Volunteering Community
We have a brilliant community of volunteers who help us at The Tree by giving up some of their time to work with us as Karma Yogis.
Karma yoga is one of the paths of yoga and involves selfless service to others. Many are guests who have enjoyed staying with us and who want to help out and spend extra time at The Tree with like- minded people. It has been a great pleasure to see this group grow over the years and many friendships have been formed as an offshoot of people giving of themselves and of their time. The Old Chapel would not have been completed now if it hadn’t been for the many hours of help given by our band of willing volunteers
Karma Yoga is described by Dr Rishi Vivekananda as "A way of living and working for others and the world, with detachment from personal expectations and the fruits of our efforts, with maximum awareness, concentration and absorption in the task at hand".
Volunteer helpers, who are known as karma yogis, come to undertake a variety of tasks, usually it will involve cleaning, chopping vegetables or working in the garden. Whilst some helpers may have a preference of which task they might like to do, the role of the karma yogi is actually to fulfil any task willingly, mindfully, with joy and without attachment to the outcome.
“We are entitled to our actions, but we are not entitled to the fruits of our actions.”
The Bhagavad Gita
Karma yogis have usually stayed at The Tree in the past so that they are aware of how The Tree works from the point of view of a guest. We have found that this way the helper knows the way in which things fit together and how we approach dealing with people in order that they have the most beneficial time. We would also recommend reading Edward's book- "Waking up in the World"- to see if you resonate with our approach.
Usually Karma yogis come to help for 1 or 2 days (Tuesday - Thursday) across the year (March - November). In exchange you will receive your bed and breakfast. We always try to work presently, lovingly and mindfully but there are certain times when we also work silently, only engaging in what we call “functional talk". This helps us to become really present with the task in hand and although it might seem strange at first most people enjoy this absorption in a task and can see how it benefits those behind the scenes and our guests – which is our ultimate aim.
There are many benefits of spending time with like- minded people in a supportive and mindful environment.
If you have fancy helping out as a karma yogi at The Tree (Karma yoga is available mid-week and not during the weekend) then please contact clare.harpin@thetree.earth
Here are the 2 options.
1 Day Karma Yoga option
Tuesday
Arrive 1.30pm
2pm-5pm Karma Yoga (you will be shown what to do and how to do it)
Prepare your own evening meal in Chapel kitchen (please bring your food and snacks with you)
Relax in the evening have a hot tub etc.
Wednesday
9am Breakfast served in the Tree dining room
10-1pm Karma yoga
Before you depart please leave your room as you found it.
Clean the bedroom and bathroom and make your bed.
(no hoovering required)
Depart peacefully in the afternoon
2 Day Karma Yoga option
Tuesday
Arrive and settle in 1.30pm
2pm-5pm Karma Yoga (you will be shown what to do and how to do it)
Prepare your own evening meal in Chapel kitchen (please bring your food and snacks with you)
Relax in the evening have a hot tub etc.
Wednesday
9am Breakfast served in the Tree dining room
10-1pm Karma yoga
1pm-2pm Lunch break (self-catered)
2pm-5pm Karma Yoga
Prepare your own evening meal in Chapel kitchen (please bring your food and snacks with you)
Relax in the evening have a hot tub etc.
Thursday
9am Breakfast served in the Tree dining room
10-1pm Karma yoga
Before you depart please leave your room as you found it.
Clean the bedroom and bathroom and make your bed.
(no hoovering required)
Depart peacefully in the afternoon
