Be a Part of Heartwood

Aloha from Heartwood Institute!

“Where everyday life is the platform for spiritual, educational and personal growth”

We are excited to announce that Heartwood Institute is now operating as a Non-Profit organization! We invite Seasonal Resident from April through September to participate in a rural community, whose purpose is to support the stewardship of a spiritually based, holistic education center.

Applicants should be mature, confident, energetic, and comfortable in groups of people. Ideal candidates would have experience or an interest in learning about permaculture, spiritual growth, healthy lifestyles, culinary arts, hospitality, alternative building, and conscious communication. If chosen, participants in the Heartwood Institute hands-on experiential learning program are unpaid and must be able to sustain themselves throughout the duration of the program.

Heartwood Institute Participants (HIP’s) contribute 20 hours a week to the Stewardship of Heartwood Institute. HIP’s will provide support in, and not limited to, one or more of the following departments: Kitchen, Maintenance, Office, Garden, Landscaping/ Grounds or Househealing depending on individual skills and interests.

There is a $50 education fee for seasonal residents that will contribute to the community enrichment fund. Programs may be subject to change.

H.I.Participants are provided with:

* Regular community meditations on Thursdays from 9-10 (required)

* Regular communication skills workshops and group meetings

o First Tuesday of month/ community process, 9- 11 (required)

o Third Tuesday of month/ community meeting 9- 10 (required)

* Opportunities to form study groups and special on-site projects (optional)

* Shared housing or camping, with shared bathroom and cooking facilities

* Access to prepared meals during seasonal workshops, retreats, conferences, & events

* Bulk food and seasonal produce from the land and shared dinners during off times

* Selected, informal classes on movement, cooking, meditation, bodywork, gardening, and medicinal herbs and much more! (Class topics subject to change throughout season)

* Opportunities to participate in and network at workshops during pre-approved and selected times

* Access to pool, temple, library, and coin operated laundry facilities

* Movie night, once a week

* Discount at the Heartwood store and the Heartwood Healing Arts Center (the HHAC offers professional bodywork sessions)

Year-Round Residency

To continue a relationship with the land and community of Heartwood beyond the seasonal residency, one can apply for year-round residency. This program is currently under construction.

Life at Heartwood during the off-season becomes a more quiet and inward time. It can be a time to explore personal interests, read, travel, practice or study. Mountain life during these months can bring heavy rains and occasional snow. Power outages and road closures are not uncommon for us. Being prepared for these conditions is essential. These are all things that will be important to consider prior to applying for year-round residency.

All residents participate in the rotating community chores and attend one garden work party per month and are required to pay a refundable security deposit of $200/room or $100/ camping space.

Teacher-Leadership Positions

As the non-profit Heartwood takes root, paid positions for leaders in different departments will be developed. These positions will play a fundamental role in Heartwood’s mission to live, operate, and teach its spiritually motivated call to be a resource and benefit to the world. If you believe that a position such as this fits within your skills and passion, please stay tuned for these developing opportunities!

Important to consider:

Heartwood is a spiritually inspired community. While we are Universally oriented, we agree to align with the Heartwood Tenets (included on last page), as the basis from which we operate. Please read these closely and be clear with them before choosing to take part.

Also important to consider:

We live on fairly rugged terrain in a remote, rural area about an hour drive from the nearest, very small town.

Our Surroundings

Heartwood’s 200-acre Northern Californian campus consists of quiet mountains, meadows, and forests. Out here you can experience clean air, spring water, diverse wild life, expansive views and the peaceful atmosphere that comes from such a location. This remote location is approximately 5 hours North of San Francisco and 2 and ½ hours South of Eureka and Arcata. Garberville and Redway are approximately 1 hour away SW and are the gateways to the Redwoods, the Eel River watershed, and the Lost Coast.

Our Facilities

We have 34 buildings on the property, which include: a newly remodeled certified kitchen and lodge-style dining hall, several classrooms of varying sizes, dorms (private and shared), private cabins, camp sites, large yoga/movement studio, library, saline pool,

straw bale temple for silent meditation, HHAC and bodywork treatment rooms, organic gardens, hiking trails, sweat lodge, laundry facilities, general store with postal and internet access, and plenty of places for quiet contemplation.

Healthy knees and a strong back are essential to enjoying life here. We strive to keep a vehicle-free campus, so we walk vs. ride around campus.

We may be called on at anytime to tend to unforeseen circumstances that may require physical, mental, and/ or emotional stamina.

Application Process

If you’re interested in participating in Heartwood’s hands-on educational program please follow the application process as follows:

1.) Fill out the Volunteer Application form by clicking the link below.

2.) You will be contacted with a decision within 2 weeks of our receiving your resume and application.

3.) If your application is selected, we will schedule an interview.

4.) A decision will be made within 2 weeks of the interview.

5.) If you are selected, a two-week trial period will be scheduled. With a successful completion, you will be invited to live at Heartwood until the end of the Workshop/ Seasonal Residence season. You will then have the opportunity to apply for year-round residence.

Click here to fill out the  Application Form