Contribute to a small non-profit zen centre near forest and lake in Berlin, Germany

Details

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  Description

  We are a small community founded in 1972, with two quiet practice centers on the northern edge of Berlin. The community is guided by the Rinzai-Zen nun Mori.
  
  Several mornings each week—Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday from 7.30 to 8.00 am —we sit together in a small group to practice zazen: sitting in silence, without goal or object. If you are curious about Zen, you are welcome to sit with us.
  
  Our place is surrounded by beautiful nature. Lake Tegel and large forest areas begin just nearby, and you can step outside for a walk among trees, water, and open sky.
  
  We are currently looking for practical, hands-on people who enjoy helping with everyday tasks—especially in the garden and house. If you like working outdoors, doing physical tasks, and supporting a small community, you would fit in well here.
  
  In return, you will find yourself in a beautiful environment with lots of possibilities to gain all sorts of new experiences and get to know this interesting city of Berlin.
  
  Two small and very lively dogs share the house with us, and there are also tortoise and a fish-pond.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Gardening

  Animal Care

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  Interests

  

  Culture

  

  Self development

  

  Farming

  

  Pets

  

  Hiking

  

  Nature

  

  Cycling

  

  Water sports

  

  Languages

  

  Plant care

  

  Photography

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Drawing & painting

  

  Animals

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Gardening
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Living here offers a form of cultural exchange by living, working and being together with the host and spending your free time as you wish, exploring the many possiblities of culture, nature and everything else that Berlin has to offer.
  
  You can experience our morning zazen sittings while we enjoy the exchange with people from different countries.
  
  Because our centers are located on the northern edge of Berlin, you can experience both sides: the quiet rhythm of life close to forests and Lake Tegel, and the cultural richness of Berlin, which is easy to reach from here.
  
  We appreciate respectful, open-minded people who enjoy simple living, nature, and meaningful conversations, who appreciate the reciprocity of helping and sharing.

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  Help

  Gardening, helping with everyday tasks, cleaning.
  We are happy to welcome open-minded, reliable and self-motivated people who are not just looking for free accommodation, but who are genuinely interested in exchange, helping out, and respectful living together.
  We value initiative, clear communication, and an easy, positive energy.
  If you are curious, enjoy contributing, and truly want to experience life here, you are very welcome.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  German: Fluent
  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
  You can contact them directly for more information.
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  Accommodation

  You will stay in a cozy guest room in the converted attic. The space is quiet and private and includes your own bathroom, a refrigerator, and a small tea kitchenette, so you have a comfortable place to rest and make yourself a cup of tea whenever you like. The ceiling is rather low - so 2 meter tall guys won`t be so comfortable and should watch their heads.
  We will usually share one or two meals together each day. For the rest of your meals, you will have access to a well-stocked refrigerator.

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  What else ...

  If you leave the center and turn right, you will find yourself in nature within minutes—close to the lake and surrounded by forests. If you turn left, several public transport options will take you easily and quickly into the center of Berlin.
  During your days off, it would also be possible to visit other major german cities like Leipzig, Magdeburg, Rostock Hamburg or Dresden.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  One

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  My animals / pets

  

  Fish

  

  Tortoises

  

  Fiete

  

  Nelli

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