Reflecting on this article on May 19, 24:

What will come first? A monastery or a Community Land Trust with a mix of families and singles? I can not see the future. What do you feel drawn to be a part of? This vision can still come to fruition, but not at first probably because the common house is built now and is going to be a resource for the people who come first. How I long to know when and who will come. Right now I am focusing on paying back the money I owe to my former husband who sold me his part of the land that is to become Wilberforce Village. That was a huge gift to me, and I want to be in integrity of course. I am helping to get this property ready to sell http://www.livingspringsloghouse.wordpress.com I would really like to have people buy this land who want to cooperate with Wilberforce Village.

…………………………………..

As I consider how to use the land for the various projects that people will want to coordinate, and I think about needs of people who are showing interest in living here, I am envisioning a section of the land which is in a valley and quite remote to be a monastery. In a previous blog post I described what I thought at the time was to focus on first creating a Christian Universalist monastery. I am now envisioning the Mir House (the common house) to be a place where people who are interested in coordinating various projects on the land will be able to eat together, co-work, have meetings and gatherings.

Here is another blog post I just found describing the monastery.

I am seeing the possibility of people who want to live in a retreat setting long term being able to have tiny homes near the monastery. These retreatants can pay rent and either provide their own food or eat with the monastics. There would be a special screening process for these retreatants who may decide to live in their homes till the end of their days. Some people reach a stage of their lives where they want to be more like hermits. Perhaps this is a valid way of living for some. But they would not be totally isolated, having access to the activities and meals that the monastery offers.

I really appreciate the lay of the land because the area I am referring to is across a creek and has a unique geographical location which can be quite separate from the rest of the community, and thus be more quiet. This area can be a place for anyone living in the community to come and retreat for a day, an hour, or however long is needed. I am going to write a “Future Story” so I can creatively imagine this place and you can get more of a feel of what I am envisioning.

A Future Story…One Year From Now I am Imagining…

The Monastery is a wonderful addition to the Wilberforce Village. I was able to find some Christian Universalists vegans who wanted to have land to create such a thing. They had the resources and a small group men and women who wanted to live. Some are householders as well, for the monastery is patterned closely after the Little Portion Monastery and Hermitage in nearby Eureka Springs. I visited there and learned all about how they are organized and now we have a good relationship as well in order to be mutually supportive.

The area that was initially cleared for our neighbor, Cliff Mikkelson, over 10 years ago (true) is now the site of a beautiful building that has dorms and private rooms for the monastics. Cliff originally thought this would be a good housing site, but later realized it was to remote. Now he lives up near the road which is much more accessible for him. (true)

The monastery is wonderful because retreatants can come from all over the world to live in tents during the Spring, Summer and Fall months. Plans are being made for huts and tiny homes which can house people more permanently and all year. The delicious, whole-foods and plant-based diet is helping everyone thrive.

Food forests have been planted through out the monastery land which is about 4 acres. A spring has been developed (there is the possibility) and now there is plenty of pure water along with the pond that was dug which is part of the creek. The water flowing from the top of the property is directed into this pond, and over flow makes it so downstream where a swimming hole has been developed, there is always water during the summer for all residents at Wilberforce to swim in. What a lovely service!

The Monastery is completely off the grid. There is very little sun, and they are finding ways to live even without solar power. This way of living has been done in the past and even currently with people thriving. Not having internet or EMF in a space is so healing for everyone.

People who live on the monastery land can have access to the Mir House (common house) where there is access to internet and electricity available. (This is a doable goal) In fact, every focus group that creates a project will have access to internet and electricity in the co-working space at the Mir House along with with communal plant-based whole foods oil free meals served there. I sure am glad I learned about co-working spaces especially when I was in the Bay Area. We had a wonderful co-working space in Fayetteville but it had to close down. (true story)

Well, I think I will go down and meditate in the awesomely peaceful and beautiful little meditation park at the Monastery. It is so lovely there with the secluded benches and amazing flowers, shrubs, trees, with the butterflies and pollinators thriving. Later I will go to the group prayer time, and tomorrow is Sunday–I will go to the very open service where people connect on a deep level with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and each other.

The End

…………..

I could go on and on, but maybe you get the picture. Thanks for reading. I would really appreciate hearing your feedback and your ideas.