Vlierhof is an intentional community. At the moment, about eight adults live here. In the coming years, this could grow to about fifteen persons. Most of the time, about 15 - 20 people (including volunteers and guests) stay on Vlierhof. Starting points are: Openness and willingness to look at your own behavior, to take responsibility for your own actions, to live consciously in the present moment, the desire of personal growth and development, independence, and to carry the vision and mission of Vlierhof.

Starting points are: Openness and willingness to look at your own behavior, to take responsibility for your own actions, to live consciously in the present moment, the desire of personal growth and development, independence, and to carry the vision and mission of Vlierhof. Because we want to train ourselves to live in the present moment, we use no drugs unless indicated through circumstances and only with the knowledge of a therapist. At Vlierhof, we prefer not to smoke, if it is too difficult not to smoke we have a ’smoking area’ outdoors.

We are a work-residential community that means that it is our aim that every community member is able to earn his or her living expenses from the activities on Vlierhof. All members are expected to contribute to the continuing development of the community. Most tasks are divided between the members according to interest, education and experience, e.g. administration, building renovation, repairs & maintenance; Care-farm (time-out program), household tasks, healing and therapy, the garden (food production) and landscaping.

To live together in a community – especially a community that is being formed, demands energy and, at times, can be a challenge. The work is ongoing and it can be difficult to stay centered whilst meeting the daily demands and priorities of the farm and the community as a whole. Living in a group of people requires the necessary energy. Community members are not only relating to one person but to the whole community so a point of self-inquiry is often how to balance the needs of the individual and those of the community. Naturally, differences in opinion and conflicts can occur, so it is important for people to take ownership of these and try to resolve them using various techniques of communication.

Once a week, we have a meeting of community members where we have the opportunity to share personal issues. Once a week, we also have a meeting regarding practical issues. We use sociocracy (Dynamic Self governance) as our form of governance. (see http://www.sociocratie.nl/global)

In the morning, we have the opportunity - for those who are interested - to meditate. Thereafter, we have a short sharing/work meeting for everybody who is present on Vlierhof at that moment.

With the exception of breakfast, all meals are shared. We eat vegetarian only, and mostly organic food