Happy Farm Agreements

Happy Farm Agreements

I,  __________________________________, agree to:

Core Commitments

• Practice and live according to the Five Mindfulness Trainings.
• Follow the daily schedule, Tuesday through Saturday, including morning and evening practices, and farming activities.
• Practice noble silence during quiet periods.
• Be a model for mindfulness practice, encouraging others through my actions. 
• Abstain from pursuing or starting new romantic relationships.
• Practice simple living and sharing resources mindfully.
• Respect the monastic community’s practice and guidance.
• Respect the guidance and support of long-term lay community members.

Mindful Work

• Prioritize mindfulness during farming activities.
• Arrive on time and prepared at working times.
• Practice mindful, balanced working.
• Offer wholehearted energy to tasks, supporting the team and community.
• Be mindful of speech during work and gatherings.
• Treat tools, infrastructure, and the land with respect and care.
• Return all tools to the appropriate storage areas after each work period.

Community Life

• Offer my full presence to community activities:
•     Dharma sharing sessions, 
•     Days of mindfulness, 
•     Community meals
•     Team meetings and check-ins
• Live harmoniously in shared accommodations:
•     Keep shared spaces clean and organized.
•     Be mindful of others’ needs for rest and quiet.
•     Contribute equitably to all household tasks.
•     Adapt to seasonal changes (be willing to camp if needed).

Farm-Specific Agreements

• Follow the farm team’s guidance and the farm’s specific methods.
• Take responsibility for agreed-on tasks through completion.
• Be flexible when farm needs require schedule adjustments.
• Be willing to work outside scheduled times during periods of need.
• Support short-term volunteers, and cultivate this capacity.

Personal Practice

• Maintain a regular personal practice and participate in check-ins with mentors.
• Be open to feedback and guidance.
• Take care of physical and mental health.

Handling Conflict

• Not let conflict or difficulties build up.
• Seek support from the farm coordinators, community members, and elders to resolve conflicts with other community members.
• Practice Beginning Anew when appropriate, with the support of the community and other farm team members.

Time Commitment

• Commit to completing six months.
• Limit personal travel to one or two breaks of 7 days.
• Write a letter after the initial two-week period expressing a wish to continue.
• Gracefully step out of the community if I am asked to, if conditions of harmony are not met.

___________________________________  (signature)

________  (date)