Update on the New Life project
For over a year now, thanks to the New Life “temporary citizenship” project, Damanhur continues to welcome people from all over the world who have chosen to come and have this experience with us.
The New Life project is a way for people who are interested in community life to live in the nucleos of Damanhur for a period of three months, fully participating in the life of Damanhurian citizens.
Today is Friday. As part of the New Life program, which is dense with activity and appointments, this is the day that participants visit one of the Damanhurian communities. Each week, they go to a different community, getting to know Damanhur in its full diversity. I met with them while they were having a coffee and tea break, in the open air under the late autumn sun, just before going on a guided visit of the lands. I took advantage of the moment to ask them what messages they would like to communicate with you, the readers of this post.
Here are some of their responses:
“Have you ever though about doing something really big? Now is the time to stop thinking about it and really do it!”
“Expect the unexpected.”
“You will never be the same.”
“I came to know that I am much stronger than I thought I was.”
“I advise that you learn at least a little Italian. It will help!”
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Other responses…
“It is very demanding to stay here with a six year old child and follow the program.”
“You may find that you will feel very moved while working with clay and making a statue.”
“You will not only find a beautiful place, but also many new friends and a big new family.”
“If you want to change the way you feel, becoming more optimistic, happy and positive, come and join the Damanurians for three unforgettable months.”
The New Life program has been going on for more than a year now. The first participants arrived on 10.10.10 and the most recent one arrived yesterday. The arrivals proceed with continuity every month. We have received more than 2000 requests, and more than 130 people ha
ve participated in the program – a significant number has decided to stay here as permanent citizens. Thanks to this openness, Damanhur is becoming ever more international. In this moment, there are people from many countries of Europe, and also America, Mexico, Argentina, Japan, Croatia. As soon as they arrive, those who would like to may take part in the Popolo Spirituale Popolo Spirituale of Damanhur, and this is a connection that can be maintained even if they return to their home countries.
In addition to meetings and discussions amongst participants and Damanhurians, New Lifers also participate in useful activities such as agriculture, painting and walking the stone circuits and labyrinths in the Sacred Woods, harvesting fruit and vegetables, making preserves, taking care of the land and many other tasks. It’s quite valuable to do things together: according to Damanhurian philosophy, it is an opportunity to put spiritual principles into practice and create a strong group dynamic. During the week, there are meetings in the community families and with different sectors of Damanhur, talks on Damanhurian philosophy and other themes to explore Damanhur more in depth. There are also public evening talks given by the founder of
Damanhur, Oberto Airaudi (Falco), with the opportunity to ask him questions directly.
Many of the New Life participants have gone back to their homes after three months, and they have maintained contact with Damanhur through their connection with the Spiritual People and by bringing friends to visit the Temples of Humankind. Some invite Damanhurians to go visit their home countries and give presentations of Damanhur. Others continue their involvement through one of our international groups of the School of Meditation.
There are those who don’t feel community life is right for them, because it is quite demanding, although they have chosen to live nearby, coming to visit often and participating in Damanhurian events.
The main challenge for those who decide to stay beyond three months, most of all for international people, is sorting out stay permits and work situations. Sometimes our network of businesses is not able to employ all the new people who need a job. However, those who have specializations and professional skills, who want to use imagination and entrepreneurial spirit to invest in activities that are useful for the community, they shall certainly find fertile ground.
This project is continuing, day after day. So, if you are interested in coming to get to know us and experience this magical, and at the same time, practical reality, please get in touch. In our philosophy, only that which is real is spiritual! If you would like to know more, please send an email to newlife@damanhur.it
Noi siamo con te! (We are with you!)
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