Gaia’s Oasis Code of Conduct
Respect of Gaia
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.