Pillars of Commitment

8/7/2019 Pillars of Commitment

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gardens rocks streams flowerbeds clovers church yard mother

mary statue herb garden vegetable garden porch swing hot tub

sunny deck sparkling clean kitchen that gets cleaned every night

before we go to bed to wake up fresh every morning ready to start

a new day endless wet mossy pine forest the sound of snow falling

sunlit harbors sparkling water the sound of swimming underwater

a luxurious late morning breakfast lower-middle class knew all of

my neighbors growing up my grandma still lives in my childhood

home disneyland knotts berry farm commuting to school every

morning a distant place that sits & waits for my my belated time to

come the desert the city poverty abundance a single mother home a

warm dinner the heat the showers the sand storms the lightning storms 11 acres of trees on old farmland with 3 tree houses deer

and porcupines camel's hump mountain purple to the west trident-

shaped icicles maple syrup grade b smoky and thick woodsmoke

calming my soul children laughing dogs barking + playing hot

weather forests + mountains hard rainfall ice cream mango

barbeques numbers hills forests birds smell of trees fresh cut

grass & firewood burning hot pavement & highway ramble grilled

onions & incense classic rock blasting on long car rides openfields & giant skies crickets locust singing sawdust beach

evergreen trees stonewalls snowbanks fireplace valleys framed by

rolling hills green wood stove acrid + musty nature scents -

manure leaves mud sweater hugs footsteps on stairwells new york

lake woods seasonal change the earth our mother and space-

vehicle highways freeways farms farmers' markets 100 degrees+ in

the summertime open lands automobiles - janky sounds from '79

toyota santa barbara ca mountain range city & beach in one smells

so good after it finally rains everyone is hiking running shopping

swimming good music & spirits bring great vibes wood burning stove

mom's chinese herbs cooking on the stove sumo wrestling on the

mattress in our underwear the smell of mountain air a road

stretching into the distance the paint on your collar the beecher


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co-op glover park #204 above the laundry room asphalt

dribbling runs next bent rims match-ups howard university radio:

the quiet storm we were all born brilliant, connected, smart,

vibrant and lovable freshly cut outfield grass mom's panang curry

rice eating around a table family style pancakes + crepes +

anything sweet especially cake with fruit + whipping cream on top

hippie stew farmers' market veggies + fruits salmon baked potato

morning star breakfast patties & grillers cheese bread & tomato

soup top ramen baklava hummus martinelli's apple cider poultry -

everything lettuce packages pancakes with real maple syrup dense

and tangy rye bread from bread + puppet with strong aioli veggie

dishes dad meat dishes mom cakes and desserts sisters rye breadborsch dumplings chicken& sour cream enchiladas w/ green chilies

banana pudding w/ wafers & bananas drop biscuits & honey real

new hampshire maple syrup espresso homemade granola yogurt w/

wheatgerm honey + banana chocolate chip cookies shrimp fried rice

pizza italian food in general bbq purple rice og crab cakes dad's

pig brain chutney mom's pb&j every meal for years rose cafe

mexican family rest every thursday night mom's intricate salads

veggie stir fry chinese food left-over omelet kefer pops josie'sfish dish garlic garlic garlic garlic scraple steak and eggs waffle

butter gino's escargot garlic we all have legacies of something

broken hurt pain isolation and longing my family my grandpa eating

a meal together jealousy is a humiliating emotion because it robs

you of your dignity and self-worth a willing heart will find a

million ways an unwilling heart will find a million excuses

goodnight pumpkin oof here's a good thought the older i get the

more i'm convinced i know nothing if you don't have anything nice to

say don't say anything at all keep your elbows off the diner table

you're going to break your neck always think a million steps ahead

if this is a dream then everyone is in it everyone is part of this

dream to live a dream is to feel to live a dream through another is

to love the last exchange between me and a mentor of mine in


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amsterdam jan jan said you know what the difference between me

and you is? you are young i am old death is more of a worry for me

i replied then the difference between you and me is simply worry

we both smiled a timeless smile morning is wiser than evening sit

down before the road my sister is my rock my brother brings joy to

every dark moment kathi - chosen heart mother spiritual confidant

support beam you 3 are the reason i get up every morning - dad love

you love you more can't love you just the same okay i'll think about

it mom 1961-2010rip*heart* i miss her so much come talk to us when

you feel ready just be honest with us and we'll no reason not to

trust you feel any older feel any wiser shit in one hand wish in

the other see which on fills up the fastest mentors are olderwitch-like women takes a lot to trust anything a man says

professor brooks who showed me there's always 75% more to the

world my friends are my teachers collective co-evolution life is

infinite creative play self-respect giving thanks vocation not

profession how you live changes your brain style is not to be

trusted less is not necessarily more some people are toxic avoid

them you can only work for people you like if you have a choice

never have a job if you think it it will happen so think positivecredit cards are the fruits of the devil think about others before

yourself but always put yourself above others home again home

again giggady gig to bed to bed to buy a fat pig grandma sara ann

niomi all the beat poets gwen and mendal pud jive turkey pause for

the cause bubba-boo bubba-baby are you injured or are you just

hurt? a spring wells up at the foot of the mountainfoster

character by thoroughness in all you do shaka-boo mo-mo purby

mahmoud weenie min-kin tutu arlene judy-wan hazel max josie

shandra nancy gip in always another way a way we can all support

each other and still honor how incommensurate our experiences of

the world are


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Bear with things

as the earth bears with us:

by yielding, by accepting,

by nourishing.


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Values

RELATING


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Credo

in a balance

of work andplay

in understandingand compassionlove and more love

capable of living fully

from a place of love

gratitude

in the total freedom ofself-expression

except actions that

intentionally harm and inhibitgrowth in others

humility

everythingmotivatedby love

love asground of being

in lovereverence


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RETURN TO BASICS

surrounded by love to flourishdespite our differences our foundation

love no aggressiononly compassion looooove

i need space i need supporti need time i need patience

i need awareness i need acceptanceand love i need love

i need good intentions act as if wehave one anothers best interest in mind

with attention to affects i need opennessi need honesty i need trust from my peers

i need times of quiet i need times when i can close my door not all the time

sometimes oftenquiet nights quiet dreams

less blaming more helping hands

work together with open mindsto collect our dreams

commitment to a good life togethercontinued commitment to the dynamics of our lives together


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GO DO LESS

flow of giving and receiving

flow of listening

flow of being listened to

flow of loving and losing

being there

to embrace it all


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SPACE FORVOICES

deep listening more listening

asking say more asking for clarification

more listening saying this is what i heard

an understanding that we are connectedand we are different we have different life circumstances

different challenges different competencies

pay attention to the way

legacies of oppression live in amongst us


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ENTHUSIASM

no matter how stressful difficult remaining respectfulin an environment open understanding and nonjudgmental

positive fun-loving keys to success

friends and family sharing gratitude welcomed greeted with kindness with gratitude

i dont want a hostel

who is in my house? trustworthy if i dont know themin volatility resentment can easily take holdovershadowing the true beauty of this home

honesty humilityfunctionality cleanliness

emotional transparency

intentional empathetic decision-makingin a space of non-judgmentopenness obligation

energy engagementconception compassion

forgiving and kind as mistakes are remedied


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ON NOTHAVING INFLUENCE

perseverance and forgiveness through the hard moments

authentic even if it is difficult to express your shadow

elation in the joy of the light we bring

belief in ourselves belief in each otherbelief in what we set our mind to dobelief in what we set our heart to dobelief in what we set our souls to do

comfortable in surroundings comfortable with those around me

support of my work support of me


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SPLITTING APART

to feel safe and respected and supportedheard not dismissed appreciated for effortsencouraged to take risks and to share work

not alone in any strugglerallied behind for the ultimate good

of the current community and those to come

respect of space respect of individualof mutual community and of communal areas

respect of my art respect artsupport work and give support

reception by others of the supporti give to them

enabling something something called a houseenabling something something called a forum


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If you are alert to the Creative,

you will meet with good fortune

now.


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Art

CREATION

CREATIVITY

CRAFT

EXPRESSION


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Credo

experiment

the universea creative placeall of it

strong manifestersall of us

people of limitless potentialrising to our fullest

people reaching for growthpeople fulfilling potentialpeople enjoying enjoying those around thempeople on their journeysthe most beautiful thing in the world


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PATIENCE

eachothers

encourages

inspires

wombed

( expression )

dis enhibited


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THE RESONANCEOFHIGHESTASPIRATIONS

create

skillsharing

joy

joy

innocent creation

laughter


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ON THE TAILOFATIGER, TIGER

workwithoutshowing

exhibitingcollaborativeexhibits

our/housemembersoutsiders ?

? laboration ?

work walls

music halls

collectivecontributingpiece

solitude

asneeded


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THIS IS A TEST

newstepsand

newdirections

ourbest boldest

work

thisis a

test

expansivep r o j e c t sg r o w t h

magic


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MOVEWITH IT

makehu ge

progressin

our

art


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TIME

j o y

and

sharing

giving

and

renewal


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Good fortune unfoldsfor those who remain on guard

against inferior influences.


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Ethics

ACCOUNTABILITY

TRANSPARENCY

COMMUNICATION

MEDIATION


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Credo

design has a strong impacton how we live how we love how we learn

everyone empowered to speak on an equal planemutual understanding to kindness

every moment every person every circumstance a teacher

freedom is something you must maintainthis is the most valuable thing

we have a responsibilityto seek understanding to seek peacepeace our mind peace our heart peace our bodies-in-dialogue

we serve everyone and ourselvesbest when we stay true to those (our) voices

we are our own greatest teacherslearning how to listenno one right answer to any given question

answers solutions just possibilitieswithout a certain degree of insight of understandingcertainty can be wrong and unwelcome

solutions presented tactfully with wisdomwords do nothing without action


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CODA

over-analysis is the death of progress is the death of functionalitywhen you place a high value on truth you have to think for yourself

disorganization is a kind of anesthesia and categorizing fear is calminggossip and resentfulness are poor management strategiesbling-bling with no end and no aim is nothing but a form of idolatrysuccess comes from failure try something enough youre bound tosucceed work together fix our mistakes succeed on creating somethinggreat rarely a reason to give up


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CHECKING COURSE

no aggression

only compassion

heard and not dismissed

space of

non judgment

without regulation and punishment

safe to change

safe to grow

emotional transparencyholding together


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OPEN

open ...

and absorbwhat others offeropenness

andhonesty

andtrustandobligation

and energyand engagementand conception

and compassionopenscommunication

patience


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RECKONING

speak heartough conversationno passive-aggression

no talkbehind my backno lying

stressful difficult

issues comeupremain respectful

full honesty transparencyin the plans we make

as a convent as individuals

personal responsibility honestyabout mistakespersonal accountability

forgiveness kindness toward mistakes

new ways to resolve conflictintentional empathetic decision making


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REVOULSION ARTS

impecc able with words

concerns expressed directly

honest communication

honest and direct with one another

less talk more do

less blamingmore helping hands

stand by a thoughtstand by a beliefin honesty


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TEACHING

follow upon commitments

a teacher insteadof police officer

creativity happiness

are present

negative judgmentsare not present

on the patheach must walk

return


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CLAN

continual questioning listening reinterpretationcontinued commitment to the dynamic natureof our lives together

one friend looking out for us andour well-being not pointed out asbeing alone in any particular struggle

rallied behind for the communityand those to come

feel safe and receive support

everyones opinions heard and acknowledgedeveryones concerns heard and acknowledged

asked about my story rather than taken at face

mutual trust and mutual patience connectingand communicating with each other

appreciated for efforts encouraged to take risks and share

trust

thati will


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In relationships,

desires lead to misfortune.Behave with discipline

and balance.


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Community

DIFFERENCE

COMMUNAL LIVING

EXTENDED/ING

COMMUNITYHOSPITALITY


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Credo

community

i am with and without perfectioni have a lot to learn

friendsin friends who become familymy family are friends

family built not on bloodbut on depth of relationship

through connecting with others/connectionsharing common goals and values

reflection provides opportunity for

furthering self-understanding + self-loveand love and understandingfor the other

we are all inter-connectedthat which affects meaffects you

and every other being

we have a lot to learn

we have a beautiful opportunity


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GENTLY, WE

weg r o wtogether

we bravely ( try )new waysto resolve conflict

we have the courageto speaktough conversation

we have the courageto hear . . .

tough conversation

a forum oncommunity livingas a daily practice

i can

b myself

A change in attitude delivers you from difficulties. Remain steady and allowthe world to shape itself.


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GOOD TIME

here is magic HERE believe in it together con-

scientious exchange program gift exchange

music! art sex fiesta! medtation!trust will patience beauty will

people :: come together to share and exhibit art and revolutionary

ideas here an extraordinary band of individuals, it is imperative forme we live collaboratively sharing what we have to offer embracing

what others have to share

if youre in agood place you need nothingpeople will noticeand want/ desire to be on top of their game too identity must

be free to adapt and i :: a better understanding of myself throughnew experiences laboration efforts successes failures moments of

oasis

moments of frustration moments of beauty and so on. . .

safe to change growactivly seeking growth explorationgrateful for the wonderful things that happen every day

conversation shared meal backrub in the kitchenthe sunshine on theroof

we putenergy into

we appreciatework on


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nurture like a gardenit will grow more beautiful with our careindividuals live aware of the conscious entity

we are all a part ofthis collective

therefore, i need to feel safe growing in thissacred space enabling something called ahouseaforu


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WAITING FOR.... THAT

border-transgressing practices all of us weas a group realize a dream people havein the past potentially living environment idealized

creating a micro cosm of amazingness one daymanifest world wide everybody has the potentialto become leader we experience life as a tribe

as people have since the dawn of timea modern loving upscale hippie creative beautiful tribe

were going back to the roots

away from individual ism but not completely awaytowards communal living i live with others

who if not alreadyhave potential to become a family

we can model self-sufficiency and sustainabilitythrough our artistic offerings gardening the systems weput in place to support a genuinely healthy communal living

we can all feel comfortable accepted and loved

we actively practice creating a living spacecharacterized by fairness and a justice yet to come...


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GENTLYWITH YOU

i need to feel heard and not dismissedappreciated for my efforts encouraged to take risksand i need to to share my work

living so far from my biological family is tough for mei would like for you convent sisters to know

more about where i am from and asked about my story

rather than taken at face value not pointed out as being alonein any particular struggle you rally behind for the ultimate goodof the current community and those to come

dreams are found in each other therein made real

housemates come together to work on expansive projectsand share of themselvesand you can find camaraderie support and refuge

in a context alienating and drainingat least you feel you have one friend herelooking out for you and your well-being


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A challenge to improvement:

that which has beenspoiled through neglect

can be rejuvenated

through effort.


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Convent

COVENANT

DWELLING

SACRED SPACE


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Credo

shrine

magicsuperman

and jesusreturn somethingto its place

enter or leave a room with helpfulnessmake a contributionin ways big and small

dont have time toput away all the dishesput away at least a few

cultivating voices lovingly engaginginspiring in progressive dialoguesa responsibility

a joywe owe

our being


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( SAFETY)

context ( urban ) alienating

draining camaraderie

support refuge

a sacred space

healing expression

food safety


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REALLY, MOSTOFALL

i can hear laughter i can hear dogs barking i can hear playing

i can be open and learn absorb what others offer

self-sustainability our artistic offerings

garden the systems heal thy living communal

magic creativity art love courage desire lil more of life blessed

i need / want to feel like every one honestly gives a shit


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A PARTICIPATORYSPACE

here we actively practicecreating a living spacecharacterized by fairness

perseverance and forgivenessthrough the hard moments

elation in the joy of the light we bring

a commitment to a good life together

here we actively practicecreating a living spacecharacterized by a justice yet to come

we are in relation

with each other

we are in relationwith that which is biggerthan each of us

its members and all in contact with

embrace an idea andembody an experience of

Home


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QUIETTIMES

no orders only requests

times of quiet times when i can close my door

not all the time but sometimes often

calm souls lively souls

loving souls whole lotta soul

open ears whole lotta love


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WITHDRAWAL TO FURTHER

in solitude

i can create

i can meet

n e w m i n d s

new inspiration

comm unity


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The transition from chaos

to order depends upon achieving

your true inner calm.


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Credo

you can have all the schooling in the world

but if youre still on the surfaceyoure not really educated

treat each other with consideration and respectthe surface story often has manydeeper stories behind it

its okay to admit i dont knowwe know far less than we claim towe are all too often arrested by fear

often consumed with what others door what we think we want or needpay more attention to your inner-self

listen to what it wants

gratitude and faith (in self more than anything)brings us closer to our truest self andif you follow your heart

you will be happy

believe in how you feellive for itin springtime in sunshine and lovehumans are imperfect beingslaughter and laughing together


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b

i can relax into myself (my genius)i can relax into the genius of othersi can do as i please as long as i dont step on toes

i can laugh cryi can sing experimenti can mother be nurtured

i can pray dancei can witness dreami can support find solitude create

i can meet new mindsi can meet new inspiration

i can meet new community

i can be open absorbing what others have to offeri can be free adapting with developing interests find myselfi can be safe receiving support

i am comfortable

i am acceptedi am loved


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HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN

respect the intensity of the patheach one must walknurture like a gardenknowing it will growmore beautiful with our care

put energy into

appreciate work on care for each other

model self-sufficiencysustainability through artistic offeringsgarden the systems in place to supportgenuinely healthy communal living

safe growing in this sacred spacesafe to change safe to grow

a participatory spacewe are home through each other andcan be vulnerable and open promoting growthcarry each other growing stronger from it

actively practice creating a living spacecharacterized by fairness and a justice yet to comealways in relation with each otheralways in relation with that which is biggerbigger than each of us


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YOUTHFUL FOLLY

music! art! set! (sp.?... sex?) fiesta! meditation!

magic through creativitymagic through artmagic through lovemagic through courage

and magic through a strong desireto get just a little more out ofthis life were blessed with

collaboration effortscollaboration successescollaboration failures

a better understanding of myself through new experiences

collaborative moments of oasiscollaborative moments of frustrationcollaborative moments of beautyand so on

A return to detachment and humility prevents misfortune now.


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OFTEN ALIEN

grateful for the conversationgrateful for the shared mealgrateful for the backrub in the kitchengrateful for the sunshine on the roof

urban

alienatingdraining

through mutual trust and patiencethrough connecting and communicating

with each other without regulation or punishment

happiness without negativitycreativity without judgments

people feel they have at least one friend here

looking out for them and their well-being

in each other dreams found therein made reala forum on community living as daily practice


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FREE HEART

share and exhibit artand revolutionary ideas

honest and direct

individuals actively seeking growthexploration for themselvesand for others

individuals liveaware of the conscious entity

we are all

a part ofthis collective


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convent erin micko galen nikko

brett leigh rebecca nina sage

carla linda leigh charley seiji

gabriel madeline simone dani ruca

jojo m ross fox sam gu

j u c y michael wg miguel bowie parrots

mikey sacha ilya winston others

moustafa sophia meredith daisy ghosts

October 1st, 2010 March 31st, 2011

Documents

Pillars of Commitment