Practice Integral Yoga while mindfully serving at our organic farm. We grow and deliver freshly picked organic veggies to the Ashram kitchen.
Program Details
- 20-24 hours/week on-farm labor, outdoors in varied weather conditions
- 2 month minimum commitment required, 3 month commitment preferred
- Accepting applications for Spring, Summer, and Fall
- Please note: Summer service hours (June–August) on the farm start at 6 am to avoid the afternoon heat!
- Accepting applications now!
- Start Dates anytime after March 15
- End Date in Fall no later than November 15
- Monthly tours to neighboring farms to expose Farm Yogis to other systems of organic farming and to meet local farmers and farm interns
- Please refer to the Ashram Yogi Program page for more information regarding daily and spiritual life at the ashram
Prerequisites
- Successful completion of a month-long Living Yoga Training (LYT) Program or one of the Ashram’s residential Integral Yoga Teacher Training programs.
- A commitment to live according to the Integral Yoga Lifestyle Principles
Sample Schedule
May vary depending on Ashram activities
Questions?
Email Volunteer@yogaville.org
For financial information, please visit the Ashram Yogi Finances page.
Program Overview
Cultivate your connection to nature and spirituality at Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville’s Farm. The Farm Yogi program offers volunteers an opportunity to serve on Yogaville’s one-acre organic farm while also being a part of Yogaville’s sangha (community). Become an integral part of the 2024 growing season during this hands-on outdoor learning experience. Experience farm- to-table meals as you harvest and enjoy organic vegetables grown on our farm.
The Farm Yogi program is a hands-on, immersive outdoor learning and working experience. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, explore hiking trails, yoga, and take advantage of the James River within walking distance of the farm. No previous experience is necessary, just a genuine desire to work outdoors and adaptability to embrace varied weather conditions. Farm Yogis can expect hot and humid summer months in July and August. This is the perfect opportunity to get your sweat on and then take a swim in the James River to cool off after your shift.
During your time on the farm learn the basics of organic farming from our knowledgeable farm staff and experienced Ashram Yogis. Applicants are responsible for having their own appropriate clothing and shoes for farm work. Yogis accepted into the program will serve on the farm as their primary karma yoga service at the ashram, for 20-24 of their 33 weekly required service hours. Applicants must have completed the Living Yoga Training (LYT) program or a Teacher Training (TT) at Yogaville ashram. We are currently accepting applicants for spring, summer and fall growing seasons. All interested Yogis are invited to apply.
Responsibilities
Farm Yogis are the backbone of the farm. Together we work to ensure a safe and healthy work environment is maintained among fellow Farm Yogis, volunteers, ashram staff, and visiting groups. Farm activities that Farm Yogis lead and participate in may include:
- Harvesting, washing, and packing produce for distribution to the ashram kitchen, neighborhood farmstand, and other outlets.
- Connecting with the seasonality of life through growing vegetables.
- Attending weekly farm planning meetings
- Sowing seeds in the greenhouse and field, transplanting plants in the field
- Managing crop production and recordkeeping including irrigation, fertilization, pest and weed management
Qualifications
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Able to prioritize and learn new tasks quickly, be goal-oriented, and work efficiently in a sometimes fast-paced work environment
- Must be self-motivated and be able to work independently, while also able to take instructions from the Farm Manager, other farm staff, and more experienced Farm Yogis
- Able to work outdoors in varied weather conditions including hot, cold, wind, rain, and snow
- Able to lift 50 pounds
- Able to work continuously during 3 hour shifts
