interns, renterns, infiniterns, externs...

I used to be an intern, therefore, every tuesday I attended the intern gathering. I remember the relief I felt after the first one. I thought ' OK, this is the time and space to connect deeply with others here'. I was having a rough time settling in to a new job, a new place to live, and getting to know 30 new people. That is alot to take in all at once, especially with a 5 year old girl to take care of as well.
Actually I am remembering it was the second intern meeting when K led a Heart of now style gathering. My first meeting was not very eventful, and I remember feeling anxious that there wouldnt be a time and space devoted to connecting with each other.
I later found out that we also have the well being meetings for the whole community. Those were being held every other week, and now they happen every week.
The intern meetings serve other purposes as well. It is a good time to welcome new people, or say goodbye to those who are moving on. Many times when someone is leaving, they get to tell us about the lessons they have learned while being here. Ive got to say, the number 1 thing I hear is the extreme personal growth that has happened for them. Yes, we do permaculture stuff here.... but the biggest lesson people learn here is not typically 'how to compost'. It is more about the social permaculture that we live. The way we live, work and play in the same location. The way we live permaculture principle number 1 " beauty is in the eye of the beholder" ... observing and interacting. They usually describe all the learning they have experienced in *zone 00 (the self).
I have attended the last few intern meetings because...well, I love meetings. And I felt drawn to share myself with the new people in a group setting. And because sometimes the meetings are just too fun to miss.
past meetings have included...
climbing trees
games
personality tests
massages
walking
emotional processing
craft sharing
show and tell
nudity
creek swimming
yoga - i think there was nude yoga once before I got here-
have you worked at a job where these things happen in a typical meeting?

*zones are taught in the permaculture design classes (PDC)
zone 0 includes the home and the self
zone 1 is the immediate perimeter outside of the home where the majority of your time is spent
i think it goes up to zone 5- the higher the number, the least likely you spend any time there.
In phoenix a few of my friends have taught zone 00. It takes 'the self' out of zone 0 and creates a whole new zone. I think thats extremely important to consider. The self should always come first- in a loving way of course.

- i hope i got those zones right! I am a pdc graduate and a half:)
and for the persnickety.....
my reference to the permie principles is from "Permaculture -Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability" David Holmgren co originator of the permaculture concept