Space of Love

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Hello Dear Ones! It’s that time again!!… It’s been a delight to hear so many asking when the next Space of Love is. Well, here it is…

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♬ ♩ 9-11 March 2012 ♩ ♬

Blue Hippo Farm – Greyton

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This is a festival of sweet soul exploration through sound…a sacred celebration of the vibration of creation. Sound has the capacity to heal, transform our DNA and even to create new worlds and universes.We invite you to sing the song of your own heart and to birth your bliss into being, while being cradled in the arms of your brothers and sisters and the beautiful earth mother! Space of love is a very special co-created gathering where we all come together to share our unique gifts and create the space in a way that rings true to the rhythms of our spirits and mother earth. We are guided by love, joy and the dynamic energies that are ushering in the New Earth. The Blue Hippo Farm is a magnificent space to drink in the beauty and sacred heartbeat song of the earth. At SOL gatherings we come together to play, pray, dance, sing, sound, celebrate, garden and explore the beauty of creativity through an abundance of workshops and events. There are workshops and play spaces for children, and it is a special space for families. We are strictly drug and alcohol free. Although the guiding light of this gathering is sound…there will be space for yoga, dance, raw foods, journey work and whatever you feel to offer to the space…keeping an awareness of how sounds sings us into being in a myriad of ways…our heart beat, our breathe, the music we dance to, the song of nature and the earth as we garden. If you feel inspired to offer something to the gathering…music/art/dance/workshops/events please let us know so we can add you to the schedule: offerings@spaceoflove.co.za. Food is mostly vegan and raw, communal bring and share, and communally prepared. Bring boxes of fruit, veggies, grains, pulses, honey, superfoods etc for the kitchen… So let us sing our heart songs in celebration of the one divine….and allow the soul-shaking sounds to infuse our beings and to ignite the sweet sacred light within us into full flame!   •*´¨`*•.¸¸.•*´¨`*•.¸¸.•*´¨`*•.¸¸.•*´¨`*•.¸¸.•

HOW THE GATHERING WORKS:

Please check out our FAQ’s for more details about the gathering and about what to bring.

TICKETS:
Entrance (incl. Camping in own tents):
Adults = R250 per person
Children 5-17 = R100 per child
Under 5 = free
Day Visitors (Adults = R150, Children 5-17 = R75)

Tipis (Double bed = R200, Single bed = R140)
Meals (if not supplying food) = R50 per meal per person

To book email: bookings@spaceoflove.co.za

Please note that in the spirit of co-creation everyone buys a ticket, incl. those offering workshops/events. SOL is a non-profit gathering, and a service of love, and the SOL team all offer their contributions on a seva (service/volunteer) basis. We keep ticket prices as low as possible to cover basic costs. All funds go directly back into the project to pay for costs such as the tipi village, equipment, decor, loo paper etc.

CO-CREATION: 

During the SOL weekend, we all come together as a loving and supportive community/ family to offer our energy, skills, gifts and awareness to the space! Meals will be prepared communally, and we ask that everyone take a turn in the kitchen. We are also looking for volunteers to focalise

meals. We also ask that you hold an awareness of keeping spaces clean, taking back with you all that you have brought, and dealing responsibly with refuse – reduce, reuse, recycle! Other roles will also come up spontaneously during the weekend, and we ask that you enter into them with love: e.g. fire keeping, refuse awareness. If you see something that needs doing – do it : )!

OFFERINGS:

We have created the space so that people can offer their unique gifts and talents in the form of workshops, talks, classes and events. If there is something that you would like to offer, talk to Annwen, so she can put you on the schedule: offerings@spaceoflove.co.za / 0845887741

FOOD:

Food is “bring and share” and communally prepared – this keeps ticket prices down and creates an amazing loving kitchen vibe. Healthy vegetarian/vegan food with a focus on raw food. Bring boxes of fruit and veg, nuts and seeds, tahini, superfoods and dates. Be generous, this food will be feeding you and your family over the whole weekend.

 

Also any kitchen equipment you feel inspired to contribute would be appreciated: think champion blenders, big pots, knives, chopping boards, peelers, big serving bowls/tubs etc.

ACCOMMODATION:

Is in camping and tipis. Camping: please bring tents, bedding, and all you will need to be cuddly and cosy. There are a limited number of beds in tipis available for an extra R100 per person for the weekend. Tipi’s have double and single beds and sleep about 5 people each. Bring ur own bedding.

DIRECTIONS:

From Cape Town, take the N2 toward Caledon. About 4km before Caledon, turn left at the sign that says “Greyton / Genadendal”. Drive for about 30km directly into Greyton. At the 3rd stop street you will see a sign toward Riviersonderend. Turn right here (Osman’s shop is on the corner) Follow the dirt road over a bridge. Keep heading straight for another 4 km. There is a sign on the left to Blue Hippo. Turn in here. Drive straight and park in the big open space where the other cars are. Welcome!

From Riviersonderend, Take the N2 towards Cape Town, passing through Riviersonderend, shortly after Shell garage, turn right at sign to Greyton. Travel on dirt road (following signs to Greyton) for approx 20kms and look out for the Blue Hippo sign on right 4km before Greyton. Turn in here.

www.bluehippo.co.za

Love, 

The Space of Love Team

info@spaceoflove.co.za

Kins´ Domain Community possibility in South Africa!!

Dearest Kin,

Please read below the exciting opportunity for another Kins´Domain eco-village in South Africa! Hans is a property developer who read the Ringing Cedars books when he was in Holland, and has been looking for land since to help develop a Kins´domain eco-village inspired by Anastasia.. wow!!

He has found a piece between P.E and Jeffreys bay.
The site is over 600 ha, and can house around 50 families.
The rest of the land is applicable for a nature reserve. It has a beautiful view of the sea coast and on the other side to the baviaans Mountains.
There is game on the land and the idea was for an Eco Village, but also for Eco Tourism which can accumulate income and be used for the settlers.

His ideas are shared below, and really worth reading :-)
Whoever is interested,  please contact Hans: hans@kingshomeinspection.co.za Read the rest of this entry »

I love Space of Love gatherings and I’ve organised quite a few of them over the years since learning about the Ringing Cedars books. Next week Saturday,

11:11am Sacred Opening and Peace Meditation
11:33am Yoga & breathwork with Aumji
12:44pm Lunch – bring & share raw food circle
1:11pm Lunch Dessert with Haroun
1:33pm Expressive movement dance with Dion Viljoen
3:11pm Sacred Sharing Circle with all of we
4:22pm Sing along songs
5:45pm Sunset Gazing
6:36pm Sumptuous Supper (Left overs from lunch)
7:57pm till late: Spring Party with world music, sing alongs, firedancing & drumming

Please call Aumji on 0827595599

Check out what the media is saying :)

Our New Earth (O.N.E.) Vision- http://www.one-vision.us

ONE Vision is a global endeavour that is both radically idealistic and absolutely practical.

It begins with a simple, yet unprecedented petition. The petition is not “anti” anything- it is PRO global systemic transformation.
Essentially the ONE Vision petition aims to gather and expose the critical mass of people who can no longer remain silent and complicit to the fact that our democracy and our growing environmental concerns have been completely subjugated by the globalising corporate profit agenda. Moreover, supporters of ONE Vision, are willing to collectively step into the political arena to fundamentally change it. Yes, we can.

ONE Vision is a vessel designed to carry our unified political voice for us to boldly reclaim our political sovereignty and actively re-direct our international institutions of governance, finance, economy, education and social welfare towards serving Earth Restoration and building a just, empathic and thriving human culture.

To read and sign the ONE Vision petition- and to find out more about the vision and ACTION beyond the petition- you are warmly invited to visit us at: www.one-vision.usNot to put you on the spot or anything, but :-) …You are among the first people to hear about Our New Earth Vision, the petition and the website. So in many ways you are now officially key co-creators (apologies if it’s an imposition…;-) You’re choices and participation vis a vis ONE Vision will have a direct effect on its dissemination and unfolding. Absolutely no pressure and no attachment to outcome- I just thought I should let you know. It’s all good!If, for some reason, you are not interested in signing the petition, then we would love to hear your concerns to see if they can be addressed and/or integrated. “No, because…” is always better that no response at all.Nevertheless, if you think it is worth a try or even inspiring, then you might wish to consider reading the websiteand supporting ONE Vision more actively.

The most valuable and supportive action for ONE Vision- at this stage- is to let as many people as possible know that they have a vote that could radically transform the world’s corporate-political domain and thus the future of our Earth and our children.As it happens I’m currently sitting with a laptop, surrounded by a Rasta culture who are ALL very interested in ONE Vision.No problem collecting signatures here ;-) Wake up. Stand up. Vote for your rights! With love and gratitude,Yanwww.one-vision.us

Our New Earth Vision

http://www.one-vision.us

“Humanity has finally reached the crux of an evolutionary crossroads -an extensive and escalating conflict of interest between the growing populace of awakening humans and our established governing and economic structures.” (From ONE Vision)

Please tell your jozi friends about this event if you can’t make it:

https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=171938512859759

Programme for sol gathering 15 May 2011

10:30 – opening of space ceremony
11:00 – permaculture home garden – Preparing for winter

NB- bring a hat as the winter sun can be hot -
Planting calendars available.

12:30 – Lunch !!!
(everyone brings raw food and we make salads / raw meals.

Bring 2 – 3 portions of fruit & veg to share (not too much – although the Goats will love the left overs!), as well as some juice.

13:30 – Umphakatsi Feedback
building the ties connected during easter gathering, ,growing the community, and talking about building a space of love at umphakatsi (any and all help will be appreciated)

15:30 – Set up the sweat lodge/sifutu – basic teachings around the lodge, various types of lodges and focus of lodges, and those interested in fire keeping/pouring lodges. A fire keeping team to be appointed for the lodge – Gogo P will pour the Sifutu.

16:30: Prepare to go into the lodge – talk about form & medicines used in the African sweat lodge or sifutu – we will be doing a 2 round sifutu – the rounds are shorter than native American type lodges.

18:30 – evening meal: soup & bread after lodge

19:00 – close space.(Kids need to bath and put to bed for the next days’ school !)

(Plse note that we promote healthy & conscious lifestyles, so Plse be mindful before you pack that beer and wine and sugary stuff (especially if you intend to be in the sweat) – we would like you to be fully present and participate in a clear space).

We will have bread & soup available, as well as Teas.

it was really great to hear what everyone does and how we can network and support each other to build our space of love.

What to bring:
Good spirits and humour
Sharing and giving attitude
Instruments
Blankets to sit on
Donation
Hats

Kids – kids are welcome – plse bring some group activities your kid can share with the others – there is plenty safe space to play. Plse bring a snack for them.

Donation: Although this is a free space, with free workshops and sharing & a bring and share lunch – we ask for a donation of R50 for the whole day (including the sweat) to cover necessary expenses – Plse contribute to the magic hat what you can.

Profit is not the focus of our gatherings, an empowering energy exchange is:)

Lodge: Towels, sarongs, warm & dry clothes: we go into the lodge covered – you may de-robe once in the lodge, and cover up again when the door opens.

PLEASE – NO ALCOHOL BEFORE THE LODGE – IT CAUSES DE-HYDRATION AND YOU WILL NOT FEEL VERY WELL. RATHER DRINK WATER, HERBAL TEA AND FRESH JUICES.

Kids & the lodge: (our experience based on our own 7 year old and her friends)
Kids are VERY welcome, however, they find the lodges a challenge &/or boring – they are pure of spirit & don’t need them until about the age of 14/15, when they have stuff to shift.

They are welcome to sit in the first round if they are curious – but usually they ask to leave in about 5 mins (that’s how long it takes them to figure it out and shift their stuff)

Plse make sure you bring your child’s comfy things, & food snack for them, so they can be taken care of while you are in the lodge – and not try to pull you out of the lodge – we don’t mind them peeking in between rounds to see what we are up to – but it is distracting for you if you need to leave in the middle of a round to attend to a hungry/thirsty child.

Location:
4 C Sunset Lane, Pineslopes: Sunset lane is not on the map – it turns out of Sunset boulevard.
The cottage is about 1 km from Monte Casino – the co-ords for Monte is: S 26 degrees, 1.49′ , E 28 degrees 0.71′

Here’s a map:

http://maps.google.co.za/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=212314132999681775143.00043736445d5f3e40bca&ll=-26.018168%2C28.014756&spn=0.001251%2C0.002411&z=19

The Cottage is situated behind Fourways Crossing Shopping centre, off Sunset Boulevard, and adjacent to Pineslopes shopping centre & Hirsh’s home store.
It can be accessed via Witkoppen road or William Nichol.
Parking will be at the building on 1 Sunset Lane / Cnr Sunset boulevard – 500m from the Cottage.

Directions:
Travelling North to Pretoria on the N1
Go on the Roodepoort western bypass, pass rivonia road, and Take the William Nichol offramp
Turn right and go towards montecasino / Fourways Mall.
as you pass Monte casino, there is a slip road to the right, just before the bridge – go off right and turn right into Witkoppen road. Turn right at top robot
at the next robot – turn left into Straight Road – Pineslopes shop is on your left
at the circle turn left into Forest road (Hirsh’s home store is now on your right and pineslopes shop on your left)
at the intersection turn right into sunset boulevard
after 500 m turn right into sunset lane and park at the office block
walk 100 m up the drive to the cottage.

From Main Road , Bryanston:
turn left into witkoppen road. at the second robot – turn right in The Straight – at Pineslopes shops.
follow directions as above.

Travelling South toward JHB:
Take the Roodepoort western bypass , pass Rivonia Road, and then take the William Nichol offramp
turn right and go towards Montecasino / Fourways Mall.
(If you are coming on the western bypass – go off at William Nicol and turn left)
as you pass Monte casino, there is a slip road to the right, just before the bridge – go off right and turn right into Witkoppen road. Turn right at top robot
At the next robot – turn left into Straight Road – Pineslopes shop is on your left
at the circle turn left into Forest road (Hirsh’s home store is now on your right and pineslopes shop on your left)
at the intersection turn right into Sunset Boulevard
after 500 m turn right into sunset lane and park at the office block
walk 100 m up the drive to the cottage.

Looking forward to seeing you there.

If you get lost, please call Haroun on 0825614455

A call for our healing.

Last Thursday, Dr. Emoto called for a worldwide gathering to heal the waters of the nuclear reactors. A few days ago, we learnt that the scientists and engineers of the powerplant are dumping millions of ton’s of the precious water into the ocean, for Mother Earth to deal with.

Let our prayers and voices be heard now, in support of our mother and once again, join us to continue this worldwide effort. Keep sending your love, apology, and support to the waters of the Earth.

http://www.youtube.com/user/WATERLOVEANDTHANKS

For his message.

For more on the secrets of water.

“Dear water of the oceans, we are sorry to make you suffer. Please forgive us. We thank you, and we love you.”

YouTube meditation:

The Johannesburg community will be gathering on Thursday evening to discuss some logistics around the Easter gathering at Umphakatsi,

Please “like” this page on Facebook, and tell all your friends about it, you never know who can be nearby and can make it.

http://spaceoflove.co.za/2011-easter-sol-gathering-umphakatsi/

Remember the idea of Umphakatsi is to create a Space of Love community, and the land is looking for people who want to love it beautiful :)

Here’s the email from Soozi with more relevant details about the gathering this Thursday: 7-4-2011

Aloha lovely Space of Lovers

sorry for the late notice – but we will be having a small gathering tomorrow evening at our Space in Lonehill to lock down some of the logistics on transport, work and acommodation for The Easter Umphakatsi Space of love Peace gathering. If you are planing to go I invite you to plse come – we will also do a short fire ceremony and have supper for you.

The fire ceremony will start at 7pm when the fire is lit in a ceremonial bushman way. The focus is healing of the oceans and especially the waters in and around Japan.

we can gather from 6:30.

we will have dinner from about 7:30 and be done by 8 – 8:30 latest.

Friends / family / kids welcome – Plse let me know by SMS if you come for catering:
4C Sunset Lane, off Sunset Boulevard, Lonehill / Fourways North. Its behind the Fourways crossing shops.

I have resent the invite to the gathering again below.
also find us on facebook: Umphakatsi Peace Eco-Village.

Soozi
0727333888

And lastly, please watch Ian Light bring some magic into composting:

http://spaceoflove.co.za/happy-compost-making/

Much love everyone
Haroun
xx :)

Provisional Dates:

Official programme: Friday 22 April (2pm) to Monday 25 April (2pm)

Informal community gathering and work party: 20 April – 2 May

The Umphakatsi Peace Ecovillage in south east Mpumalanga in South Africa is located in Steynsdorp, a small rural village about 10km from the Oshoek border of Swaziland. The nearest city, Mbabane (capital of Swaziland), is 30km from the Ecovillage, which is about an hour’s drive to Mozambique. The nearest public transport road is 2, 5 kilometres from the Ecovillage.

Please remember to bring your Passport!

Contact details for bookings/directions and info SOL Easter Gathering:

Tertius on +27(0)71 288 3742 or tertiusw@gmail.com

Caro on+27(0)79 660 2429 or carolynhowell@gmail.com

Provisional SOL Schedule

Mon 18/4	Tue 19/4	Wed 20/4	Thurs 21/4	Frid 22/4	Sat 23/4	Sun 24/4
AM	Meet with tribal authority	Community meetings	Eco village workshop / Anastasia – Kins Domains	Easter weekend REGISTRATION	Permie workshop	Celebrations / circles
PM	Open gathering.	Circles	Circles	Community gathering, Space of Love	Garden day	Free space / family
				Fire ceremony	Circles	Sweat lodge
Mon 25/4	Tues 26/4	Wed 27/4	Thurs 28/4	Frid 29/4	Sat 30/4	Sun 01/5
Family Day Work party / play shops	Work party	Freedom Day Work party	Work party	Long weekend	Garden day	Workers day
	Tribal authority	Community meeting	Community meeting	Permie workshop	Sweat lodge	Celebrations
Mon 02/5	Close gathering

Suggested Daily Schedule

7 am	Early risers  - meditation	Early tea & snack
8 am	Morning activity planning / prep	Early tea & snack
8:30  am  - 10:30 am	Group gathering for garden & work projects.	Circles Food focus prepare  brunch
11 am	Brunch gathering	Plan for afternoon garden/work projects
12:00 – 14:00	Siesta, crafts, free space	Circles
14:00 – 16:00	Kids time, walks, swim, play, shop, garden	Circles
16:00 – 18:00	Continue garden / work projects, kids time, shop,	Circles Food focus – dinner preparation
18:30	Dinner	Daily feedback session
19:00 – 21:00	Fire, music, family (sweat lodge Fri/Sat)	Ceremony

Provisional SOL Program (TBC)

• Introduction to Umphakatsi: meeting the people involved and sharing in their vision
• Meeting with the Tribal Authority
• Meeting with various involved community groups and peace clubs, including a “Space of Love” discussion
• Eco village design  / Anastasia Kins Domains: 1-day introductory workshop:

• traditional African (Seswati) village life
• different models for group coordination: decision making, resource-sharing, harmonising relationships, optimising team and individual efforts and support structures
• energy generation models: heat, electricity, mechanical
• water supply and irrigation
• natural and traditional building
• self-sustainability
• generating ABUNDANCE for ALL in a community

• Work circles: (tools & materials: Pease refer to information letter and bring what you feel is appropriate for the task in which you would like to participate)

• ablutions (upgrade toilets and showers)
• recycle and waste management
• 

  The beautiful river

  compost / worm farms

• chicken house building
• Campsite upgrade
• Lapa construction – for communal gathering, cooking space and/or additional accommodation
• road and river crossing upgrade

• Permaculture training: 1-day introductory workshop
• Medicinal plant/nature walk & talk: sustainable harvesting, restoration and protection of biodiversity
• Permablitz: upgrade garden, install water irrigation system and nursery
• Gardens workshop: medicinal, plant and food gardens
• Children’s activities/circle: various cultural activities involving the local youth
• Cross cultural/Identity workshops: to promote cultural understanding and share stories
• Woman’s circle: to discuss issues specific to women in communities
• Creative fireside: music, singing and storytelling
• Open space: for anyone keen on sharing skills and/or teaching/facilitating a circle.
• Ceremonial circle space: for those wishing to facilitate healings, rites of passage, blessings, meditations, sweat lodges, medicine circles, etc.
• Playing: fun, exploration and relaxation in a spectacular section of Mother Gaia’s playpen!
• Trip to Swaziland: don’t forget to bring your passport!!

Accommodation & Ablutions

• Accommodation facilities: are shared at Lubumbano Hut with a kitchen and a quiet room in the Peace Hut for meditation and sleeping.  Please book space in a hut and bring bedding.
• Communal Huts: R40 p/person p/day; no cost for children sharing beds with parents.  A maximum of 10 persons can be accommodated dormitory style (9 in large hut and 1 in small hut): two double beds and seven single mattresses/mats
• Camping:  R20 p/person p/ day; R10 for children 6 – 16 (negotiable for families). Please bring own tents and bedding.
• Ablutions: Umphakatsi is for the adventurous who can rough it!
• Bathing: wash in the river (clear, clean potable water) or use zinc basins/your own plastic tub to gather water for bathing, which can be heated over the fire. Please bring and use only biodegradable soaps/shampoos in river.
• Toilet: informal pit toilet available, or use a spade.  Please bring your own loo paper.
• Drinking: no running/tap water – collect water from river but please boil before drinking. Bring your own water bottle.

Heat & Power

• Electricity: is limited and serves only approximately four people per day (two small solar panels and 2 car batteries available, which can charge 1 laptop and between 2-3 cellphones per day).  Please bring your own mobile solar panel, battery and inverter if you will need more power.
• Mobile networks: access and wirless/3G connections available for all networks (as per above power supplies).
• Additional: bring your own candles and preferably torches or lanterns that work with a renewable energy supply (no batteries, rechargeable or not, please).
• Gas: for communal cooking is available at R10 contribution (please see rates info) or you can bring your own. Note: glass lid pots only to be used for cooking.
• Firewood: bring your own or collect onsite for R5 per day. Note that onsite firewood to be used sustainably so as to meet  the needs of the regular community throughout the year.  The natural biodiversity is also affected each year by veldfires and unsustainable harvesting of trees for firewood. For large bonfires (e.g. for drumming circles), please bring logs from the city. Note: glass lid pots only to be used for cooking.
• Solar cooker: available for communal cooking (glass lid pots only) but you are encouraged to also bring your own, as well as cardboard boxes to fashion hot-boxes, which use significantly less fuel.
• Hot boxes: please consider brining cardboard boxes and blankets/padding as this method uses the least fuel.
• Power tools: if bringing these for tasks, pneumatic are preferable and please supply your own compressed air.

Kitchen & Meals/Food Requirements

• Kitchen: communal combination of indoor gas, outdoor fire/hotbox, solar cooking and/or your own equipment (please see rates info for gas/firewood contribution).
• Meals: all food is shared and cooked communally by a meals focus group. Please cater for any specific dietary requirements you may have (food, equipment to cook your own).
• Extra food/water supplies: can be purchased from  small shop in Steynsdorp village close to Ecovillage or from Pick & Pay in town of Nhalazatshe (45km by road, 25km slow dirt road and pot-holed tar, 30km from Badplaas).
• Other items for kitchen: candles/matches, fold-up table, water containers, dish, soap and cloths
• Suggested food list: for communal cooking. All food is vegetarian/vegan/raw (no refrigeration) – please see list below and speak to organisers so we don’t duplicate too many foodstuffs:

• Dry foods – fruits, seeds, raisins, nuts, rice crackers, wheat crackers
• Cereals – muesli, porridge (maize meal, oats, Maltabela)
• Grains/pulses – brown rice millet, bulgur wheat, quinoa, couscous lentils, dry beans, green beans, bread flour & yeast for baking bread/pizza
• Juices/beverages – fruit juice (melons, apples, oranges keep well), teabags (stevia/agave instead of sugar); coffee (preferably organic) filter/grains and plunger; decaff coffee/malt substitute
• Salad/veg/fruit – fresh/dried herbs, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, sprouts, seedlings, potatoes, carrots, butternut, pumpkins, organic fruits of all kinds
• Oils/condiments – oil for frying/salad, preferably canola or olive,  apple cider/regular vinegar; salt (preferably mountain/organic/herbal, pepper; sauces (tamari, tahini, hummus)
• Snacks/foods for kids – no preservatives, artificial colours and flavours
• Dairy – for non-vegans, eggs, milk powder; carob/soya powder
• Tins/jars – preservative-free tomato relish, chickpeas, organic soya mince, sweet potatoes, squash, beetroot, cabbage, ginger, garlic, onions, homemade jam/relishes; honey, organic soup-stock

Additional Info/Requirements

• Child care: Umphakatsi is a child friendly space but PLEASE take care of your and other children, especially around the river as Umphakatsi will take NO responsibility for the safety of children. Children’s activities will be arranged during the gathering and meetings are child friendly.  Please bring child-friendly activities and games, craft materials, stationery, music instruments, seeds and seedlings and any special items your child requires.
• First aid: bring a basic first aid kit and any homeopathic/home medications required.
• Mosquito repellent: bring your own and citronella candles, consider natural/antimalaria medication (though the area is not susceptible to malaria, due to climate change the weather is becoming hot and humid, attracting a variety of insects).
• Bedding/seating: sleeping bag/blankets, cushions/pillows, mats
• Toiletries: biodegradable saps/shampoos, sunscreens.
• Clothing/shoes: warm days/cold nights, possible rain, shoes or sandals with non-slip soles for river hiking (you are welcome to go barefoot), walking/hiking boots for hiking, bathing costume, hat, sarongs.
• Cutlery/crockery: plate, bowl, mug, utensils, tubs, water bottles, tubs for collecting water/washing.
• Power: batteries, candles, torches (windup or solar), camera.
• Musical instruments: guitar, drums, shakers, marimbas, calimbas, etc. (leave electronic music at home or in your car with sound system off – tune into nature and your natural being!).
• Cash: spending money for workshop donations and contributions where required.

Activities

• Hiking along the river to the waterfalls or in the surrounding mountains
• Lazing and swimming in the river (clear, potable water)
• Meditating in beautiful quiet spots with magic views
• Exploring the dirt roads with your mountain bike (NO quad bikes please!)
• Eco-sustainable activity with endless projects to keep you busy, such as helping to upgrade ablutions, build solar combined donkey shower water heating system, building sleeping spaces with natural materials in traditional Seswati style, working the permaculture garden.  (As per our exchange info, if Umphakatsi grabs you, you can put some brain juice and elbow grease in one of our projects in return for free accommodation and shared living costs for a while after the SOL).
• Socialising with like-minded people, drumming, dancing, singing around the fire. We have good contact with local musicians, traditional dancers and Sangomas who may dance on Saturday evening if you dance with them. Donations for entertainers welcome.

Rates/Exchanges and Donations

(Note: please do not let shortage of cash keep you away – see our wish list below and speak to us to arrange an exchange of goods/services for your participation in the SOL gathering)

• Gate ticket (cash):  R80 p/adult, R30 p/child (12 -18)

(Fees are negotiable – please give what you can or more, all fees go towards supporting the peace work at Umphakatsi and improving the infrastructure on the land.)

• Accommodation (cash to organisers): communal hut R40 p/night (book);camping R20 p/night (neg. for families)
• Gas contributions (cash to organisers):  for communal cooking and hot drinks, R10 p/p/p/day
• Magic Hat donations: if we run short of communal food please donate what you can for more supplies; donate for each workshop you attend (optional, but please give freely in exchange for knowledge you receive); donations for daily visitors/guest meals.

Our Wish-list:

• Garden: equipment (tools, shade net, hoses/ watering cans, wheelbarrow, buckets, garden tools, slasher, axe, saw etc.) seeds to plant, saplings (fruit, nut and other valuable trees) and seedlings (herbs, veggies, medicinal plants), bamboo plants, etc.
• Arts/Crafts & music: old clothes for recreating radiant new ones, sewing kits/material, mechanical sewing machines (small and industrial), hessian/hemp sacking/needles, twine, rope, ribbons, beads, materials/scraps, string, recycled paper (writing/drawing, A4/A3/A2),  craft materials for kids programme and  art projects, (old magazines/newspapers, stationery, paper, crayons, pencils, scissors, craft knives, beads, paints, brushes, scrap paper, string, rope, blackboard, blackboard pain/chalk, percussion instruments – drums, tabla, shakers, flutes, triangles, tambourines, bells, etc, incense, crystals/stones/nature items, etc.
• Building a& infrastructure: building materials/tools (moulds for adobe brick making), corrugated iron, windows (recycled car windows, frames, glass), doors, glass, good wood/planks, insect resistant poles, wooden roof beams, wire, nails, wood/metal screws, etc., piping and hose for water and electrical wiring, chicken/fencing/general purpose wire, irrigation system piping, etc.
• Energy: old gas cylinders (new, full), bicycles/parts and powering devices, old tumble washing machine to convert to hand-operated/turned machine, stainless steel drums of old washing machines (to make economical fireplaces), any mechanical devices, old geysers/piping to make hot water donkey.
• Household: lighting stuff (candles/making info/ideas), paraffin (or eco-friendly substitute), wind-up torches, solar lanterns, etc), ‘furniture’ and bedding (cushions, rugs, mats, blankets, sheets, old beds or ideas/material for making new ones, etc), healthy toothpaste, natural creams (organic/biodegradable), etc.
• Transport: rough road vehicles for transport of people/goods – cart (with horse, mule/donkey, ox), camels, horses/riding gear,  scrambler/motor bike, truck, tractor and trailer, 4×4 bakkie, etc.
• Information/expertise: making sustainable/renewable energy generation devices, building natural swimming pools, internet and real-world networking, advertising (spread the good word!), ideas and connections for making recycled objects, recipes for home made clay, glue, paints, etc.

Our Exchange Offerings:

• Wellbeing Services: Sangoma bone readings, Mayan calendar in-depth life purpose energy readings, card readings, massage, life coaching, tai chi and chi kung, meditation and chanting, shiatsu, personal African steaming sweats, ceremonies, spiritual healing, supported vision quests, earth wisdom practice.
• Soul food: tasty meals cooked with love and available organic, healthy foodstuffs.
• Nature: beautiful natural surroundings, alive and abundant river to swim in and crystal-pure uncontaminated water to drink.  Guided/unguided hiking trails
• Partainment: music and singing/jamming/storytelling around evening fires
• Magical venue: for workshops (food garden however is still growing, so workshop leader would have to bring bulk of specialised food requirements).  We can cook, and offer special Swazi traditional food menu in co-operation with produce from local farming community for your workshop.

Ongoing Volunteering & Donations at Umphakatsi:

• Volunteers: if you are interested in volunteering at Umphakatsi after the SOL, speak to the organisers:

• Long term volunteers (more than 3 to 6 months) must bring a sleeper tent.
• Working hours for short term volunteers is 4 hours p/day and 2 hours p/day for long-term stay.
• Gas cooking facilities available, contributions towards filling the gas and maintenance fee R100 p/month.
• Volunteers to provide for themselves and bring whatever they need for the length of their stay.

• Donations: from as little as R10 or 1 Euro p/month you can support the work of the Ecovillage and the Human Rights Education Centre wherever you are :

Account Name: Human Rights Education Centre

Bank: ABSA

Branch Name: Heerengratch

Account Number: 4074541432

Branch Code:632005

Swift Code: ABSA ZA JJ

GETTING TO UMPHAKATSI:

• Map/directions: will be e-mailed when you RSVP (and deposit payment) and also uploaded to Facebook/website (to orientate yourself, use Google Earth to find Steynsdorp).
• Info/bookings: Tertius +27(0)71 288 3742/ tertiusw@gmail.com, Caro +27(0)79 660 2429/ carolynhowell@gmail.com

• Car: (speak to other participants about sharing lifts)

• On a good road map, you should find Nhlazatshe and Elukwatini, about 30 km south east of Badplaas. It is a 4 to 5 hour drive from Gauteng on N4 to Badplaas via Middelburg and Carolina. It is close to Steynsdorp village, by road 50km south-east of Badplaas & about 20km north of Oshoek border post on a small dirt road west of the Swaziland border. Steynsdorp is about 20km south east of Nhalazatshe and about 20km north of Oshoek border post on a small dirt road west of the Swaziland border. Umphakatsi is close to Steynsdorp village, about 20 minutes by car and 45 to 60 min if you walk fast with no or light backpack. The last 20 km of tar road to Steynsdorp is full of pot-holes so drive slowly and with care even during daylight. The last filling station is in Nhlazatshe close and opposite to Pick & Pay, about 30km from Umphakatsi.
• Please plan your trip so that you get to Ecovillage before dark, about 7pm latest in midsummer, 5h30 pm latest in midwinter – the dirt road from nearest point of local village, Steynsdorp Ext 2, to Ecovillage should NOT be driven after sunset.  It is not advisable to walk or drive at night except if you are very familiar with the area and road from Steynsdorp to Umphakatsi. It is slightly complicated to get from Steynsdorp to Umphakatsi. If it is your first time visiting, it is best to arrange to drive in convoy from Steynsdorp (meet at the big Marula tree close to pink shop), or to phone for directions and update about road conditions from there.
• If your vehicle’s ground clearance is low (a City Golf can navigate the road, you don’t need a 4×4 or bakkie) or you don’t want to risk your vehicle on the road, safe parking can be arranged in Steynsdorp for R40 per car per day. Transport to Umphakatsi from Steynsdorp is with Madevu’s bakkie, at R50 p/trip for maximum 3 people with luggage, R10 per additional person with luggage.  Phone Madevu on 072 351 7031 BEFORE you leave home to arrange.

• Taxi:

• From Pretoria or Johannesburg, take a taxi to Badplaas or Nhlazatshe / Elukwatini for about R150. In Nhlazatshe, opposite Pick & Pay, you can catch a taxi to Steynsdorp for about R25. Last stop / first pick-up point closest to Ecovillage is at the big Marula tree close to pink shop.
• From there you can walk to Ecovillage, about 45 minutes with light pack, 30 to 45 minutes more for a heavy one. Or arrange for a bakkie to bring you to Ecovillage. The cost for 2011 at the moment is R50 per trip for vehicle shared by up to 3 people. For more, an additional R10 per person is charged. The cost for bakkie from Nhalazatshe is R200 per trip for a maximum of 3 people with luggage. For more, an additional R 25 per person is charged. Phone Madevu on 072 351 7031 BEFORE you leave home to arrange.

• Bus:

• You can catch the main line buses to Nelspruit and from there either use taxis or local buses to Nhlazatshe. Only one bus per day, usually one to Barberton, then one from there to Nhalazatshe and one from there to Steynsdorp. The buses to Barberton and Nhlazatshe would leave early in morning and the one from Nhlazatshe to Steynsdorp at about 4pm. Taxis from Nelspruit are easier to take and give more flexibility but are more expensive. Taxis or bus will take you to big Marula tree close to pink shop in Steynsdorp. Phone Caro 079 660 2429 or Sarah 079 766 5803 for more info before you leave home.
• If you use the Bas bus, take Swaziland route and get off in Oshoek. From there, Madevu can pick you up if arranged before.  Cost is approximately R200, cost to Nhalazatshe. In distance possibly shorter, but a steep mountain pass in between which would add to fuel used.

This post is a short feedback from our gathering in Johannesburg held on the weekend. About 30 people joined us to co-create a special energy. With the threat of rain all morning, we put up the Rainbow tent, closely inspected by the goats and chickens. During the yoga session people started arriving.

The water blessing ceremony is always a highlight for me, and I was pleasantly surprised the next day, when Piet remarked how some water he was drinking was tasting delicious, and this from the municipal tap.

Proves to me that these blessings work indeed.

Another highlight was the Auming connection at 3:30pm. I recorded it and post it below. Please listen, download and enjoy :)

Right Click on link below and choose File Save As to save it to your computer.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/16744182/Johannesburg-Connecting-Aum-Recording.mp3

But most important was the talk by Tertius, about Umphakatsi, an eco-community in Mpumalanga, that’s inviting people to come through and make the land their home. There’s no need for an investment to “buy” the land, you are invited to live on the land for eternity by invitation of the local chief, and we’re having a Space of Love gathering there during the Easter long weekend.

Everyone is invited, a more formal invite will be sent out to all registered users of this site, as well as the Facebook members. Or leave a comment here to keep in touch.

And finally the sweatlodge in the evening, ended our gathering on a splendid note, with many first time participants having an amazing cleansing experience, and everyone promising to be more involved in sweats again.

I’ve added the ability to add new posts to the site from the front end to make it easier for new members who want to add content to the site, and to add quick posts easily. I’m sure Ashleigh will be excited, it just needs to be carefully maintained and that normal users aren’t able to access the form.

Let’s see how this works :)

Wow, that’s a mouthful, and says it all.
If you’re the kind who has a deep spiritual connection to nature, likes meeting others who believe that re-creating heaven on earth is possible, are in the area (of Jozi, Johannesburg JHB, Gauteng, South Africa, then please get in touch.

http://spaceoflove.co.za

http://harounkola.com/blog

http://www.ringingcedars.co.uk/

http://www.sanbi.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=142&Itemid=74

http://maps.google.co.za/maps/place?cid=14776847815873084505&q=walter+sisulu+botanical+gardens&gl=za

Let’s resonate the zing out to the world.