Lotus Lodge Inn, Community & Retreat Center

Stay Short or Long-term in our Community!

[[**Read about how a crew from CBS came to Lotus Lodge to film four of us "Golden Girls" living here (we do have men and residents starting in their 20s) that aired March 2, 2011 on the CBS Early Show. Link to the story and the 3.5 min video is below.]]

History of Lotus Lodge
 - Founded in 2004, Lotus Lodge is one of the first Cooperative Homes in the area and one of a very few that can house more than 5 people. Thus there is a feeling of autonomy and privacy much greater than if there were just a few people, and you have several to pick from to be your closest friend, or to do different activities with. Plus we have more collective energy to do projects together such as gardening or events.

On about .7 acre of land – with organic gardens and big trees (and a trout stream close by), the building is a 4400 square foot, two-story, 1915-vintage triplex. With a total of 9 bedrooms, 3 kitchens, 3 dining rooms and 4 bathrooms, each person share’s their immediate space with just 1 or 2 others. We also have a library and a large group room downstairs for gatherings, as well as outdoor porch and patio areas. It’s the best of both worlds – having privacy and a community of people around who know and care about each other.

Our community is a collection of unique, interesting men and women who are artists, authors, gardeners, musicians, philosophers, counselors or life coaches (or some combination thereof). Located in semi-rural Candler yet we are just 12-15min to heart of downtown Asheville, NC. NOTE: Individual rooms and/or apartments open up intermittently, so please contact us if inspired to join us!

Short-term Vacation or Retreat Rental
Private Room (Hotel-alternative) - Lotus Lodge rents one room out by the night (two night minimum), or week. We call it our "B&K" room which means you make your own bed and breakfast and have access to a kitchen. Great for an individual or couple who prefer something better than a motel/hotel room. Enjoy the opportunity to gather with interesting others and your complete privacy as desired. Personal silent retreats welcome. Rates vary depending upon the season, how many occupants and which room (from $44-$90/night to $280-$600/week). High-speed, wireless Internet included. We can refer you to a local real estate agent if needed (even if you don't stay here). Call 828-581-9036 for availability.

Lotus Lodge's Personalized Retreats
Resident, founder and psychologist Gaya Erlandson, PhD, hosts personalized retreats and private counseling sessions for individuals and couples. She is certified as an Imago Relationship Therapist and has taught workshops, facilitated groups and counseled people for over 25 years. Personal retreats are usually 4-5 days and fee varies depending upon what all is involved.

Our Community Vision, Purpose & Practice
As a community, Lotus Lodge is a co-creative learning center and spiritual awakening sanctuary. More specifically, this is a nurturing, living-laboratory where people discover, co-create and practice what it means to live within a paradigm of Oneness; we're committed to living joyous, on-purpose, heart-centered and empowered lives.

In practical terms, this means that residents practice communicating consciously - utilizing intuitive, higher guidance and being aware of the energy behind our words. We endeavor to take ownership of our creative power and to develop skills along those lines. A uniting belief is that what we think and speak gets manifested.

Thus, everyone at Lotus Lodge endeavors to own and transform personal "buttons" rather than play victim on a drama triangle. We understand that codependent "rescuing" is just as unhealthy and unempowering for all as is divisive gossip or victim stories. Instead, all are encouraged to know and negotiate for what they want, and to develop skills accordingly, such as the use of Compassionate Communication (aka NonViolent Communication) and 'The Work' of Byron Katie.

In other words, outward conflict is seen as an "obstitunity" (coined by Liz, a former long-term member) for clearing, connecting and expanding our skills and our awareness. Some of the classes taught by Gaya Erlandson, PhD, (founding member) include: Conscious Communication, Awakening the StoryMaker, 'The Work' of Byron Katie and more recently in Sociocracy (aka Dynamic Self Governance).

In general, creativity and positive use of one's imagination are highly valued (consistent with the teachings of Abraham-Hicks and Goddard Neville) as is consciously cocreating with Spirit. Some members consider “Co-Creative Science” as taught by Machaelle Wright of the Perelandra (Perelandra-ltd.com) to be foundational. On the other hand, everyone is free to choose what's best for him or her.

In fact, freedom to choose is considered essential within the new paradigm. Rather than adhering to rules, roles or any external authority, it’s about living from the inside out, from one’s inner wisdom and guidance. We get to discover who we really are and what we are capable of being.

NEW Possibilities of Joining Our Community!!!
Individual rooms and/or apartments open up intermittently, so please contact us and ask, if inspired to join us.

The long-term residents we prefer
We welcome people who are fun and easy to be around (i.e. flexible), who are thoughtful and diplomatic (versus reactive or quick to anger), who are tidy and respectful of others (have good boundaries), who have their own life focus and who also enjoy participating in activities such as gardening, yard work and good conversations. We especially welcome people who value living in a community environment and who feel inspired to join us.

**If interested in long-term rental, please email and tell us about you - your age, your interest & experience in community, your interests in general, your vocation and vision, plus any thoughts or questions you have about Lotus Lodge, and your projected time frame for being here. Send to cocreating at charter . net. Also please call Gayatri at 828-581-9036 to alert her to look for your email and please put "Lotus Lodge" in the subject bar. Once we review this information, we will call you (within about 3 days) so please include your phone number.

Note: No pets (tho possible exceptions) or smoking please. We do not have work in trade for living space and request that people call ahead to make an appointment to visit, as everyone here leads a rich and busy life.

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** CBS Came and Filmed our Community!