The Stone House Vision
Download A Case for Support [pdf] for The Stone House: A Center for Spiritual Life and Strategic Action. Read our blog.
Movements for social justice have always thrived in places of sustenance and safety where people can deepen relationships and envision new strategies for political organizing. The Stone House represents a powerful converging of two traditions: on one hand, places of spiritual renewal and contemplative retreat and, on the other, a lineage of centers for movement building in the South that have been pivotal in the transformation of this country.
After more than a decade of strong programming, network development and field building in the work of spiritual activism, stone circles is now creating The Stone House: A center for spiritual life and strategic action.
Located on a 70 acres of land in Mebane, North Carolina, The Stone House offers transformational experiences to activists in an atmosphere of deep spiritual life and a framework of strategic action for social justice. We work to inspire a dynamic exchange between progressive action and committed spiritual reflection, between individual and collective liberation and transformation. The land was previously the home of the Human Kindness Foundation, and their Prison-Ashram Project, which works to inspire and encourage prisoners and prison staff to recognize their depth as human beings, and to behave accordingly. HKF has stressed a way of life based on simple living, a dedication to service and commitment to spiritual practice. We are honored to build on the foundation that this community has created over time.
We believe spiritual practice, wisdom and community can deepen our capacity to engage and transform systems of oppression, exploitation and violence. The Stone House welcomes those who seek practical tools to transform the world, those of all traditions and no tradition. We encourage relationships across many lines of difference.
Our vision comes alive through an overarching commitment to three primary principles:
1. A Core of Spiritual Life and Practice
Regular periods of practice and retreat are an essential part of maturation and growth as agents of change. The core practices of mindfulness meditation from the Theravada Buddhist tradition and yoga from the Kripalu tradition form the foundation of our spiritual life, practice and programs. And, we continue to use many of the methods we draw on to engage people’s stories – art, words, music, nature, dialogue, and ritual – all vehicles for presence, awareness, and connection.
2. Strategic Curriculum and Collaboration for Social Justice
The Stone House is a space where unlikely alliances can be made, true relationships formed, new territory explored, ideas exploded, history learned, strategies unfolded. We hope to strengthen existing relationships with local, regional and national social change organizations through strategic collaborations and gatherings.
3. Embodying The Way: Living in Harmony with the Land and Each Other
Living in an aligned, sustainable relationship with each other, the land and with the larger society is an essential intention of The Stone House. We are committed to: low-impact energy efficient building, sustainable, organic farming; serving and eating local food; a life-schedule that honors both action and stillness; and using skillful means and the fruits of our practice as we build a core team to serve our work.
Come make The Stone House a part of your journey.
We invite you to join us.
Events at The Stone House
All events will take place at The Stone House, 6602 Nicks Road in Mebane, NC. Visit our updated Events page for details.