Welcome to MorningSun
MorningSun has two broad purposes. It is a residential lay community rooted in the daily practice of mindfulness and engaged spirituality. And it is an education center that is developing year-round programming and retreats, addressing a wide range of themes and issues; from ecology and sustainable living to parenting in the 21st century to political change to deepening our spiritual experience in day-to-day life, and more.
MorningSun was founded in response to the many challenges of modern society. Consumerism and addiction, climate change and economic collapse, a faltering education system, the threat of food and water scarcity, violence in its many forms (domestic, sexual, racial prejudice, terrorism and war) - all the imbalances and life-denying priorities that characterize mass society. It is in recognition of these that we have decided to live differently. Not in judgment or opposition. But in peaceful awareness that our species and all other species are poorly served by the status quo.
Our community is small and rural, located in southwest New Hampshire. While we are physically removed from many of the world's more visible forms of suffering, our intention and practice is to integrate with society, to serve society. And to do so from a place of strength, presence, compassion and spiritual engagement. We believe that in order to live a radically different life than what is common in the mainstream it is vital to create alternative community to foster understanding, trust and respectful association between people and with the Earth; nourishing a new, sustainable and even regenerative culture.
Our community's strength and happiness come from a simple, mindful life of shared practice. Time in nature. Our relationships with one another. And our determination to steadily grow our awareness of all that connects us, rather than that which might divide us.
Our intention is to invite all who wish to experience a different way of being to come and practice with us, whether that is for a day of mindfulness or for a lifetime in our residential community. And it is our commitment to never impose our views on anyone. To never seek to convert or proselytize in any way. This commitment is based on our understanding that it is in fanaticism, arrogance and judgment where so much violence and suffering are born.
For reasons of local planning processes and availability of resources, MorningSun is growing in a sequential fashion. First we are focusing on residential community; building housing for the community's co-founders and those who may wish to visit and practice with us. As resources are acquired and as we navigate the local planning process (much of which is already done in terms of preliminary enthusiastic approval of our residential and education center plans), the education center will take shape and year-round programming will become part of daily life in the community.