October 2, 2024
What’s it like to participate in a work party at Greenfield?
One recent sunny Saturday morning found a woman on her knees in front of the ashram practicing the presence of God. She also happened to be pulling weeds.
Not too far away, a group of men was busy applying stain to a newly constructed wooden bridge. Other devotees were planting flowers, weeding, cleaning furniture, preparing food items for an upcoming retreat, ironing table clothes etc.
Tasks for All Levels
Obviously, joining a work party involves, well…work. And sometimes it’s hard work. Assigned tasks might include such things as picking up fallen tree branches and putting them through a wood chipper, hauling lawn furniture into the barn for winter storage, planting trees and flowers.
Actually, there are a wide variety of tasks available for every degree of skill and physical ability. You could find yourself polishing little brass items or doing needlework.
However, while we work for a couple of hours, our gathering is not just about the tasks at hand. Along with the labor, a work party at Greenfield comes with not-so-hidden benefits of guru seva and spending time with other members of Paramahansaji’s extended family.
Enjoying Spiritual Fellowship
Greenfield work parties always begin with a period of meditation. In a lot of ways that’s the highlight of the day. A few dozen devotees gather outdoors behind the ashram. We sit in silence, punctuated by the sweet sound of bird song. The meditation was brief, but in that sacred atmosphere it feeds the soul.
Then we scatter to our assigned tasks. After a couple hours’ work, we gather again, this time on the front porch, for pizza, salad, dessert…and fellowship. (Remember, the “F” in SRF stands for “fellowship.”)
We take full advantage of this opportunity to spend time with friends and also to meet new people (potentially, new spiritual friends).
How to Join a Work Party
Greenfield hosts a couple of work parties every year, typically about a week before a scheduled retreat. Our most recent work party (Sept. 21) helped spruce up Greenfield’s grounds before the retreat that was held Sept. 27-29. That retreat will be the subject of our next Greenfield’s Journey entry.
Work parties are included in our online schedule. Remember, you need to sign up ahead of time if you want to join in the fun and fellowship. Then, just show up on time with willing spirit and get to work!