Natural Building Apprenticeship 2007
Your Participation in Lama Foundation Community

Lama Foundation's summer schedule has daily and weekly rhythms. Coming together regularly is how we build community. This section explains some of the community components that make Lama a unique community where we all strive to live "in a good way" with each other, and how you fit in as an apprentice.

Every morning: “practice and tuning” meeting . (expected participation) The community "Watch" (temporary community facilitator) leads a 20 minute group spiritual practice of their choosing, then each person has the opportunity to speak from their heart (“heart tuning”), lastly are community announcements/work-related information (“practical tunings”). This daily gathering is essential in creating good community-wide communications.

“Wheel Slots” (expected participation). Apprentices will be asked to sign up on “the wheel” for two (or possibly more if needed) wheel slots. A “wheel slot” is either a “cook” or a “clean” for a meal, and so your kitchen service will be twice a week. You will have to schedule wheel slots outside of class time. Each member of the community has regular “wheel slots”.

Wednesday evening: “Heart Club”. (expected participation) Each person goes into a deep heart space together and does a personal exploration or heart healing. This community-wide practice creates a feeling of emotional safety in community.

Every morning: “morning sit” (encouraged participation). For 30 minutes before breakfast people gather in the Prayer Room to silently sit. Others may find that another personal morning practice (like yoga for example) is beneficial.

Thursday evening: “Zikr” (optional participation). The Sufi Divine Remembrance ceremony is chanting with simple movements. Sufism is one of the most visible spiritual traditions at Lama.

Friday 6pm: “Shabbat” (optional participation). For over 30 years, Lama’s Shabbat service has been a special time of lighting candles, pouring wine and grape juice, breaking fresh challah bread, singing, dancing, storytelling, and welcoming the Sabbath bride in the Jewish tradition.

Other optional community gatherings. Each summer at Lama is filled with various gatherings that deeply enrich the community. You will be welcome to participate as much or as little as you wish. Past examples include: African drumming (look to Steve for more of this in 06!), poetry gatherings, women’s lodge, men’s lodge, sweat lodges, Japanese tea ceremonies, visits to the Neem Karoli Baba Ashram in Taos, open-mike talent shows, musical jam sessions, and art projects.

About the Teachers
Spending Summertime at Lama Foundation
Program Schedule
Facilities/What does my tuition cover?
Registration -- Application

Contact us for more info. Return to main Apprenticeship page.