If I ruled the world won the lottery, I would be lucky in more ways than one, as I'd already have this plan recorded, and could start right away. This post is inspired by similar recent posts (and challenges) by my blog buddies cjwriter and dovelove. Their lists are admirable, and I said to both of them in my comments that I wanted to do a list, too.
1. (suggested by a relative:) Hire security & support for myself and my family, including someone to take phone calls, requests, and deal with other attention this might generate.
2. Pay off my mortgage. I'm so pleased that my first thought would not be to find another house or place to live. I have a small house with a big mortgage, but I love the area, the views, and the peace I find here. I would only make some small improvements, such as new flooring, maybe a couple of new appliances, and paint. I would hire a once-or-twice-a-week cleaner, a landscaper, and a maintenance gardener. I'd work with the landscaper to design a beautiful lush garden, which would include losing that danged desert spoon!
3. Set up trust funds for a certain few relatives.
4. Consider business proposals from friends and other worthies, and perhaps provide seed money as I feel moved.
There is no one predominant philosophy at the center, all are equally welcome. I'm not saying that I don't have a philosophy–I do indeed have strong opinions. But, I also feel strongly that many points of view must be valued and respected. Therefore classes and workshops including yoga, meditation, mysticism of many religions, and other spiritual practices are all welcome.
There is a dance barn where transformative and social dance can happen. There is a beautiful art studio right by the creek, which includes areas for painting in several media, sculpture, crafts, metal working–any kind of art that can be facilitated.
There is a music studio and lab as well. State of the art electronic sound equipment lives effortlessly with an acoustically "live" space where my special interest in indigenous instruments can be explored. Can you imagine a concert including didgeridoo, oud, and tabla? Well, I can! Any kind of uplifting musical genre is welcome, encouraged, and taught here.
Did I mention the science lab? I feel that too much "woo-woo" can make me, at least, a bit light headed, so I and others enjoy the lab where we can design and carry out experiments on the effect of conscious processes upon matter and world issues. Can we help clean up our water supply, lessen or stop violence, or rehabilitate formerly fertile fields? Can we use both conscious intent and the scientific method? Let's find out.
It's important to me that there are many media of exchange for participation in any of the programs. There are work/study programs, including opportunities to work in the vegetable garden or the kitchen. People who wish to present a program can offer that as part of their "tuition" as well. While there are always opportunities for people to come and participate without paying any "money", in no case are they looked upon as "scholarship" participants or "charity" cases. Money is just one of the creative media of exchange; no more or less valuable than any other.
And, remember to visit the cafe/bookstore, where presenters' books are available, along with a great selection of CDs, DVDs, instruments and art supplies! There's an open mike night, and poetry readings and musical performances are welcome.
The kitchen, of course, provides world-class, healthy, fresh, and delicious food. It's important that many dietary desires are accommodated, but we do not "preach" about what constitutes a proper diet.
It is my hope that many kinds of people can come. I envision the center as including those who are recovering from injury, accident or illness, therefore all the beautiful garden paths, and all buildings are fully accessible. There are programs of various length, from weekend, to week-long, perhaps even ongoing classes and events. Come for an art weekend, or to explore your inner music.
The basis of all this is Joy, as it is my belief that if we come from there, we are of most benefit to each other. I love to participate in all the activities I've listed here, including those I haven't thought of yet, and it is my great joy to support others in finding their own bliss. I'm always in the volunteer rotation, so you'll experience my cooking, my gardening, and my cleaning–I hope you'll come, anyway!
do you buy lottery? i won't gamble except in play money 'cos i have lousy luck in gambling!
Well, when you're as OLD as THAT, I'll have to send your invitation by special messenger. S/he can wake you up from your rocking chair. 8) When you're 45, I'll be…never mind.
lolll!!! I'm in, I'm in put me on ur archive list please, Muse…It seems like a "Wonder-Land" center..If I win the money then I'll send u an invitation for a possible business partnership…loll!!
The retreat sounds amazing… you describe it so vividly, I can almost picture it near the hills and the lake. Somewhere for people to renew themselves, or find themselves again, that sounds like a wonderful thing to do with the money.
Your place made me think of it and so I did a search and see they're still working toward that dream.
Thanks for the inspiration, cj, and your encouragement. Item #1 was something that didn't occur to me at first, but my relative read about someone who'd won and then was mobbed by "long-lost" relatives, and people with sad stories. I would want to help some, but there would have to be a systematic way to handle all the details.
You are definitely on the list! Look for your invitation sometime in the next 1-40 years. 🙂 Yes, we shall be fellow bookstore proprietors, on opposite sides of the world. How fun!
Joyful, what a delightful addition to the staff you will be! Thanks for the comment about "present tense". It makes it seem more real (and likely). I've had this dream for a while, and it's great to be able to explore it on the blog!
Mornin' Muse, yep, I realized you were speaking of a "retreat," it's just all your ideas reminded me of Earthaven. Myself, I do like the idea of intentional community, like tribes (smaller is better), but what I have come to feel is the heart of it would have to be a healing center, or it would just become what we've always had… And establishing those types of ICs across the country is my dream 🙂 I'm thinking maybe the healing center might have to be the first step, and the IC would naturally grow from that.
Hi Dove, thanks for sharing the earthaven website; it looks amazing. Many of us don't have a sense of community where we live, and I think it's our innate nature as humans to want that. Your topics sound good and helpful. Along with you, I'm fully supportive of Gandhi's suggestion: "Be the change you wish to see in the world".
Aw, CV, and here I was thinking my blog post had solved all your problems! 8) I knew you meant help with your link. I'm glad your "Colourful Vision" link is now clickable, because I'd love for readers here to be able to find you and your beautiful work.