was ready to make my sand dome on top of the bricks to serve as the interior of the oven.
After the sand dome was completed, it was time for the fun part!

Making the Cobb!

Here we go! The Creation of the oldest building material known to man, the Earth itself.

The biggest resource needed in natural building is Human Power. At the end of a naturally built project, I believe the biggest expense is labor. If a future home owner wants their home constructed naturally, but they are unwilling to contribute their own sweat equity, they better be prepared to pay for the labor.

Which bring it back to “it takes a village”.

One part Clay(that was sourced a half a mile up the road and sifted here) and three parts sand on at least an eight by ten tarp. Starting with a dry mix first, mixing it thoroughly. Building up the dry mix into a mountain followed by smashing the top into a volcano. I add the water in the bowl molded sand hill. Only enough water so that it can be cover with sand with out running off.

Then comes the fun.

I launch myself skyward, I slam down onto the partially wet dry mix with my bare feet. This is the traditional way of making Cobb. Made with the feet, one step at a time, flattening the volcano filled with water then rolling the large Cobb pancake by grabbing the tarp while standing on the mixture. Pull the tarp back, causing the Cobb to roll over itself into a Cobb burrito. Repeat the process at one end of the burrito to make a lumpy sphere.

SMASH!

In whatever way you can imagine. I like to dance and Jump around. Make it fun. I want to be doing things because I want to, not because I have to. Make this play, not work.

Since we were making four inches of thermal mass layer first I wanted it to be a cream cheese consistency. Better it to be a little dry than a little wet. If its too wet it tends to sag when applying the mixture, but if its a little on the dry side you can just wet each handful and work the moisture into the Cobb.

Keeping our hand slightly wet, we slap the finished mixture onto the sand hill that makes up the interior of the oven. We put soaked newspaper around the sand hill so that we know when the sand ends and the clay begins when digging out the sand later to let dry.

Putting pressure downward and from the side, we applied the four inches of Cobb Thermal Layer with no straw, not worrying about making a door(it will be carved out later). Sculpting hand sized balls of Cobb and molding it to the newspaper sand hill starting from the bottom up. With the help of two others it went up in a day.

We scratched up the surface of the thermal mass to give it “teeth” so that it could adhere properly when letting it set over night.

Coming back the next day, we wet it down to moisten it up for the next six inches of insulation. This layer is fifty percent clay/sand with tons of straw. We mix the dry clay and sand first then wet it down and mix like the initial layer. When the mixture is a milkshake consistency you add the tons of straw, but work it in little by little. Its should look like clay covered straw.

Once that was completed I soaked the thermal mass and began to apply the thick insulation layer. This is where I molding the door way. It needed to be two thirds and high as the interior of the oven. I then cut the thermal mass to the newspaper with a trowel. Working the clay covered straw six inches thick, it too was completed in a day with the same help.

I took out one third of the sand and poked my fingers into the surface of the insulation layer to create lumpy teeth for the final layer. Now it was time for us to let it dry for the next seven days.

Clean up began as we prepared to wait about seven days for the incomplete oven to dry.

A few days into waiting for it to dry, Don told me he would be going to Tucson for the weekend and come back Sunday. This would be a great opportunity for me to do some ground work and network with all the sustainable development within the Metropolis.

I smell an adventure coming. Who knows what opportunities will be revealed in Tuscon. I hear many great things about the area. I hope to navigate it well!

Stay tuned for my Tuscon experience!

Mahalo!

Apollo Mission Report: Windspirit Landing

We received Apollo Mission Report ‘Windspirit Landing’ video broadcast today on the Pisces Solar Eclipse.  It appears life in parallel Earth worlds is thriving and abundant!

“Hello Green Fire Members!

I have not posted in quite some time for many reasons. Mainly because here at Windspirit where I have been inhabiting for the past month has limited WiFi.

So I shall reintegrate myself with my first Blog on my West Coast Sustainable Development Tour. Today we will start with my landing at the 20 plus year old community called Wind Spirit.

The saguaro cactus stands tall overlooking the sun battered valley. This is Apache Land. Once when there were little problems in the world, communities of people roamed the land, living by their tribal principles. These tribes of people were not perfect, but they lived by land based ethics that had value in the ecosystems they were inhabiting. The indigenous humans of this land lived happy, abundantly prosperous lives. We all know the tragic ending to this story, but there is still hope for this way of life after generations of resistance to the idea.

Driving through the canyons of central Arizona and into the Pinal Mountains, I got to get more of a perceptive on this land’s diversity. When I use to stereotypical think of Arizona, I thought it to be a flat barren landscape that showed little to no life. Well, I was wrong. Though some parts where in fact what I expected, there was much more to see than what my preconceived notions showed me. Small mountain ranges, canyons, vegetation. I saw many highly specialized lifeforms thriving here. It gave me a warm feeling in my chest to know that life was thriving in such hospitable environments. I received a massive upgrade to this feeling in my chest when I arrived at my destination.

Stepping out of the truck with my Green Fire Director/Founder, we saw before us a scene that took our breath away.

We were in the presences of an Oasis. Our senses took in a lush ecosystem of life. There were no words at first, only the sound of the 115 different bird species that called this land their home. Joshua Trees, mesquite, peach, pistachios, olives, and the citrus! We came at just the right time in the season to find the environment littered with grapefruits, lemons, tangelos, oranges, tangerine, and some other varieties I am not to familiar on. Most of these citrus trees were in guilds of aloe vera at the base. What a sight it was. It was profound to think that just a walk up the road there was a native environment that either wanted to poke you, sting you, or kill you. The land I was standing on was a blend of both native species and nonnative productive species. In order to attempt to build soil in this climate, one must increase the amount of water retention in the soil. Which would require you to increase the shade, organic matter for mulch, micro-climates, and terraforming of the land. This place had all of these realities, some more than others.

Wind Spirit Community is a 20+ year old community nestled in a scenic valley near Globe, AZ. There is not much out here of interest besides this community. A handful of privately owned properties along with the surrounding BLM land. So I am sure by now you can imagine how much of a treat it is to see this hidden gem that is Wind Spirit existing where not many things can. Its a breath of fresh air(literally and metaphorically speaking).

After we regained out composure, we saw a visitor walking by. I waved and greeted her from afar. The lady came to introduce herself to us and proceeded to direct us toward the communal kitchen where the last remaining co-founder of Wind Spirit was.

Its was all so familiar. Walking into that kitchen. Seeing before me a round table of human beings sharing their meal with one another. Something about that scene make me feel really good. I think I was feeling community.

As uncoordinated as it was, we went around the table and introduced ourselves to our new friends. I found myself shaking the hands of the man himself, Don!

Don, was an elder gentleman that appeared to have a very passive nature. Very calm and soft spoken, but clearly very passionate about community and sustainability. This man was battling the dreadful lime decease, but this still did not stop him from holding space as the foundation to this community.

We all sat down to enjoy Wednesday night spaghetti dinner, where they invite neighbors and friends to join in the feast.

The next morning I awoke from my slumber in a yellow converted short school bus. I slept like a baby that night in my new sleeping bag supplied to me by GreenFire. I got up and we organized a village tour with Don.

What a tour it was! I saw many sustainable realities taking place here. From solar dehydrators and panels, to naturally constructed buildings and compost toilets. There was even a hand crafted sauna for the community to enjoy. I was grateful for this inside access into the village by last remaining co-founding member.

My Director left the next morning with a warm loving embrace. After a heartfelt farewell, I began giving my contributions to this land.

First I started with some digging work with a pick ax and shovel. It was a mighty fine work out indeed. In the beginning I was just lending them a helping hand with anything that might need. I did not have no real project that was running point on. That was until I walked by this 4ft high stone base under a sturdy new tin roof. I thought to myself,”that looks like the beginning of a Cobb Oven.”

A few moments later, Don approaches me and asks,”So, do you like to play with Cobb?”

A massive grin stretched from ear to ear as I turned towards him and said, “Me and Cobb get along quite well.”

To be continued…

2-22 Green Fire Story

2-22-2002 was a very special day for Green Fire EcoMinistry.  It was 222 days after 9/11 and the whole world was plunged into the age of terrorism…but in a quiet desert oasis community called Windspirit the founder of Green Fire was immersed in a parallel world it seemed.

Green Fire organizes and operates on the Sacred Tzolkin Mayan calendar which means that ‘time’ is a bit different for Green Fire Earth Stewards.  In the Tzolkin ‘weeks’ are not measured by 7 days – instead it is 13 days called ‘wavespells’.  Each wavespell is governed by a ‘solar glyph’ – an archetypal energy that has specific attributes similar to signs of the Zodiac.   It is on the 12th day of the wavespell that is called the ‘Crystal’ day that is optimum for gatherings and events because that day is governed by the principle of ‘cooperation’.

So 2-22-2002 was a Blue Crystal Eagle day in the ‘dreamspell count’….(more on the different ‘counts’ later when we add content on the Mayan Calendar…)  On this day Rev. Cavallara and her paradigm shifting co-conspirators set up for a prayer/celebration gathering in the sacred ceremony area at Windspirit.  The gathering brought out the drums, flutes, guitars and loving hearts to form a circle in the warm afternoon of the desert late winter.

It was at this gathering that a very special spontaneous ceremony occurred that would seed a gestalt of prayers that would grow into tidal waves of momentum for Green Fire……these prayers happened with laughter and love as each person passed around a round mirror that had precariously balanced on its flat surface two objects – a crystal matrix and a crystal ‘key’….. Each person held the mirror and while gazing upon their own reflection and keeping the crystals from toppling spoke out loud their own individual prayers for:

  • The ReGeneration of our Earth
  • The proliferation of EcoVillages
  • The strong bond of human tribe
  • The fulfillment of our collective transition
  • The healing of families
  • The heart songs of all creatures to be heard
  • and…The return of the Buffalo

These were just some of the intentions of those prayers and after the music and celebration was over the ‘Key and Matrix’ was given to the founder of Green Fire to steward….this meant to Rev. Cavallara that she was to carry the torch of these prayers during the long journey ahead.

Many spins of the Tzolkin have happened on the spiral of time and this 2-22 was a full circle – on this day 2-22-2018 Green Fire Ambassador Apollo is at Windspirit Community 3 ‘half’ decades later as a representative of Green Fire’s evolution and commitment – Apollo is the Green Fire torch runner for the same prayers.

On this very special day Rev. Cavallara in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado closed her eyes and relived that very special gathering in her heart/mind and when she opened her eyes she saw the text message that Apollo had sent that included photos of him in the very same sacred ceremony area and in that moment those two ‘time cells’ merged and the Green Fire grew brighter….

Gratitude and deep appreciation to all Earth Stewards everywhere who have kept the flame alive – our world is making the ‘Great Transition’ a reality…..’we have no power to stop that which a force greater than ourselves has set into motion…..”

Apollo Mission Costa Rica Launch

The Apollo Mission is on its official launch countdown to Costa Rica!  After the successful completion of the west coast tour Apollo is now headed to Costa Rica to immerse his fires into the lush tropics and learn/contribute to permaculture projects.  We will post updates and of course complete the media releases in the coming weeks of his tour.

Apollo Mission Launch Party

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valentines Day was perfect for Apollo’s Launch Party.  We congregated around chicken enchiladas and prayers/blessings for his safe journey.  The spirit of the occasion was filled with deep appreciation for Apollo’s tireless work and efforts at his ongoing education and hands on experiential learning process that is self driven from the deep core of his Green Fire heart and spirit.

Apollo has upheld the principles of Green Fire EcoMinistry in all of his words, actions, and deeds…. His support of the ministries relaunch has allowed us to go through some challenges that many organizations in the early stages would fail to overcome.  Our gratitude for Apollo as a true minister of community heart and a champion of Gaia goes beyond words and we are confident that his spirit and strength will bless each community he visits and contributes to.

The Earth needs “Knights of Gaia” to carry the torch of regeneration into these times of Great Transition.  We are honored to have Apollo be Green Fire EcoMinistry’s ‘First Knight’.

 

 

Green Fire moving into 2017

2016 was a year of constant upheaval for everyone on this lovely Earth…..

William Irwin Thompson, a historian looking at the history of humanity and change, said that the spiritual visionaries were the first ones to get the new pattern. The artists were next. They had the ability then to communicate it further, and, thus, have a very important function in society as far as changing paradigms. Then came the business people. Of course, bringing up the rear were the political leaders…..

So to put the political upheaval into perspective the events of 2016 and continuing into 2017 are indicative of a major paradigm shift – the tail end of a shift that has been happening slowly for a very long time.

Alongside the waves of change Green Fire was focused on updating and adding to ministry bylaws and minister training program which will be released in the spring of 2017.  Green Fire Communities Ambassador Apollo returned to headquarters to assist with the further development of the ministry and brought to the table many fruits from his summer tour.

As Winter Solstice rolled in plans were underway for the Apollo Mission Stage 2 launch that is planned for February.  Much work to be done still getting Green Fire fully launched but we Earth Stewards are patient and understand the flow of seasons…….

On January 15th at the monthly board of directors meeting Zoe Oriana accepted the Secretary position after her official ordination ceremony.  Zoe will be helping to develop ministry materials and organize events.  We had a beautiful ‘online’ ordaining ceremony for her the Apollo presided over and we look forward to the publication of our official ministers training guide.

Green Fire & Standing Rock

Green Fire EcoMinistry became aware of the Indigenous people in North Dakota protesting an oil pipeline in August and began working in earnest to help spread awareness of this very important issue.    Supporting Standing Rock and the Water Protectors became a priority focus for Green Fire EcoMinistry.

The Earth’s water systems are under constant attack from pollution and toxic waste so the fight to protect water is a battle that has been ongoing for many years by many dedicated Earth Stewards.  Standing Rock has become a global symbol for not just the protection of water but also all the issues that face all indigenous people.

Before the elections we met with local Montrose Native American actor activist Cozme Duarte who was heading to Standing Rock North Dakota to join Water Protectors and bring his voice to the cause of our global crises of Big Oil corporations and government complicity in protecting special interests.

Cozme is the director of the Human Nation project whose mission is to help unite all groups under our common Earth banner for peace and a sustainable future.  Cozme had made a successful trip to North Dakota already where he documented the corporate thugs and their attack on the peaceful water protectors with their dogs and mace on Memorial day weekend.

Cozme received from Green Fire EcoMinistry monetary support for his trip as well as our collective prayers and blessings.

Earthaven EcoVillage

EARTHAVEN ECOVILLAGE

“Mission: To create a village which is a living laboratory and educational seed bank for a sustainable human future.

Vision: In the midst of planetary change the Earthaven experiment helps inform and inspire a global flowering of bioregionally appropriate cultures.

Goals:

  • To promote and ensure the long-term structural integrity of the community.
  • To catalyze local and global change through learning, teaching, and networking.
  • To shift from wasteful to regenerative use of resources.
  • To use and develop ecologically sound technologies for water, waste, energy, construction, and other essential systems.
  • To develop and support a thriving local economy.
  • To grow, raise, and trade our own food, medicines, and forestry products in an environmentally responsible, bioregional network.
  • To practice fair, participatory, and effective self-governance.
  • To encourage an atmosphere in which diverse spiritual practices, conscious connection to all beings, and progressive social action can thrive.
  • To nurture personal growth, interpersonal understanding, and mutual trust, as the foundation for a deeply connected human community.
  • To practice healthy, holistic lifestyles that balance self-care with care for others.
  • To create a culture of celebration, beauty, and pleasure.
  • To use capital and labor resources to provide common infrastructure and meet our collective needs.”

Here we go, into the lush temperate rainforest elevated by the southern Appalachians Mountains.  We traveled on winding roads that slithered across the landscape.  The human sitting beside me operating the craft was a blessing from the universe. I was looking for a ride to Earthaven this weekend to try and attend their White Owl gathering, and the next morning be given a private tour of the land.

I only had one option for a ride, but they bailed last minute. Then here comes this beautiful mature man asking me when I was going to Earthaven – we had previously talked about me going.  I told him my dilemma. That I needed a ride to the EcoVillage in a few hours and I also need a ride back tomorrow afternoon. He without hesitation he gave a quick ,”I can do all of that”.  My smile reached the heavens as I hugged and embraced this man. We were to be traveling companions for the next day.

After much anticipation we arrived at a narrow road leading further into the bush.  A little wooden sign assured us we were in fact here. We were engulfed under a forest canopy. A break in the forest revealed open spaces, some with structures.  Other spaces looked to be used for cultivating food.

Coming to a small bridge we decided to go a bit further and drive up this spiral driveway to a large natural building.  As we approached what seemed to be a natural courtyard formed by the conjoined curve of the two structures we notice a man tidying things up outside.  We both got out of the automobile and walked up to greet this man. The very second my space entered his space I felt a very loving energy. The total attention he was giving to the moment, the space of love he was holding.  His positivity was quite pleasant to be around.

We were informed that we were right where we needed to be – The White Owl. These natural structures standing before us were created years ago by one of the founding members of Earthaven. This place has been unused for some time now. The people living here want to see this space be reborn into a cultural hub of the village.  Events like the one we have arrived early to today will help this transition take place. We greeted most of the people around and sat down for a meal before things were to get crowded.

There was to be a healthy amount of people attending this gathering. As the time passed humans from many lands came to join us in the sharing of a space of love. This gathering was intended to be a musically intimate sharing of each other’s gifts and was hosted by two very talented and grounded experts. They were very good at being organic in holding a space of love with their music.  Beautiful interactive exercises that included the audience’s full participation captured everyone’s undivided attention. Everyone was blissing out on each others collective harmony.  We sang and played as one. We were in a bubble where separation didn’t exist.

The White Owl had invited a eastern European gypsy band to play for a few hours tonight. Once they got jamming, the people started dancing. I later joined in the sweaty fun. The bands fluctuating tempos had everyone burning in a dance fever.

I was able to connect with a number of individuals and communicate my purpose here. I got nothing but admiration from these kind souls, but I did not feel this was the space to hold a structured ambassadorship. I was coming here to organically enjoy the space they created and to make divine connections with my fellow humans.

We had come to Earthaven with the idea that we were going to pitch tents up for the night. The generous White Owl residences gave everyone the option to sleep inside for the evening. I received their offer with much gratitude and got to lay my sleepy head down on a comfy mattress. I had a big day tomorrow. My private tour of Earthaven was just around the corner. I closed my eyes with a thirst to learn.

I awoke to all my new friends lounging around taking in the morning air. Some of the early risers were hard at work preparing breakfast for all the people that stayed the night. I found myself with little time before the tour started. With a rested focused mind I made myself a quick snack and headed to the meeting spot. There were three other people that were taking the tour today –  a middle aged couple and a young woman. The tour guide joined us moments after arriving. He was a middle aged man, who wasn’t part of the founding crew but had been a resident here for almost 10 years. I introduced myself with my title. He was a bit curious and asked what other EcoVillages I will be traveling to. I answered his question as we had a quick dialogue before the tour began.

The guide didn’t waste anytime as he oriented us to the land. He began to identify all the landmarks and structures nearby. We all walked over to a roofed information stand where a map of Earthaven was displayed.  Pointing out where we were and the different sections that made up the EcoVillage he started to tell the history of Earthaven.

He was giving us a brief rundown of the stages of development when I heard a very unfortunate truth. Years ago Earthaven was inspected by the county.  An ultimatum was presented to the EcoVillage as a result. They were in violation of the counties building and zoning codes. In order to comply and remain fully intact Earthaven was given the option to be constructed into a subdivision with street lights, signs, and paved roads. Many changes would have to be done that would definitely hinder the EcoVillage experience.

This was not in the best interest for the people here. Thankfully a loophole was found. They found out that if they created little subdivisions of their own, banding certain sections of the land together with a calculated number of families living in each one, they could bypass the codes – tiny villages in a village. Therefore, these new tiny separate(but not so separate) communities did not have enough people to enforce subdivision building and zoning codes. A happy day I bet that was for the people here.

This is an unfortunate truth for many EcoVillages being developed today. They spend all this time and energy into erecting self-sustaining communities, but in the eyes of many counties these EcoVillages are a violation.  If these groups of people do not comply to the zoning and building codes, the city comes and destroys everything these people have worked for. Gone!   What  took years to build, took only days to flatten.

This is the resistance that we are facing today which is why I’m so excited to be affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Sustainability Center. We are working to replicate the low-impact development model. This model was proven successful for the Lammas EcoVillage in the UK.  Through this framework we see an example of working with the local governments to give way for the creation of low-impact development aka EcoVillages. This is a very powerful resource. We are giving effort to duplicate this model throughout the world.

Earthaven did find a way, but at a cost. In having these little communities in a larger community, it created a bit of separation in my opinion. From the information that was presented to me. The EcoVillage comparatively to a EcoVillage like Twin Oaks, is much different in their daily Interactions with the community as a whole. If two humans were to live on opposite villages on the land, they would be less likely to interact on a daily basis with each other. They do have weekly communal meals and markets that the whole EcoVillage participates in.

The history briefing was completed and we started to walk the infrastructure of the land. I was very impressed that about 90% of the structures in Earthaven were naturally built.  I had many natural building techniques being displayed before me. We identified Cobb, plaster, straw bale, straw clay slip, natural lafting, locally sourced timber and lumber framing, green roofing, and many other realities that weren’t resisting nature.

We all had the pleasure of getting to meet one of the residents. She was a spunky older lady. I could see a fire of passion in her eyes. She was dedicated to a sustainable lifestyle that lives in harmony with the environment. It warmed my soul to see this older generation be so pumped for sustainability. As with every other time I feel a fire of purpose from someone, it sends a gust of wind to my inner flame of purpose and gives me a burst of passion. I live for these moments.

The tour was polished off and we all parted ways for the afternoon. I found myself walking into the community center to bear witness to a spectacular view. All the people that had stayed the night were all inside the center participating in an intuitive improve dance to music being played by a few people in the group. They were creating points of contact with each other physically.  Moving in a flowing like manner they remained in contact with their dance partner on any body part they could use. It was quite the sight to come upon. I joined them in the dance session and later sprawled out on the floor to relax and close my eyes to the music. The vibrations recharged my soul.

This went on for about an hour.  At the end I met up with my traveling companion and we set out to explore the grounds. He didn’t get to attend the tour, so I gave him a brief rundown on what I had learned. We then later met up with the White Owl tribe at the nearby river. They were giving their own tour of Earthaven for all of the guests.

We joined them just in time for a clothing optional dip in the big creek. It was very refreshing to feel the water of the land. All of us gathered around to be given a little introduction of Earthaven.  Questions were answered and we packed up to take a walk of the EcoVillage. I was grateful for this second tour of Earthaven because consisted of different places that I didn’t see in the previous tour. We visited the medicine wheel house which would have been the place I would plug in at if I was to choose to stay.  It was this awesome permaculture based cohousing community that took in travelers for work trade.

Our tour then took a detour on a nature trail. The things I got to witness on the nature trail put me in awe. The abundance of life, the fertility of the soil, the levels of ecosystems, they all appeared to be very healthy. I got to capture with my camera many forms of fungus that I spotted. We even had the pleasure of having a local mycologist with us on the tour. Much of our tour fell behind while discussing different species that were identified.  It was quite the learning experience.  On the first tour I got to feel the EcoVillage. The second tour I got to feel the land.  It could not have gone any better.

We all returned to the White Owl and me and my traveling companion said our farewells to the many people we got to connect with. I was feeling very satisfied with my visit to Earthaven.  It was just what I needed to carry on my journey.