Travelers' Preserve
Travelers' Sanctuary
By Paz
At some point in time, we are all travelers - in transition from one place,
one situation to another. In some sense, life in general is a series of such
transitions. The expression "fellow traveler" refers to the realization
that as human beings we are all walking on a parallel path of growth in awareness
and grace. While each of must find our own unique version of this path, as a
collective we can offer each other empathy, kindness, and support. This kind
of support not only smooths the path for each of us, but gives meaning and purpose
to our interactions with each other and makes life better for all of us.
We recognize that there are many ways to create and steward traveler 'safety
zones' and that many already informally exist. Yet we feel there is value in
envisioning an evolutionary form in which a network of such sanctuaries could
evolve and flourish.
Some of the issues involved:
1. Finding land that is properly zoned - this use would harmonize with local
communities. Public grants of land could be eventually sought, but contractual
loans of private land (ie land trust) would be a better way to start.
2. Making a set of evolutionary rules emphasizing mutual respect and fair participation.
3. A flexible structure to allow the formation of a core group for the stewardship
of each individual preserve - with clear criteria for how to evolve from a guest
to a steward - primarily related to each person's contribution to the community.
4. Keeping a balance between principle and practice - sometimes we serve the
collective by sacrificing material comforts for a greater vision, sometimes
we need to patiently apply ourselves in humble cultivation of our immediate
environment.