What follows below is the Agreement that I have written in consultation with a few people, that the pathfinders who come here will abide by.

Route Departementale 631, Cambrins Firmi

Charity number W062019588 /Siren 932508690

Phone:  +33 781784909

E-mail: welcome@thehealingpath.com

The Healing Path – Our Shared Journey

Welcome

This is a place of safety, growth, and renewal — where healing happens through connection, purpose, and care.

Guided by the care economy and permaculture principles, we live in a way that nurtures both people and the earth, building a sustainable, supportive future for all.

When you come here, you are joining a living community. Each person matters. Each person contributes. Each person heals

Our Guiding Values – C.A.R.E.

C – Compassion – We treat each other with kindness, patience, and understanding. We accept each other as we are and where we are at.

A – Acceptance – We welcome all spirits here as you are, without judgment of your past, as long as you come with Respect.

R – Respect – We honour each person’s space, boundaries, and dignity.

E – Encouragement – We believe in your ability to grow, and we help you see it too.

The guidelines, processes and structures we have set in place are intended to create safety for you and for all. We are guided by our principles, and we are open to change. We cannot cater to every eventuality, but we build together to move forward.

Life in the Community

We are a community of Guides ( leaders) and Pathfinders. You are a Pathfinder.

 

Daily Rhythm & Participation

Morning Meditation – Starting the day calm and centred. Meditation starts in community at 7 am after which we share gratitude.

Shared Meals – Eating together builds connection and community spirit. Some meals are in silence, some we listen to talks or readings, some are open and gregarious. Preparation and cleaning before and after meals are community responsibilities.

Work Contribution – Two hours a day helping with gardens, kitchens, repairs, or care. The goal of the work is to experience awareness of the body and the task in and of itself, not to complete the particular task. It will still be there tomorrow. We work in pairs when possible. We don’t work alone nor are we left to work alone. We take time to do it well; we seek progress not perfection. We also encourage initiatives. We do our best to look out for slack or lazy approaches and try to help people overcome their reluctance or resistance.

Study & Skill-Building – Two hours a day mental work,  preparing for your future livelihood, working on your steps, or studying the current practices in the community, from meditation to permaculture. As long as your are learning,  you are growing.

Counselling & Recovery – 12-step participation is part of our program; We provide different modalities for completion of 12 steps. We are not associated with any 12-step program or organisation in anyway shape or form. We have no opinion on outside issues. Our observance of the 12 steps is because they have worked for those of us who have walked the path before you.

We observe 12 Step programs because we find them useful. We recommend you attend 12-step meetings for your particular challenge on a daily basis. Certainly, the first 90 days with us we would ask you to have one meeting a day. Counselling is strongly encouraged. We have a contracted psychologist available on zoom. Our psychologist is trauma specialist available for residents. The association can fund some of the costs.

Community Involvement – Activities like gardening, cooking, animal care, and maintenance are essential parts of daily life here. So too are our moments of play and entertainment.

Evening Meditation – Ending the day in reflection and peace. Looking back over the day and recognising our contributions and learning to count our victories.

Daily walks are times to share, listen, and learn. Observe nature as you walk along the path, take note of plants animals birds clouds lighting and odours. No two days are the same. It’s more than physical exercise. Walking the same path repeatedly allows us to become aware of the characteristics of the setting around us. It allows us to be seen and see the local community. It’s an opportunity to learn and reflect.

Community Check-In – We share updates, listen, and support one another.

Every day, we name what we’re thankful for and acknowledge the progress we’ve made, no matter how small.

We focus on Solutions not on problems. We focus on what is working and going well not what is perceived as wrong.

Our community is one of support and encouragement. Those of us communicating difficulties will be listened to and encouraged to find solutions with the help of the community.

Respecting Space & Belongings

In order to minimize stress, Personal Items – Remain in your private or personal space and  Community Belongings – Stay in shared spaces; please don’t move them to private areas.

Each item in the community has its own home.

Items like toothpaste or toothbrushes can be left in the common bathroom. However, cosmetics and creams left in community spaces will be considered for community use.

Shoes should not be worn at all on carpeted areas. Outside footwear should not be worn in the house

Boundaries

We encourage healthy Boundaries – No meetings behind closed doors unless part of an approved recovery or support session.

Search Policy – To keep everyone safe, community leaders may check personal belongings at any time. This is not about suspicion — it is about maintaining a trusted, safe environment for all.

We won’t tolerate the use of substances on the premises.

From time to time, it’s evident that community property finds it way into private spaces. Please try to be mindful and return borrowings to community spaces. This is not just for your good but for the good of all.

Safety & Well-being Agreements

Substance-Free – No drugs, alcohol, or intoxicants are allowed. The strongest influence you may find here is some coffee. We try to avoid refined sugars and recommend a reliance on water, tea, or tisanes when thirsty. Excessive use of coffee and sweeteners will be challenged gently and directly.

No Violence – Physical aggression against yourself or a member of the community or the public, will result in immediate incontestable expulsion. Any chance at regaining entry to the community will be a community decision. A community meeting will be held to see is there is any outstanding reason to refuse  re admittance.

Anger is a healthy emotion. We will deal with it appropriately and safely, and in community.

Romantic or sexual relationships

Romantic or sexual relationships are not part of the healing process here. It may happen that after time people develop feelings for each other. This is not to be ignored either. The community will be consulted and come to a decision as to the best way forward. Every decision about relationships must be mindful of The Healing Path Community and the greater good.

We try to understand compulsive behaviour but neither encourage nor condone it. We remain neutral on many issues, however given many of us struggle with self-image, co-dependency, unhealthy relationships and sex or porn addiction we have taken our lead from other communities. Pathfinders are encouraged to channel their energies into creativity.

Technology Use – Internet and mobile phone access are limited to protect focus and presence. Phones are forbidden at mealtimes, and meditation times. Phones are not required during physical work and are seen as hindrance during study time. If you keep acting the way you acted before you got here, you won’t see much results so we request you stay open to our experience and our decisions.

Medical Treatment

We are not equipped to deal with severe medical conditions. Nor are we able to deal with psychiatric disorders that require medication. We do not have the training or qualifications necessary to give you the care you would need. It would be a disservice to yourself and the community if you hide such conditions and attempt to go it alone.

That said , every applicant will be considered on merit and entry to our community is a  community decision.  

Connection & Regeneration

We believe that healing happens in connection — through shared meals, shared work, shared meditation, and honest conversation.

It also happens through quiet contemplation. We try to cultivate silences and not to qualify, explain or have ready answers or solutions. Not knowing is both liberating and healing.

Just as we restore our land and resources, we restore our own inner strength, resilience, and hope.

We practice Honesty, Openness and Willingness.  HOW

We practice mindfulness in all of our actions and activities. Turn off taps, tidy spaces, take initiatives. We reduce waste, we reuse or repurpose where possible. We recycle and repair.

Permaculture in our Community

Along with our principles of C.A.R.E. we also emphasise the importance of Permaculture in our community. Without too much of a deep dive, we adhere to these 12 principles.

Observe and Interact

Engage with nature to understand patterns and relationships before acting.

Catch and Store Energy

Harness resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients when abundant for future use.

Obtain a Yield

Ensure your efforts produce useful results—food, energy, or other benefits.

Apply Self-Regulation and Accept Feedback

Monitor systems and adjust behaviour to avoid negative impacts and improve efficiency.

Use and Value Renewable Resources and Services

Prioritize sustainable, regenerative resources over finite ones.

Produce No Waste

Design systems that reuse, recycle, and repurpose to minimize waste.

Design from Patterns to Details

Start with broad natural patterns and refine into specific design elements.

Integrate Rather Than Segregate

Foster beneficial relationships between elements to create synergy.

Use Small and Slow Solutions

Favor manageable, localized solutions that are easier to maintain and adapt.

Use and Value Diversity

Encourage variety in species, functions, and approaches to build resilience.

Use Edges and Value the Marginal

Recognize the productivity and potential of transitional zones and overlooked spaces.

Creatively Use and Respond to Change

Embrace change as an opportunity for innovation and adaptation

These are just as applicable to the human element of our community as well as our gardens and home.

Leadership & Decisions

Generally, it is the community that makes decisions about our future. You are a part of the community, and your voice is important to us.

Our community is built on trust and cooperation. Final decisions in any process are made by the community leaders, always with the intention of preserving safety, harmony, and the shared mission. The Guides are not here to hurt you, misguide you or trick you. They may decide a decision is not in the best interests of the community. Please try to have patience and understanding of their wisdom if this is the case.

Why These Agreements Exist

Every guideline exists to protect your recovery and the well-being of the group. They help us stay safe, connected, and focused on what matters — your healing, your skills, and your new future.

Your Path Forward

You may stay here for up to 3 years. During this time, you will:

Recover stability and confidence.

Learn sustainable living and business skills.

Create a livelihood that supports you and contributes to the community.

Leave with strength, purpose, and a sense of belonging.

Here, healing is something we create together.

We work together, learn together, and grow together — and in doing so, we help each other step into the lives we were meant to live.

Acknowledgment & Agreement

I have read and understood the principles, agreements, and commitments of the Healing Path Community. I agree to honour them during my time here.

Resident Name: _________________________

Signature: _____________________________

Date: _________________________________

Community Leader: _____________________

Leader Signature: _______________________

Date: _________________________________