Unplugged

This past month has been a new experience for me.

We have been in North Carolina since November 15^th where we have set up our Open Range Travel Trailer. We are living off-grid on the Full Circle Family Farm, owned and operated by my son, Leon, his wife, Geni, and daughter, Kayla.

It is situated in a valley in the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains. To get to the farm one has to travel on I-40 to Black Mountain, west of Ashville, NC, onto a very winding, narrow mountainous road. These roads are not on the general map so a more detailed one is needed. A GPS is a most!

There is plenty to do here as the farm is one of sustainability and environmental renewal, with recycling and composting; organically grown gardens and fruit trees. The farm animals consist of Nigerian dwarf goats, chickens and bees. Solar and Hydro power is the main source of energy.

Along with the farm, there is a ZEN Meditation Centre, to enrich the inner soul. Nature is really felt because of the necessity of being out doors, getting from place to place or taking walks in the forested hills around the farm.  The Zendo is now open to everyone in the area, if they wish to partake during the early morning sessions.

Since coming, I have just walked a short distance to the well- built and inviting Zendo near by. I have felt then benefits of the hour there as well as the volunteer silent-work period during the day.

On Sunday Geni took Kayla and I toGreat Tree Women's Temple near Alexander on the north side of Ashville, an hour's drive from Full Circle Trail Family Farm. The session is for mothers and their family. It is facilitated by Rev Teijo Munnich,  with the youth participating in the Tea Ceremony and the guests acting out a brief story of Buddha's Enlightenment. The Centre is in a quiet hilly area with a view of a valley.

 They offer a full meditation retreats and self-awareness programs.

The Ashville area of North Carolina is known for it's educational studies and alternatives therapies. Esther and Jerry Hick did one of their Abraham talks here in 2006.