Summer Solstice Update

Greetings, once again, from the blossoming Khulashi Tribe!

We hope our solstice update finds you in good health and spirits high.

I've just been re-reading the last few updates to regain perspective of how our story has been unfolding. It's hard not to repeat myself by saying how pivotal and remarkable the last months or year has been, but our growth just keeps on bounding…

Especially with the last 2 or 3 updates, each time I sit down to write about the past 3 months, it seems that we have undergone nothing less than quantum leaps!

How to describe the magic and excitement we experience while riding this Wave of Light? A wave that keeps growing as it gains momentum and all we can do is: surrender completely- trusting that our intention and mindful communication will keep us balanced and centred; knowing that even though we may honour the joy of living in and creating a place that dreams are made of, the work we are doing is ultimately to serve a wider purpose for humanity and our future generations.

A thought that never fails to ignite my spinal column is the deep feeling that we are consciously manifesting that which most "wants and needs to happen" at the turning point in human evolution that will be remembered for Ages to come. And even though KDC has come so far already, this is still just the beginning…

A dear friend (happy earthday!) told me yesterday that of all the communities and similar projects he had visited around the world "none even come close to the magic of KD." Obviously, I don't mention this to blow our own horn, but it does make me wonder as to what exactly what this magic ingredient is that is so distinctive. Certainly encouraging words!

So, now for some actual news…

The Dam

The last update left us with the dream of a dam ("a man-made wall that creates a natural rainwater catchment area"- for the non-South Africans). Well, the dam is now a reality! It still needs a bit of manual work, but it's catching and we've all had a swim. It was estimated that at full capacity it will hold more than 2,000,000 litres!

HOPE

Absolutely astounding news is that we have been granted full funding to build our Learning Centre! -A huge affirmation of our work, our intention and our readiness. The New Year will see many residents, visitors and volunteers getting stuck into this exciting and extensive (for us) building project. Creating a powerful space for learning and sharing knowledge and experiences related to the movement towards Earth Community will no doubt bring a whole other dimension of Khula (growth) and Dhamma (consciousness) to Khula Dhamma.

We are all touched beyond words by this magnanimous vote of support and confidence. May this gift grow and multiply for the highest good of all beings!

Building

A courageous and charming Austrian family with two young girls came halfway across the globe to KD- enchanted only by what they read on our website. Theirs is the first dwelling of our visitor's village that is rapidly rising out the ground in traditional Xhosa style- with a few innovative adaptations…

Tim has spent every free minute (relatively few, as he still has many work obligations) building his barn, which is starting to take shape nicely. Tim has been experimenting with natural wood treatment methods solely from local resources- an inspiration to us all!

We have also recently installed an office in the main house- with proper desks and chairs! (For those of you who have spent time at KD you know how novel this is ;-). This office will be powered solely by solar energy and will serve both HOPE and SEED (the website, The Seed of the Tree of Tomorrow, that "nurtures ideas and knowledge for ecovillage conscious living"- soon to be launched).

Horses

To share our space and lives with horses has been a long-standing dream of all our community members. Not long ago the opportunity arose for us to buy two harness-trained draft horses, one a mare with a 3 month-old philly. With so many projects happening we were in two (three, six…) minds as to whether now would be a good time for us to get horses. After much debate the members decided to purchase the horses with the agreement that they will remain with the previous owners for the next 6 – 8 months to give us time to prepare for welcoming Legend, Mila and Lulu.

Personally, I've had this recurring vision for a while now… A sunny morning with a gentle cool breeze blowing. The whole community in a big wagon. Kids, drums, fruits, bright colours, singing our way to the beach courtesy of our equine family.

Culture

A week ago we welcomed our first Xhosa visitor- Finally!! In her own words she is "a bridger of worlds".

Admittedly the lack of close contact with local people has been a thorn on our side for many years. This was almost entirely due to our inability to speak Xhosa (not without sincere effort!). Within only days of her arrival we experienced a radical shift of understanding and connection with our hosting culture. Through her own dynamic and gregarious personality the surrounding Xhosa families have also quickly gained a much deeper comprehension of what we are doing and why we are doing it. We are truly thrilled at the prospect of her wishing to join our tribe!

Furthermore, another African family with two little boys (!) will be arriving in a few days. We can't wait to meet them!

Interestingly, they are all vipassana meditators…

Thoughts and Feelings

Not long after our spring equinox our numbers indeed tripled within about a week's time. Initially this was quite unsettling and challenging for all of us. Such a sudden leap required much versatility and careful management on many levels. Moreover, the inter-personal dynamics inevitably become a lot more complex with more people.

It's enormously inspiring to see how our commitment to clear communication is rewarded with consistent re-attunement and re-alignment. Honest, mindful communication is the unequivocal tool for creating and maintaining a harmonious community. Furthermore, when it is approached as such, this kind of conscious communication and heart sharing evolves into a powerful and most applicable spiritual practice.

Finally, what can be more miraculous and life-affirming than the birth of a child? As I write this, a beautiful couple are becoming loving parents..! Another blessed baby has chosen to be born at KD. Well-done and well-come!

We wish you all a magical Solstice and may the New Year bring you courageous and bodacious dreams and much fruition!

Yan, on behalf of the Khulashi Tribe