Gaia’s Oasis Code of Conduct

Respect of Gaia

  • There is a theory put forth by independent scientist and environmentalist James Lovelock called "Gaia Theory." In this way, Earth is seen as if it were alive; and notes that anything alive can enjoy good health, or suffer disease.
    We are here to live in harmony with Gaia. In this way, our community seeks to keep her in good health. We acknowledge that our own health, and that of all living organisms, depends upon it. We respect her for the sake of all life.
  • Respecting Gaia is at the core of everything we do.
    “The theory suggests that humans must learn to respect Gaia by reducing their intentional modification of the Earth's abiotic and biotic components”
    Resource:
    http://www.physicalgeography.net/fundamentals/5d.html
  • No littering and picking up trash when seen
    (The community offers classes and assistance in the following) : Use of Permaculture Design when gardening, Compost all food scraps, Limit food waste as much as possible, eat leftovers, and share with others.
    Sustainable practices regarding housing, food production, and land use. Use of Earth materials as much as possible. Limit or eliminate new materials altogether.
  • Be mindful land use
  • Do not do damage to the land where such work has not been called.
  • Leave no trace
  • Do not take what is not given or explicitly shared with the community.
  • Put things back where they belong when you borrow tools or materials.
  • Never take more than is needed or deplete resources.
  • Be conscientious of the crowd.
  • Use foot trails on the land as much as possible.
  • Walking barefoot off-trail is okay from time to time.
  • Do not trespass on nearby land.
  • Drive on designated roads only.
  • NO offroading
  • Honor the wildlife as teachers, observe and do not interfere unless you must. Do not approach Elk, Bears, Coyotes or other large animals.
  • Non-Violent Communication in Conflict Resolution and OtherwiseFirst: state what happened objectively, what did you observe?- “When you said that you would take my shirt…”
    Second: state how you feel- “it made me feel threatened”
    Third: state your deepest need that is relevant (be vulnerable)- “I need to feel safe.”
    Fourth: intentionally request what you would instead- “Could you ask to borrow my shirt when you need it instead of saying that you are going to take it?”
    Resource: https://www.cnvc.org/learn-nvc/what-is-nvc

Conscious Communication

Use “I” statements
Hold each other accountable with loving-kindness; rather than judging when others slip up, simply remind them.
“You know when you go to the store…” → “I went to the store and…”
Listen Deeply
Be present with others when they come to speak with you.
If you cannot be present let them know another time would be better and intentionally set a time to hear them out.
Try not to avoid confrontation or conflict and if you need a mediator or support, ask.
Use techniques of mirroring if necessary
Literally repeat what the person in saying in your own mind
This keeps the mind from coming up with a response as the other is speaking and missing important information.

Be mindful of basis and conditioning.

Learn about potential microaggressions and be willing to accept diversity. 
We are all human
             When mistakes are made, resist the urge to judge or condemn, allow it to be a moment for growth and learning. Love one another.
Remember that we are all practicing this way of being. We are becoming more conscious with every conversation.


Respect and Learn from Long-held Traditions of Wisdom
Have a willingness to learn and grow.

Respecting the indigenous people and the land we are on.
Implement what wisdom you learn in your life.
Have respect for what may not be understood.
Know when it is time to listen.


Honor the Elders
Let elders, and differently-abled people eat first. Offer to get food for them when you notice they are struggling.
Take time to help elders get around when you see them.
Do not patronize elders and learn to ask before you assume they need help
We encourage every community member to make intergenerational relationships.


Protect and Respect the Children and Vulnerable
Take note of others' routines and watch after each other. Mothers and Fathers may do this naturally.
Even if it is not your child and a child gets hurt, tend to them. Make sure they feel safe when you approach, take appropriate measures and make sure the parents are notified.
If you are a parent take time to get to know other parents and their standards.
We may not all agree on how to parent, but know how others parent. When a child comes from you, be authentic. When a child needs to be disciplined, use a similar approach as the parent.
Never hurt an elder, child or vulnerable person or anyone else, for that matter. Imagine them as your own grandmother, your own child, or niece.
If you are able-bodied, learn how to protect others.
Take classes and keep the body strong.
When you notice someone is being targeted, do not be a silent bystander.


Take Care of the Temple and Sacred Spaces
Be respectful
Be mindful of the sound you make approaching silent areas, rituals, or ceremonies.
Understand that everyone is going through their own journeys while in ceremony. It is a disservice to both yourself and another if that process is interrupted.
Do not interrupt meditations, rituals, or ceremonies
Unless it is an absolute emergency and if so find who you need to notify without disturbing the whole space.
If you need to, tell the leader in a whisper and they can close the space appropriately and let everyone know what is needed.
Take off shoes in the appropriate area before entering the temple, meditation hall, or class space.
Wear appropriate clothing for the ceremony or ritual.
In meditation hall
Cover the body in a way that is comfortable and modest. ie) wear a shirt.





"WHEN THERE IS LIGHT IN SOUL THERE IS BEAUTY IN THE PERSON, WHEN THERE IS BEAUTY IN THE PERSON THERE HARMONY IN THE HOME.

WHEN THERE IS HARMONY IN THE HOME THERE IS ORDER IN THE NATION, WHEN THERE IS ORDER IN THE NATION THERE IS PEACE UPON EARTH"- UNKNOWN


OUR VALUES ALIGN TO CREATE HARMONIOUS HUMAN RELATIONS

LIVING IN GAIA'S OASIS ECOVILLAGE REQUIRES A COMMITMENT TO GROW,

NOT JUST FOOD BUT ALSO ONESELF.

We find common ground through our respect for Mother Nature.