The first introduction of the TAO Metaversity and its newly announced campus @ Kayenta, Utah came to fruition on the 19th of November. Many of those who attended have commented on this blog, facebook, through e mails and over the phone. They are expressing their sincere excitement about this “Sanctuary in the Desert”.
All that attended this meeting, whether physically there or through the reading of this blog, mirror the “Running Ambassadors” of the Mayan civilization. The “Running Ambassadors” were those who after receiving new understanding, would then run to the villages delivering the new knowledge through personal conversation from one person to another. Each of us have the choice to become a clear vessel to what has been introduced. Referring to a past and present linage of ”Running Ambassadors”, those attending this meeting received an image of the TAO Metaversity and can now begin to share that knowledge by giving it voice. Through each Running Ambassador’s sharing, the TAO Metaversity keeps on gaining strength thanks to the help of other people’s thinking.
After the meeting, one of the present day Running Ambassadors recognized , “The statement you made about, ” The TAO Metaversity is already here”, was so true. It lives in all of us and what a beautiful place to have it.” Another Running Ambassador stated, “I’ve got the folder telling all about the TAO Metaversity right here on the table with me. I’m so excited about what is already in action.” And an exerpt from another Running Ambassador, who’s comments in their entirety are shared under recent comments on this blog, “I applaud the vision and energy- keeping the fire lit and gleaming brightly. Congratulations on this latest Development.”
The TAO Metaversity meeting has had such an overwhelming response, so much so, we have re-located to a much larger room.
The location has moved to the SLC Downtown Public Library. We are looking forward to answering your questions about the future of the Metaversity. We are posting a questionnaire on the Metaversity website and we ask that you print out the form and bring it to the meeting. http://www.taometaversity.wordpress.com
Thank you for your interest and active response to this important and informative meeting.
Time: Thursday, November 19th, 2009, 4 pm. The Salt Lake City Library is located at 400 South and 400 East, Class Room C.
Why a TAO Metaversity? Because there is a re-evolution going on – now. The world is presently moving through a major shift and all aspects of life are changing with it. The work people do, the way they live together, how they relate to one another and how they see their role in society and place in the universe is changing. Humanity cannot continue to resolve twenty-first century dilemmas with first-century guidelines.
Providing answers for you at the TAO Metaversity Meeting,
The letter below has taken my breath away. This letter is from Shelly Lee Williams – Minister of Support – The TAO Metaversity and is beautifully written. I think you will enjoy as much as I did.
Wendy’s trust of manifesting a college for the educational needs to be brought forward to the 20th century have now manifested. Located in Kayenta, 8 miles out side of St. George, Ut.
Wendy has focused on the TAO Metaversity in God’s time and in God’s way showing leadership by heart and trust. The TAO has a new home under construction in St. George, Utah, (Kayenta).
Blessings, Cam Williams Marketing support of the TAO Gurus support
Please join us for an informational meeting, at One World Cafe, Salt Lake City, at 4 pm on November 19th, 2009
Read the letter below~ from Shelly Lee Williams, enjoy her wisdom.
Education that builds on our affinity for life would lead to a kind of awakening of possibilities and potentials that lie dormant and unused in the industrial-utilitarian mind. Therefore the task of education, as Dave Forman stated, “Is to help us ‘open our souls to love this glorious, luxuriant, animated, planet.” and as David Orr stated, “The good news is that our own nature will help us in the process if we let it.”
At last, Wendy, at long last!! It appears the TAO Metaversity has found home , not only in the hearts of all of us who feel its flame, fire, potential and truth, but a place, a piece of land, a hectare, if you will, where it; The TAO Metaversity, The Arts Organizations’ Academies, will have home, in form!!! I feel great joy and immense peace at the prospect of seeing this place bestow upon us all that it is.
Reading the descriptions of the curriculum? I have done so. Over and over. They are poetry for being, for life, the music of thought, a symphony of celebratory dance, educing with the purity of intent a profound sense that indeed there is beauty all around and that it can be found within because, that is where it exists. In these Academies, this entire concept of the Metaversity, clad in the beautiful flowing gowns of The Arts Organization, I have found deep inner joy at their contemplation, and in so doing, much has grown within me, a light, if you will, that burns bright.
This is an education unlike any other, an experience in love, an expression of the real Man, the one that remembers, there is nothing to fear. There are no constraints here, nothing that ties Man to a sense of servitude. Where once I felt, (and still work with this) compelled to cover and even destroy the wonder of my truths, with self destructive behaviors, and misplaced faiths, till I could see nothing, there is now healing and it has come, in part from the experience and contemplation of bringing the Metaversity to form. I am very honored to see this from my perspective. I am humbled at the witnessing of this huge act of faith on your part Wendy.
Never have I witnessed, a soul truly living by faith, as a decision, a choice, the only way to be, and in the face of questions and against the current of pessimism and misunderstanding, I have seen you forge on, driven by your calling. A great witness you have been to the power of love and thought, and we shall all, all who choose, reap the reward, as you have made this a gift in the purest sense.. So, thank you dear Wendy and I sing hallelujah and dance a celebratory prayer and I sing praise to all the vision and faith exorcised to produce this manifestation and offer thanks to All that placed you, and where you were placed that I might experience you and the bringing to sight and form the
The Arts Organization – TAO Metaversity and her Academies. God Speed your Thought,
Love to you Shelly Lee Williams – Minister of Support – The TAO Metaversity
The three buildings are integral to each other. Together they bring forth a new light to learning and teaching. They join, link, embrace the hitherto disperse. Not in the sense of uniformity but in the sense of unity-in-diversity, shared commonalities along with our wonderful differences.Three buildings representing: Beauty, Truth, and Goodness. Yin, Yang, Tao. Of course, the number three has a long tradition. For example, in numerology it represents the catalyst for change, in Catholicism there is the concept of the divine trinity, whereas in Buddhism it stands for the three ways in which the universe manifests itself.
Three floors in each building taking into account how the sun will affect the meadow and surrounding vegetation of the park. The three floors repeat the three buildings’ message. Three buildings that implement water, natural materials, natural light, sacred images throughout. Three buildings where to study, learn, and teach in community
What kind of human relationships do the buildings encourage?
Excerpts from Earth in Mind by David W. Orr
To what large issues and causes do the buildings direct our attention?
The goal of education is not mastery of subject matter but mastery of one’s being.
Knowledge carries with it the responsibility to see that is well used in the world.
The way learning occurs is as important as the content of particular courses.
Ordinary campus architecture reinforces passivity, monologue, domination and artificiality.
Buildings on college and university campuses characteristically usually show so little thought, imagination, sense of place, ecological awareness, and relation to any larger pedagogical intent.
Faculty and students are rarely consulted on whether or what to build or where.
The TAO Metaversity is an environment where teachers and students question, probe and create a world in peace and openness; where the natural recognition of self is fostered by encouraging the connection between humanity and nature. It is an united nation welcoming all. An united Metaverse created by all. It is a living environment where each brings their doubts and beliefs, knowledge and ignorance; where giving and receiving are one. It is a place of healing and growth.
What is the character of this place?
The TAO Metaversity is the place where the prodigal son and daughter returns home to find they never left. An environment that can hold the realization of that “holy instant” when all falls away as all comes together in oneness. An environment allowing for the realization/remembrance that I am home. I am that which I have searched for. An environment that encourages a birth of volcanic strength, erupting from an idea announcing the beginning of an ancient truth remembered without words.
A campus where ecology and economics come together. The buildings will be energy efficient utilizing, materials that support the environment, utilize natural airflows for heat and cooling, wind power for electricity, water utilization for heating and cooling. The buildings and surrounding landscape are designed to be sustainable in energy sources as well as generating a positive cash flow. Buildings and landscape will extend our ecological imagination. Landscape will provide shade, break winter winds, propagate rare plants, provide habitat for animals, and restore bits of vanished ecosystems.
The design, construction and operation of this campus is in itself a liberal education in a microcosm that virtually includes every discipline in the catalog. This co-creation will cross disciplinary boundaries dividing the realm of thought from that of application.
What do the buildings say? Spaces must lift the spirit, cultivate imagination, fuel the intellect and remind us that we are citizens of ecological and spiritual communities. Architecture must raise aesthetic sensitivity and through it assist in developing gentleness, generosity, caring and compassion. Being should be celebrated over doing and having and allowed to interact with knowing in the here and now of the real. Architecture should support the practice of experiencing experience and, in doing so, unlock inner wisdom..
Blessings, Wendy Mendenhall
Please feel free to conect directly using the comment box
We are hosting a meeting in SLC, to gather our team, listen as well as provide information of the launch of the Metaversity in Kayenta, 8 miles out of St. George Ut. One World Cafe, 4 pm, November 19th, Seating is limited please RSVP
With these Academy descriptions, you begin to get an idea of the kinds of curriculum that will be offered at the TAO Metaversity Kayenta Campus. For instance, the first academy will contain information on autism, ADD, indigo, etc. There may be overlap as well for those particular classes in the The Academy of Arts, The Academy of Co-creation. These are overviews so curriculum can be organized accordingly, let us begin…
The Academy Of Universal Family offers one of the most love based universal family academies in the country. The in-depth, curriculum explores the Cause – Father/Mother and Its Effects – man. The student gains in site into the beginning – the pre-conceptual stage of birth through and beyond the lifecycles modern man has come to believe in. Through this Academy, ancient wisdoms as well modern scholars, give expression to the Divine connection of Father, Mother and Child giving rise to a new race on the Earth. Remembering the inter connectedness of who we are opens the student up to remember who they came to touch and why. Who are these children we call Autistic, ADD, Indigo? What gifts do they hold for transformation and how do we recognize and claim our profound involvement with raising the “whole” child, through our holy relationships with each other, nature, and God.
The Academy Of Co-Creative Sciences and Environmental Studies offers an evolutionary curriculum in the education of nature and man’s relationship. This highly experiential relationship, oriented towards conversation and communication, helps to facilitate an active partnership with nature in forestry, conservation, gardening, farming, landscape, urban ecology, business, medicine, biology, etc. Offers certification programs in Co-creative Science and Environmental Studies that accelerate man’s understanding at a high degree of applied ecological intelligence, courage and creativity. With this education, students begin to realize purpose of existence in the world and the stewardship they co-create.
The Academy Of Co-Creativity is at the core of all TAO Metaversity academy curriculums. Through scientific and intrinsic recognition, each student experiences their natural capacity for connection to the world they live in. It is the hub of the entire liberal education curriculum taken by every TAO Metaversity student. It offers a full range of curriculum in the humanities, sciences and social sciences all of which integrate universal learning experiences. Whole systems are recognized as each student’s belief in separate divisions, disciplines and levels is unlearned. With this unlearning, comes a recognition of pure thought and students remember they are Co-creators with all of eternity.
The Academy Of Arts Is one of the most internally inspired, advanced curriculums into the psychology of an artist. What drives an adolescent and/or adult to their calling of their art? Students co-create art that inspires and remind us of our own higher possibilities, our own deepest nature, and invites us to rediscover something we believed we were not yet, but remember, that we always were. This curriculum helps to clarify the questions, “What it is for?, What attracts the artist’s mind to it?, What value does it bring to the artist?, and What purpose does it serve?”. With clear recognition of ones’ calling, love opens naturally, allowing Beauty, Truth and Goodness to show themselves in the lives of each student. The graduates in turn give their art to their families and communities to transform the landscapes of what has been created in disconnection from Source.
The Academy Of Inner Dimensional Studies offers a revolutionary acknowledgement and recognition of the most powerfulenergy source available - thought – and that each of us is responsible for our own and its consequences. This energy of life no longer ignores the plea of ignorance as a means of defense. It acknowledges each of us is in partnership with the force that created us from Its thought. The curriculum is created to cultivate each student’s ability to think; moving them towards the vital recognition that the speed of their thinking can match that of the Divine. Graduates enter the work force realizing and embracing their complete freedom of action in the ability to materialize thought to form. For those graduates interested, this curriculum offers certification encompassing healing, love, universal relationships, a remembrance of and connection to, who we are.
The Academy Of Entrepreneurial Studies offers a certification for those students who have had the inner conversation to clarify their calling. With unprecedented strength, each graduate enters the work force open to their choice of career through their clear understanding of their calling. Opportunities for graduates open up and are co-created through their pure thoughts interrelating with all that is around them. Each student will have available to them technical and commercial support integrating their calling. The Metaversity’s Center for Financial Freedom known for its unique and innovative ways in which each graduate creates resources to invest in his or her calling and careers, is available. With this natural exchange of value, the entrepreneurial energy is released and emanates throughout the world. The joy created with this exchange increases infinitely and the entrepreneur’s calling extends into eternity.
Feel free to join us at the,
One World Cafe, located in SLC, on the 19th of November at 4 pm.
It is all unfolding as part of a carefully laid vision-the realization of the TAO Metaversity’s Kayenta Campus.
Imagine 50 individuals who have gathered together from across the continent to attend a prestigious workshop experience in a unique and inspiring desert community. Taking up temporary residence in the community’s guest casita village, these visitors are inspired by the natural surroundings and by the incredible planning that has gone into making this community a most appealing place to live. When they return, not only will they share with their friends the wonderful learning experiences and new friends they have met at the event they have relished, they will also spread the word and their photographs of this rare and spectacular place named, Kayenta. How will all of this come to be?
The Arts Organization’s Metaversity, Kayenta Campus, is a community gathering spot. It becomes the gathering area to create a place that honors and celebrates what we have received from the ancient wisdoms and what we want to co-create for the future. It’s the place where community can dance, enjoy music, art, storytelling and experience education.
The TAO Metaversity’s Kayenta Campus becomes an organic research center. An environment where the community will participate in co-creating a “soil-less garden” planted with gatherings, classes, conferences, workshops, actors, musicians and writers, entrepreneurs, artists, and scientists. The “soil-less garden” is planted and nourished through each person’s contribution.
For the past several years Wendy Mendenhall has worked tirelessly to help bring, education for the 21st century. This is an experiential environmental education that is integrated with spirituality. Wendy is reaching her goals with the TAO Metaversity.
The first TAO Metaversity location is being built in a breath taking area called Kayenta located in Ivins, Utah. Ivins is approximately 8 miles from St. George. Gurus is providing information for planning meetings, teaching opportunities, presentation, weekend workshops, fundraising, and/or donation of labor, time or materials. It is my privilege to offer you an opportunity to participate. Working with Wendy over the past few years has been a wonderful experience and has Gurus 100% on board!
Many of you have expressed an interest in the TAO Metaversity. We are interested in co-creating with like-minded companies and individuals. Each of you have been more than eager to participate in the launching and teaching opportunities that will be available through TAO Metaversity.
The time has come for you to actively participate. The planning meeting is set for November 19, 2009 and You are Invited!
Wendy and I will be a hosting an informal meeting of the utmost importance. This is your chance to ask questions, make comments, offer suggestions and add input. It will also be an opportunity to determine your personal fit into the TAO Metaversity curriculim.
Meeting place, date and time:
November 19, 2009 at 4:00 PM
One World Cafe
41 S 300 E
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
(801) 519-2002 (801) 519-2002
Feel free to connect with me on Face Book, Wendy Mendenhal, Salt Lake City, Ut
At a time in history where all the systems and structures that have been taught and lived are falling apart, we have the opportunity to speak – as a community. We can speak in terms of loss, uncertainty, and fear or we can stand together and speak of another way. Here is an introduction to the New Way for politics, economics, relationships, medicine, the arts, business and education. Each one of your voices is a force and when supported, we can participate in changing the beliefs of loss, uncertainity and fear. As a community of voices, we can change what we have known as reality.
We’ve all said, “There must be another way”. TAO Metaversity is education for the 21st century. A new way is born. Be informed and use your voice.
What is VAS?* The students at the University of Utah are in the “process” of creating the TAO Metaversity. Dr. Julio Bermudez and 13 senior architectural students have begun this winter’s Studio with a project that will have worldwide impact. *For complete description of VAS see Voluntary Architectural Simplicity
Synchronicity. When reading what the TAO Metaversity is about, one is struck by the subtle ways life uses the TAO Metaversity’s spirit as a teaching model – even before it is seemingly born. It begins. This project is brought to consciousness, an email is sent and received back east, the recipient meets the sender for the first time, and shares a professor, Dr. Julio Bermudez’s name, who is teaching sacred architecture – in Salt Lake City. This project, the TAO Metaversity, waiting to be brought into form, is in need of sacred architecture. The TAO Metaversity is introduced to the professor, discussed as though is was about to be born, acknowledged as a project who’s time has come and adopted by the professor and 13 architecture students. Coincidence, Synchronicity, Trust, Faith, and Miracle - these are the names we give to incidences we can’t quite explain yet know they are around us. They happen with or without our understanding.
Intention of Community – U of U student’s understanding of the role of the TAO Metaversity
The Relationship. The TAO Metaversity’s intent is to support the practice of experiencing these experiences and in doing so, unlock inner wisdom. It’s curriculum teaches there is much more than what is perceived by the five senses. It’s spaces must lift the spirit, cultivate imagination, fuel the intellect and remind us that we are citizens of ecological and spiritual communities. The architecture must raise aesthetic sensitivity and through it assist in developing gentleness, generosity, caring and compassion. “BEing” is celebrated over doing and having and allowed to interact with knowing in the here and now of the real.
Justin Campbell (shown) and Bradeson Brinton’s current vision of the TAO Metaversity
What it looks like.The TAO Metaversity is taking form in design, colors, smells, textures, setting, and subtly in the lives of those it is being introduced to. As the students, project jurors, professors and client seem to be working to render a structure to be built, the TAO Metaversity is teaching. It’s classroom space is still undefined the curriculum is being written, the design in architecture is still being molded and shaped. Still, the TAO Metaversity begins its teaching – not waiting for us to agree what the final project will look like. It knows its depth, its wisdom, its purpose and gives itself in any way we might catch a glimpse of it’s beauty.
U of U student Paul Nielsen (shown) and Justin Wallis' current vision of the TAO Metaversity
The teaching begins. The client’s project description is written and given to the students. They begin to read and study the requirements of the client. The TAO Metaversity enters into the students lives through the written words. It begins to access their knowing of this place that has seemingly only been introduced to them. It seems a little familiar to some of the students. As they read they begin writing down ideas, thoughts, flashes of creativity runs through them. The more they read about this project, the more it resonates with their experiences. The thoughts invoke conversations, “Yes I remember what it was to be a student. The teacher entering the classroom and talking to the blackboard. I remember hearing something I wanted to share with my classmate and when I did, I lost recess.”
While the developmental models are seemingly being created, the students are accessing memories, hope, and places they themselves want to come to. They begin talking about this place as if it were already “something”. The TAO Metaversity listens to these conversations, smiling as an old friend would upon being recognized.
Kin Ng, MJSA - juror
The teaching is extended. As each phase is complete, it is time to introduce the TAO Metaversity to the client, and professionals who have been asked to see the progress of the students and to critique this project. The students come in groups of two, one has three, and they each describe, “What the TAO Metaversity means to them”. As they describe their experiencesthey begin to teach everyone present in the room. As each group finishes, the jurors and client wonderin the form of questions. They now have been introduced to this project. As it’s personality is shared, each person is giving their thoughts and ideas to this “project”. Some of the jurors are expressing their questions from the place of asking, “Why would I come here?” ” What will I feel when I come here?” They are asking the students these questions and they are asking from a place that has brought them together, with the students, under the guise of this project. They see it is long overdue, they recognize what its possibilities are, and most of the jurors are now imagining that a place like this could be built.
U of U architectural students during project presentations
The joining of spirit. Through each exchange with friends, family, jurors, and seeming passer-bys, The TAO Metaversity is further recognized into consciousness. With each communication, the TAO Metaversity’s essence is taught. These 13 students and Dr. Julio Bermudez are already teaching others through their ideas, thoughts, experiences, actions and unseen interactions. They are giving form to this environment through their architectural renderings and models and they are giving life to its intent because they are the TAO Metaversity. As you witnessed these students and professor talk about this project, you recognize they,like the TAO Metaversity, are lifting the spirit, cultivating imagination, fueling the intellect and reminding us that we are citizens of ecological and spiritual communities. Many of us who have known – from an inner wisdom- that there must be something more, recognize and join with the spirit of the TAO Metaversity.
Love is the new religion of the 21st century you don’t have to be a highly educated person or have any exceptional knowledge to understand it it comes from the intelligence of the heart.
Greetings, The TAO Metaversity meeting has had an overwhelming response, so much so, we have re-located to a much larger room. The location has moved to the SLC Downtown Public Library. We are looking forward to answering your questions about the future of the Metaversity. We are posting a questionnaire on the Metaversity website and we ask [...]
The world is presently moving through a major shift and all aspects of life are changing with it. The work people do, the way they live together, how they relate to one another and how they see their role in society and place in the universe is changing.