Conscious community space Guatemala
Donation protected
Another 3 months have passed since you heard from us, and here we are, happy to be sending along some infos on what has moved here in Tzununa at the Atitlan Lake. A great journey it's been so far, getting everything in place for this community space to start thriving. From the initial vision in january 2016, to the coming together of the founding members in the summer of 2016, then the gathering of the necessary funds and the journey here to buy the property and set the intentions. That was in November and December of 2016 with Kilian, Jasper, Shadi, Eze and Laurie. A winter has passed with more fund raising and personal journeys for all involved and then in April and May this year we had another lovely time of co-creation, relaxation and planting seeds here on and around the land. Frederik, Greta, Shadi, Tim and Alfred were here to sow seeds and enjoy the place. Many fruit trees were planted and we started to get to know the land, getting aqcuainted with her presence and feel, her needs and wants. And lots of coffee flies, as well... It's been a blessed journey so far, and slowly wowly it continues, as more people hear about the project and our intentions, and as personal paths merge with the common path of creating a living space here in the mountains above the lake, each and every one in its own perfect and individual way.
In the mean time we have given the land a big clearing after the rainy season, and most of the planted trees did well. Only two of the three papaya trees have not survived, as it's a little high up here for them to thrive. We invested in a 80-metre hose to water the trees and next week we'll be giving them some organic fertilizer so we can have abundant fruit in the coming years.
In my case (Shadi) I understood that a lot of my personal path is now about allowing the space to open and giving myself space to focus more on my own professional offerings. The land is here, the intention is here, and the time will be perfect when the theatre of joyful co-creation once more opens its curtains, now here in Tzununa.
Everybody can be on the cast, as we are warmly inviting you to come co-create here - any time.
More specifically we are hosting our very first gathering here in Tzununa:
'Reviving the Garden of Eden'
Taking place from February 9th till 24th!
Sounds almost like a play, doesn't it? ;)
Send us an e-mail to receive more info through: [email redacted]
Some of the themes for the gathering:
+++ Sing, dance, work, play
+++ Name the project and the land
+++ Be together and celebrate love
+++ Ceremony and visioning the project
+++ Creating a wish list for the land and project
+++ Revisiting the initial vision and mission statements
+++ Taking the next steps in turning the place into a sanctuary
Vision and Mission Statement
------------------------------------
Vision
We are a sustainable living & learning experiment where people from the global Queer Community can safely co-create and commune with Mother Nature and any human being who chooses to embody their spiritual nature and who allows conscious awareness to play and shine light onto all of our human aspects
Mission
A multi-level community project in the Village of Tzununa at Lake Atitlan in Guatemala consisting of:
A downhill activity place in or close to the village with public access in close cooperation with the local community and similar projects
A more secluded uphill project space close to the waterfalls where community members live and retreats can take place
A possible third space called „the ridge“ where people from or close to the community can build a private place for themselves
Downhill Goals
* Connecting to the local and global community
* Cultural and social meeting and exchange point
* Cooperation with local social, ecological and cultural projects
* Art projects where local and global artists can facilitate workshops with the community
* Arriving point for newcomers and interested guests
* Preparation space for exploring our community values
* Generating income for the community by ceremonial- and therapy space, lodging for guests, peaceful tea- coffeehouse with snacks or restaurant, selling local products, art gallery
Uphill Goals
* Learning by living community space
* Living in deep connection with each other and Mother Earth
* Social sustainability through: conscious communication, consensus decisions, heart circles, conflict management & mediation
* Reconnecting sexuality and the heart through cultivating awareness of personal boundaries, clarity of intentions and understanding full consent in a multi-dynamic setting
* Creating a healing environment of mutual commitment, support and honesty
* Celebrating oneness in diversity
* Retreat and ceremonial temple space
Economy
We strive for a partially shared and partially private economy
* Community members contribute part of their income and/or working time to the community, as will be elaborated in the internal rules
* Community members can choose to earn an income by offering their skills in the downhill activity space
* Any profits after the total costs will flow into the community funds
* Part of the community income will flow into a fund to support local projects
* Further collective and/or individual income is generated by organizing retreats, workshops and ceremonies
* Community members can create a private space when approved by the Vision Circle. All buildings are community owned and a special agreement will see to their use when community members are not residing in their private space
* Income can also come from non-decision taking members paying contributions
* Events and legal structures are set up to welcome one time and permanent donations
Organizational Structure
Vision Circle
The co-founders of the project acquire the land and regulate the construction of the buildings on it through a local foundation. Decisions concerning the land and the structures on it are governed by a Vision Circle that in the beginning consists of the co-founders. The Vision Circle will also guard that events and developments on the lands are in alignment with the core vision
Community Circle
The Community Circle consists of the permanent community members. Both the overall development of the project and its day to day organization are governed by consensus in practical and heart sharing circles. Tasks or projects can be delegated to smaller circles or individuals
Extension Circles
Extension Circles can include, besides members of the Community Circle, both local persons and visiting guests to govern the projects and funds for collaboration, cooperation and support of the local community and similar projects
The exact decision making structure is elaborated by the internal rules document
Internal Rules
Following will be regulated by the internal rules document:
* Defining different categories of members/guests
* Minimum time of stay and introductory process for members
* Policy concerning children
* Heart circles as support for decision making
* Regulation for construction and management of buildings
* Animal regulation
* Etc.
The basic rules and guidelines of decision making, proper use of the personal and common spaces of the community will be designed by the Foundation Gathering in April 2017
A more elaborated and practical guideline structure for the community as a personal and collective healing space will be designed by the Community Circle based on their ongoing experience. External teachers and experts can be invited for council and inspiration.
In the downhill activity space a dress and behavioral code will make sure to respect and be in accordance with the local standards.
The uphill community is a living space and healing biotope for community members and long term visitors/volunteers. A preparation course and guideline will be developed for those who want to join long term or permanently.
Admission Policy
The downhill project is a place where anyone is welcome who wants to enjoy the atmosphere, to enjoy one of the services offered, or who wants to get to know the values and dynamics of our community.
The uphill project, as a protected healing and living space for a limited number of persons, can be accessed by non-community members on special events, ceremonies, retreats or on invitation. Anyone who chooses to stay or be part of the uphill community on a longer term commitment will be facilitated through an admission procedure that will be designed by the Vision Circle. Along with the growing experience or when an individual case requires so, amendments to this procedure can be proposed by the Community Circle to the Vision Circle
Admission of long term volunteers, visitors and/or future community members is decided upon by consensus by the Community Circle.
It is also necessary to design a policy of when and how to remove a person who continues to consciously or unconsciously sabotage her/his individual and/or the collective healing process after all means of clear and open communication, mediation and reconciliation have proven futile. If a person has to be removed it will not come from a place of disrespect for the person, but from a place of love for the communal energy field.
Legal Structure
Guatemala
A local foundation will be set up to legally own the lands and structures on the land and oversee that the properties are used in accordance with the spirit of the vision and mission. If land can be acquired on personal title only, internal contracts and inheritance statements will secure the permanent availability of the property for the use of the community.
Abroad
Associations or foundations can be set up in the countries of origin of the co-founders, community members or other supportive members to facilitate the legal flow of funds towards the project in Guatemala.
In the mean time we have given the land a big clearing after the rainy season, and most of the planted trees did well. Only two of the three papaya trees have not survived, as it's a little high up here for them to thrive. We invested in a 80-metre hose to water the trees and next week we'll be giving them some organic fertilizer so we can have abundant fruit in the coming years.
In my case (Shadi) I understood that a lot of my personal path is now about allowing the space to open and giving myself space to focus more on my own professional offerings. The land is here, the intention is here, and the time will be perfect when the theatre of joyful co-creation once more opens its curtains, now here in Tzununa.
Everybody can be on the cast, as we are warmly inviting you to come co-create here - any time.
More specifically we are hosting our very first gathering here in Tzununa:
'Reviving the Garden of Eden'
Taking place from February 9th till 24th!
Sounds almost like a play, doesn't it? ;)
Send us an e-mail to receive more info through: [email redacted]
Some of the themes for the gathering:
+++ Sing, dance, work, play
+++ Name the project and the land
+++ Be together and celebrate love
+++ Ceremony and visioning the project
+++ Creating a wish list for the land and project
+++ Revisiting the initial vision and mission statements
+++ Taking the next steps in turning the place into a sanctuary
Vision and Mission Statement
------------------------------------
Vision
We are a sustainable living & learning experiment where people from the global Queer Community can safely co-create and commune with Mother Nature and any human being who chooses to embody their spiritual nature and who allows conscious awareness to play and shine light onto all of our human aspects
Mission
A multi-level community project in the Village of Tzununa at Lake Atitlan in Guatemala consisting of:
A downhill activity place in or close to the village with public access in close cooperation with the local community and similar projects
A more secluded uphill project space close to the waterfalls where community members live and retreats can take place
A possible third space called „the ridge“ where people from or close to the community can build a private place for themselves
Downhill Goals
* Connecting to the local and global community
* Cultural and social meeting and exchange point
* Cooperation with local social, ecological and cultural projects
* Art projects where local and global artists can facilitate workshops with the community
* Arriving point for newcomers and interested guests
* Preparation space for exploring our community values
* Generating income for the community by ceremonial- and therapy space, lodging for guests, peaceful tea- coffeehouse with snacks or restaurant, selling local products, art gallery
Uphill Goals
* Learning by living community space
* Living in deep connection with each other and Mother Earth
* Social sustainability through: conscious communication, consensus decisions, heart circles, conflict management & mediation
* Reconnecting sexuality and the heart through cultivating awareness of personal boundaries, clarity of intentions and understanding full consent in a multi-dynamic setting
* Creating a healing environment of mutual commitment, support and honesty
* Celebrating oneness in diversity
* Retreat and ceremonial temple space
Economy
We strive for a partially shared and partially private economy
* Community members contribute part of their income and/or working time to the community, as will be elaborated in the internal rules
* Community members can choose to earn an income by offering their skills in the downhill activity space
* Any profits after the total costs will flow into the community funds
* Part of the community income will flow into a fund to support local projects
* Further collective and/or individual income is generated by organizing retreats, workshops and ceremonies
* Community members can create a private space when approved by the Vision Circle. All buildings are community owned and a special agreement will see to their use when community members are not residing in their private space
* Income can also come from non-decision taking members paying contributions
* Events and legal structures are set up to welcome one time and permanent donations
Organizational Structure
Vision Circle
The co-founders of the project acquire the land and regulate the construction of the buildings on it through a local foundation. Decisions concerning the land and the structures on it are governed by a Vision Circle that in the beginning consists of the co-founders. The Vision Circle will also guard that events and developments on the lands are in alignment with the core vision
Community Circle
The Community Circle consists of the permanent community members. Both the overall development of the project and its day to day organization are governed by consensus in practical and heart sharing circles. Tasks or projects can be delegated to smaller circles or individuals
Extension Circles
Extension Circles can include, besides members of the Community Circle, both local persons and visiting guests to govern the projects and funds for collaboration, cooperation and support of the local community and similar projects
The exact decision making structure is elaborated by the internal rules document
Internal Rules
Following will be regulated by the internal rules document:
* Defining different categories of members/guests
* Minimum time of stay and introductory process for members
* Policy concerning children
* Heart circles as support for decision making
* Regulation for construction and management of buildings
* Animal regulation
* Etc.
The basic rules and guidelines of decision making, proper use of the personal and common spaces of the community will be designed by the Foundation Gathering in April 2017
A more elaborated and practical guideline structure for the community as a personal and collective healing space will be designed by the Community Circle based on their ongoing experience. External teachers and experts can be invited for council and inspiration.
In the downhill activity space a dress and behavioral code will make sure to respect and be in accordance with the local standards.
The uphill community is a living space and healing biotope for community members and long term visitors/volunteers. A preparation course and guideline will be developed for those who want to join long term or permanently.
Admission Policy
The downhill project is a place where anyone is welcome who wants to enjoy the atmosphere, to enjoy one of the services offered, or who wants to get to know the values and dynamics of our community.
The uphill project, as a protected healing and living space for a limited number of persons, can be accessed by non-community members on special events, ceremonies, retreats or on invitation. Anyone who chooses to stay or be part of the uphill community on a longer term commitment will be facilitated through an admission procedure that will be designed by the Vision Circle. Along with the growing experience or when an individual case requires so, amendments to this procedure can be proposed by the Community Circle to the Vision Circle
Admission of long term volunteers, visitors and/or future community members is decided upon by consensus by the Community Circle.
It is also necessary to design a policy of when and how to remove a person who continues to consciously or unconsciously sabotage her/his individual and/or the collective healing process after all means of clear and open communication, mediation and reconciliation have proven futile. If a person has to be removed it will not come from a place of disrespect for the person, but from a place of love for the communal energy field.
Legal Structure
Guatemala
A local foundation will be set up to legally own the lands and structures on the land and oversee that the properties are used in accordance with the spirit of the vision and mission. If land can be acquired on personal title only, internal contracts and inheritance statements will secure the permanent availability of the property for the use of the community.
Abroad
Associations or foundations can be set up in the countries of origin of the co-founders, community members or other supportive members to facilitate the legal flow of funds towards the project in Guatemala.
Organizer
Shadi Henau
Organizer
Ghent
