VOL is a small, spiritually oriented community, whose emphasis is on self-realization and self-sufficiency. However there is no specific faith, doctrine, teacher or practices followed at our community. Each of us has their own presonal set of beliefs and respect the beliefs of the others.
The land is located in a small, secluded valley, in the center of the Ozarks National Forest along a small river. The property consists of approximately 13 acres of bottom land and 36 or more acres of wooded hillsides. The southern boundary is a small river that runs all year. Direct access to the property by normal wheeled vehicles is not possible parts of the year, vehicle access is dependent on current rainfall and the time of year. There is no commercial electricity or phone service. The water supply is a mountain spring piped underground, two feet deep down to the valley floor. The property is divided into three areas; residential, community activity, and crop land/pasture.
We are here, for we know our purpose in life is to grow in God's Light (Self-Realization). Living in a natural environment assists this purpose. We are here because we believe this is a better way of life than the way of life that is now considered the norm in America. We are here also because of conditions in the world today. We believe the economy and the way of life in America may undergo some drastic changes. We choose to be minimally affected by these forecast changes if they do happen, and move through them with little disruption in our everyday lives, as we will be living on the land growing our own food.
Community living needs sacrifice. As long as people are attached to their personal desires, they can't adjust well in a community. When they make one aim, one working process, and are in tune with similar desires, then a community becomes one body. It appears that the valley land is a focus of very powerful spiritual forces whose purpose is to create change and spiritual growth in the people who reside there. A person will be confronted with obstacles which can and should be overcome. The obstacles which arise are no one's "fault". They are due to the situation and the aforementioned forces. One should go to meet the obstacles even if difficulty piles upon difficulty. This is a part of one's duty in living here. This duty is in the service of a higher cause and one's own development. Having the unswerving inner purpose of growth and change, a willingness to serve and grow closer to God, are needed. The appropriate action is to seek the errors within one's self and remold one's character. Through introspection, an obstacle can be overcome and is an occasion for inner enrichment, growth, and change. Through progress and right actions one will automatically receive the assistance one needs. Some may feel they don't need to grow or change. they may seek to put blame on others for their difficulties and bemoan their "fate". People who react in this manner will not be happy living at the VOL Community, will not be able to adjust, and will leave.
The plans for this community include:
All these plans are intended to be carried out as group activities. As a community, we shall share spiritual practices regularly. What those practices consist of will be chosen and agreed upon by the members. This community is striving for unity. We wish to share life as an extended family with much more closeness and openness than is found in general American culture. Therefore, community facilities will be constructed and provided for food storage, food preparation, sharing of meals, bathing, laundry, group get togethers, and schooling children. Private quarters, whether a sleeping room in a community building or a "private" sleeping cabin are intended for sleeping and a place to "close the door".
Self-realization is essentially an inward goal. Cooperative implies a spirit of voluntary rather than forced cooperation of members. Both ideas, individual developement and voluntary cooperation, imply a respect for one another's rights which leaves no room for egotistic individualism (the kind which is careless about imposing on the freedom of others). Remember, too, that in an intentional community, individual developement and voluntary cooperation are interactive principles. The member who develops himself inwardly is thereby helping uplift the others as well. The member, on the other hand, who makes no effort to improve himself cannot claim that his indolence is no one's business but his own. His lack of effort is a serious detriment to the sincere efforts of others. It is our belief that for any person to have "complete freedom", it is necessary for that person to be "completely responsible" for his actions and thoughts and live in a "non-selfish time/space".
With the above ideas in mind and our experiences in community living thus far, we created the following structure;
Community Goals
1. To create a time/space wherein the self-realization of each member is fully nurtured and supported.
2. To live in harmony with each other with love, trust, openness, honesty, and sharing.
3. To share spiritual life with each other.
4. To learn to live in harmony with nature, having respect for all living forms.
5. To learn to flow with universal energy so all actions are appropriate.
6. To become self-sufficient to the extent that conditions outside have a minimum effect on the community.
7. To provide spiritual, emotional, mental and vocational education for Members.