Stewardship at Zuni
(printable version)
by Gregory-Heidi

Well, it's been over six weeks now that I've been here at ZMS. I'm actually a little surprised at the ease with which I have acclimated to life here in the high desert. However, when I recall the sense of "coming home", when I first set foot on the land here year ago September -- well then, it really shouldn't come as a surprise.

The residents here are referred to as stewards. This connotation refers to our responsibilities to care for the 320 acres of land upon which we live. A small portion of the land is devoted to our living spaces and camping space for visitors; the rest is protected area which we are slowly returning to its forested glory. New residents (such as myself) undergo a seven month training period in which we learn the ways of the land, as well as the means of living in community. Each week, we hold a house meeting which provides opportunity to discuss business, such as pottery making, kiln firing, housing completion, biweekly shopping trips, gatherings, shows, trips, and the like. During the meeting, we're also given a "check-in" period. This allows each resident (and any visitors who so desire) the opportunity to let everyone else know just what's going on: emotionally, physically, spiritually. It is this notion of holism -- an attention to the totality of "Self" -- which has attracted me most to this environment.

As a steward-in-training, I'm learning about working the wood stoves, firing the kiln, making shopping lists for a large group of individuals, cooking, cleaning, caring for the land as well as my fellow communitarians, as well as applying my own personal skills: providing bodywork, caring for electrical systems, and following up on correspondence. Recently, for instance, we developed an incredible amount of static on our phone lines, so much so that we were unable to log on to our Internet service. The phone line stretches both above and below ground from our office in the activity center (pottery studio) about a quarter mile across the property to the phone line hookup. I spent two afternoons walking the line, repairing above ground breaks (generally created by creatures mistaking the wires for tender morsels and chewing through the insulation), and checking out all the splices in the line. Finally, we seem to have our phone system back on line.

Living in community is much like living in a large family (I grew up with two older brothers and four younger sisters, so it's been a smooth transition for me!). We do have our disagreements, but it seems we are all committed to working through those differing perspectives to achieve a plan or strategy that is workable for all concerned. What has struck me most clearly here is the practice of speaking from the heart. While this might mean telling another something they might not particularly care to hear, it also means that compassion and understanding follow this honesty. We try to "walk the walk and talk the talk" of our own Truths. It's a stimulating environment. For instance, we recently decided to begin laying out the design for the greenhouse portion of the activity center. We needed space for growing plants as well as areas designated for relaxation, painting, and a general workshop/craft area. We all sat down after dinner one evening and began plotting, I then transferred the plot to paper via my trusty Mac computer, and provided each resident with a copy. Now we're each responsible for "tweaking" the layout, and once that's completed, we'll try to see how we can implement a well-thought-out and workable space which will meet a variety of needs and desires.

Stewardship also means serving as hosts for visitors. While the cooler months are denoted by a relative slowdown in the number of visitors (and our indoor space for housing them is limited), it is amazing to see all the phone and e-mail messages that are coming through. As the corresponding secretary, it's my responsibility to respond to all the requests for visits. And as we take our role of sanctuary seriously, we must remain ever open to those needing just such an environment. However, I can attest to the large number of requests which we receive from individuals who have never visited, and yet request to become residents. It's a necessary but difficult task to gently let them know our policy regarding residency status: which basically requires a month-long stay as a visitor prior to considering a request for residency, which is then followed the seven-month long steward-in-training program, and is contingent upon the availability of space. So if you think you're interested in becoming a resident here, please come visit first!! We enjoy the company and would love the opportunity to get to know you!

We just celebrated Hallowe'en/Samhain, and along with the visitors, our numbers increased to eighteen for the weekend! On Saturday, we dressed in our costumes and attended the new art opening at the El Morro Art Gallery and the following dance party (a great time was had by all!!). On Sunday, Raif put together a beautiful "snake shedding it's skin" ritual of renewal which included visits to four of the rooms in Juniper House: "communing with the dearly departed" (complete with soul cakes), "the reflection room", the "baggage check room", and the "welcome the new you" room. Monday, of course was something of a wash, but on Tuesday, we were treated to a Sweat Lodge, presented by Paul. WOW! What an experience that was! Maqui, Derek, and I then filled the kiln for a glaze firing, and yesterday Maqui and I fired the kiln, come Monday, we'll be ready to open the kiln to see the new Oso Notch Faerie Ware! For me, these opportunities to spend time with my fellow residents, the visitors, and the locals is the ultimate goal of community -- sharing with others the bounties of life and all it has to offer!

I'll add to our wish-list: an i-Mac computer!! Our correspondence and graphics needs are increasing, and a speedier Mac would be GREAT!!