Lifestyle

Because we are a community oriented toward personal development in an environment somewhat removed from the world, we do place restrictions on how we live together.

Historically members dressed entirely in white. Members of the priesthood have continued that tradition and we will probably be returning to that standard for the entire community. New members should take this into consideration when coming and deciding what to bring with them.

Television is not a part of our community life because it is not conducive to a positive environment -- neither is commercial radio. For entertainment we have an extensive music library and movies on tape and DVD. And we have a rather large library of books.

Diet

Diet is an important component of any plan for a long and healthy life. The community follows an ovo-lacto vegetarian diet. Some people feel they cannot maintain good health with a vegetarian diet, having been brainwashed into believing they need animal products for adequate protein. This is a serious misunderstanding. The body can produce all the protein it requires given the amino acids it needs, which can all be obtained from grains, legumes and green vegetables. Our diet is designed to provide everything needed for good health.

A community goal is to eat food that we grow ourselves, and part of working toward that goal is to learn to gradually eliminate foods that cannot be grown in our ecosystem. However, in light of a growing food crisis with food shortages already appearing in some places, we have embarked on a program to store food and have a considerable supply on hand to feed a small group for an extended period as the gardens are expanded to produce more.

A couple books that exemplify our goals in food production:

Gaia's Garden: A Guide to Home-Scale Permaculture by Toby Hemenway

The Lost Language of Plants by Stephen Harrod Buhner

And for some interesting comments on food, here is an interview with author Michael Pollan.

Diet is a complex subject and a sensitive one. We try to work with new members as they adjust to our diet.

Daily Routine

Nasalam is a spiritual community, so our daily routine includes certain spiritual practices. Following this routine is vital to the success of achieving our goals as it is important for the energy of the community to move in synch as much as possible.

7 a.m. -- Morning meditation. (We generally observe silence before this begins.) This is thirty minutes of silent meditation. It might be preceded by a Salutation to the Sun or gentle exercises according to personal preference. After meditation is a good time to discuss topics of interest, including work that needs to be done for the day. It's also a good time to bring up any personal issues. This is followed by breakfast, which is usually very informal.

Noon -- This is our main meal of the day. It is preceded by a short ritual to express thanks for our food. This includes a dedication to our spiritual growth and includes some chanting. This is an important part of our spiritual work.

6 p.m. -- (roughly) our evening meal, which is usually a light meal.

8 p.m. -- On evenings when massage is scheduled it is done at this time.

Other tantric rituals will also be scheduled in the evening at times.

9 p.m. -- Evening meditation. This begins with the same chant used with the noon meal and ends after thirty minutes with a series of OMs. We generally retire fairly early, to be ready for an early start the next day.

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During the day, whether during the morning or afternoon hours, there is work to be done. Depending on the time of year it might be gardening, cutting wood, building, or any other projects that contribute to living in the country and growing the community. Work schedules are posted as needed and all residents are expected to participate in the work that needs to be done.

Anyone unable or unwilling to conform to this daily routine will be asked to leave the community.