Get Involved
People are attracted to An Tearman for many different reasons, whether for a peaceful retreat, to re-connect with the healing power of nature, for an exchange of ideas or simply to participate in the An Tearman process, we welcome all who are respectful of what we offer. This has included a range of experience: from workshops on systems thinking, to participating in craft work, or simply rolling up sleeves and getting on with transforming the garden. Behind all of this is a Vision of an alternative way of being in community with others, of co-creating a fair and fulfilling way of life.
An Tearman has much to offer and also a considerable need of resources to sustain itself and fulfil its potential for developing practical ways of empowering people to develop a life-sustaining way of life. This includes the need for expertise, for physical work and materials to bring ideas into physical being, funds to cover the cost of events, taking care of volunteers, and various expenditure related to developing projects. We are fortunate to have the support of highly skilled and motivated people within the community and a range of visitors who offer practical support, advice, donations and a wealth of ideas for consideration. Without them this project would not be possible and we are deeply grateful. Developing a Wisdom Economy has enabled us to offer a means of exchange in which the An Tearman project and community members supporting us have their needs met.
We welcome people who would like to join us on our journey, perhaps to exchange ideas online, to visit for a more personal experience of the project, or to join the community for a while. Any help you would like to offer, whether in response to our Wish List or by means of a donation, is also very much appreciated. You can find an Events Diary on the tab above, and if you would like to visit or be kept informed of current news and activities, please email us at info@antearman.org
An Invitation
It doesn't interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.
It doesn't interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dreams, for the adventure of being alive.
It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring with your moon. I want to know if you have touched the centre of your own sorrow, If you have been opened by life's betrayals, or have become shrivelled and closed from fear of further pain.
I want to know whether you can sit with pain, mine or your own, without moving to hide it, or fade it, or fix it.
I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own; If you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, realistic, or to remember the limitations of being human.
I want to know if you can be faithful, and therefore trustworthy.
I want to know if you can see beauty, even when it is not pretty every day, and if you can source your life from its presence.
I want to know if you can live with failure, yours or mine, and still stand on the edge of a lake and shout to the silver of the full moon "Yes!".
It doesn't interest me where you live or how much money you have. I want to know if you can get up after a night of grief and despair, weary and bruised to the bone, and do what needs to be done for the children.
It doesn't interest me who you are, or how you came to be here. I want to know if you will stand in the centre of the fire with me and not shrink back.
It doesn't interest me where or what or with whom you have studied. I want to know what sustains you from the inside when all else falls away.
I want to know if you can be alone with yourself, and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.
(Oriah Mountain Dreamer, Indian Elder)