WHAT DOES “BETTER. TOGETHER.” MEAN?

“Better. Together.” means that in these challenging times, when we feel more isolated, more polarized, and more concerned for the future, we need each other more than ever. We need more than superficial community. We need face-to-face, heart-to-heart community; people who share a commitment to showing up for themselves, each other and the world around us - in all our diversity and difference.

This is how we become better people in a better world — stronger, more resilient, more connected, more joyful and more peaceful. Together.

WE ARE A DIVERSE COMMUNITY

Three Mountains is a diverse group of seekers and explorers, dedicated to spiritual practice, personal growth, and compassionate service in the world.

We are God-optional and Interspiritual. We have no guru, no doctrine, no dogma, no ultimate goal, just a set of guidelines - THE TEN WORDS - that guide us individually and collectively, spiritually and in service to the world.

Each of us comes from our own spiritual traditions and practices (or none), with an openness to learning from one another, finding common ground, transforming spiritually and personally, and working for a better world. Together. Like a mosaic, each of us brings our own color and shape to the whole.

We offer celebrations and learning opportunities that come from a diverse spiritual landscape. Everything from yoga and t’ai chi to Christmas, Hanukkah, Solstice and Indigenous rituals are included. Though we come from different “home” traditions, we seek to find the common ground that unites us all. And we have fun, too!

WE ARE A SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY

While the Community engages in collective practices, celebrations, and projects, each Mountaineer has their own path. We are here to walk beside one another with common purpose, support and encouragement. We share each other’s joys and sorrows, successes and struggles, and walk beside one another through all of it.

WE ARE A COMMUNITY-DRIVEN, PARTICIPATORY COMMUNITY

Non-hierarchical, we are all on the journey together. Members support the Community in different roles, as they are able. We share decision-making and leadership, and are open to all contributions. We maintain an open door for all those who feel called.

But this kind of spiritual community requires participation. This isn’t a “top down” kind of spiritual life. It takes a village to build one and we all participate in creating the spiritual home we all want.

WE ARE A WELCOMING AND AFFIRMING COMMUNITY

Radically inclusive, we are single, married, partnered, with or without children, men, women, non-binary, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, young and older, from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, but share a deep desire to explore our paths and live spiritually engaged lives in today’s world. All are welcome.

WE ARE A LOCAL AND GLOBAL COMMUNITY

While Southern Vermont is our home community, there are Three Mountains groups around the world. Mountaineers elsewhere continue with their lives in their own homes, families, jobs, and communities and are invited to join the larger community virtually or in-person for celebrations, learning, and projects.

FAQ’S

WHAT IS INTERSPIRITUALITY?

Christian/Hindu monk, Brother Wayne Teasdale, coined the term “interspiritual’ in his 1999 book, The Mystic Heart: Discovering a Universal Spirituality in the World’s Religions, to express his understanding that beneath the diversity of theological beliefs, rites, and observances lies a deeper unity of experience that is our shared spiritual heritage. It is the mystical root of all religions: the common understanding of our Oneness and our relationship and responsibilities to the world around us. Every authentic spiritual path offers unique perspectives and rich insights into this deeper, direct experience of truth.

He further states:

“We are at the dawn of a new consciousness, a radically fresh approach to our life as the human family in a fragile world. This journey is what spirituality is really about. We are not meant to remain just where we are. We cannot depend on our culture either to guide and support us in our quest. We must do the hard work of clarification together ourselves. This revolution will be the task of the Interspiritual Age. The necessary shifts in consciousness require a new approach to spirituality that transcends past religious cultures of fragmentation and isolation. We need to understand, to really grasp at an elemental level that the definitive revolution is the spiritual awakening of humankind.”

At Three Mountains, we understand that all religions and perennial wisdom traditions —as well as literature, art, music, philosophy, nature, science, psychology, and especially self-inquiry— may have something of value for us, AND we know the desire for an authentic spiritual path within and beyond tradition that recognizes our common unity – not fragmentation - calls many.

Today, the wisdom and depth of all traditions are available to anyone who brings an open mind and a generous spirit and heart to the search with the desire to find and follow their own true spiritual path in a changing world. 

WHO STARTED THREE MOUNTAINS?

Three Mountains was originally founded by Interfaith/Interspiritual minister and chaplain, Lauryn Axelrod, who serves as the Spiritual Director. She was joined by a dedicated group of spiritual seekers who helped build Three Mountains into a thriving community.

WHAT DO YOU DO?

In our home community, we offer monthly gatherings to celebrate, learn, support each other, share food, music, and work on projects that aid our local communities. We also offer occasional guest teachers, meditation, yoga, t’ai chi, art, book and movie nights, family events, and even hikes, bonfires, retreats, and outings.

We also offer end-of-life care, rites of passage, community-based chaplaincy, and other spiritual support as needed for our community.

DOES IT COST ANYTHING?

No. There is no set fee to be a member. However, we accept (and need) donations of time, energy, effort, skills, money and other material goods to maintain the community and its offerings. Every contribution matters, and if everyone contributes as they are able, we can continue to provide for the community needs.

We also maintain a small “emergency” fund to help members and the larger community in times of duress. Donations to that fund are optional, but encouraged.

WHY THREE MOUNTAINS?

Mountains have always been a symbol of the spiritual path and its aspirations. We chose to call our community Three Mountains because:

1) Our diverse community includes members of many traditions and beliefs (or none) and mountains belong to no one tradition.

2) Many spiritual concepts come in threes, which is a number that symbolizes wholeness, strength and community.

3) Near the Three Mountains Farm, there are three important mountains - The Three Sisters - which were sacred to the Indigenous Abenaki people of this land. We honor them.