ananda valley farm internship
The Ananda Valley Farm Internship is a 3-month program focused on giving individuals a total immersive experience and providing a space for joyful learning, meaningful service, cooperative teamwork, and a beautiful, serene environment.
Is this Internship for You?
If you are interested in holistic farming practices and deepening your spiritual life, then this internship is for you! You’ll have the opportunity to learn harmonious farming techniques which place an emphasis on cultivating life in all growing stages: everything from healthy soil to the mature plant and everything in-between. The ideal of community is also an integral part of this internship. You will have the opportunity to live and serve with others in a communal environment where the principles of joyful cooperation and selfless service can be readily experienced.
Farming Activities Involved
Creating Potting Soil, Seeding, Transplanting, Planting, Harvesting, Garden Bed Maintenance & Beautification, Landscape Design, Animal Care, Participation in Farmers’ Markets, and more…
Meditation & Yoga Opportunities
Yoga Postures, Breathing & Concentration Techniques, Nature Immersion, Chanting, and more…
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Age: 18+
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Dates: 3-month durations from May-October
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Cost: $500/first month, $400/second month, $300/third month
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Accommodations: Bedroom in Seva House (includes communal kitchen, dining room, & bathrooms); OutdoorCamping
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Service Hours: 30-35hrs/week
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Spiritual Offerings: Opportunity to learn & practice meditation and yoga postures weekly
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Meals: Shared Group Meals offered at least 1x/day. Majority of food provided by the farm.
internship daily schedule
(Generalized & Subject to Change)
Example of a Non-Market Day Schedule
6:30 am
7:30 am
8:00 am
9:00 am
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
6:00 pm
8:00 pm
Group Meditation
Morning Farm Seva (Animal Care, Greenhouse Care, Plant Nursery Care)
Breakfast
Farmers Market Harvest & Prep, Farm Projects
Group Lunch
Farmers Market Harvest & Prep, Farm Projects
Dinner, Open Time
Group Meditation
Example of a Market Day Schedule
6:30 am
7:30 am
Group Meditation
Morning Farm Seva (Animal Care, Greenhouse Care, Plant Nursery Care), Farmers Market Harvest & Prep
9:30 am
10:00 am
12:30 pm - 6:00 pm
7:00 pm
Breakfast
Farmers Market Harvest & Prep
Setup and Run Pacifica Farmers Market (dinner at market)
Unpack from Farmers Market, Open Time
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How do I apply for the Internship?We ask that you fill out our Internship Application. From there, we will schedule a video call with you to get to know you better and discuss more about the program. We also highly recommend reading the book, “Autobiography of a Yogi” by Paramansa Yogananda as well as, “The New Path” by Swami Kriyananda to get a better feel and understanding of our community.
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How long can I participate in the Internship Program?We are offering 3-month blocks of time where we will then check in with you month-to-month to see how it is feeling for everyone. If it seems like the experience isn’t working out well, then it is possible to end your participation after 1 month or 2 months. At the same time, if the experience is working out very well, it is also possible to extend your time beyond the 3-month period.
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Am I allowed to take any time off during the period of the Internship?For our weekly schedule, we have two full days per week built in of completely “free time” for you to be able to enjoy in whatever way you’d like. If you need to take a longer break away from the internship, we will just need to know ahead of time and we can talk about what might be the best arrangement for everyone.
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Can I join the Internship for a duration less than 3 months?Although the internship is listed in 3-month blocks, it is possible to join for a lesser time. We will have a check-in with all interns every month to see how everyone is feeling and if any adjustments need to be made. If the internship needs to end before the 3 month mark, you will have the option of ending your participation either after 1 month (4 weeks) or after 2 months (8 weeks).
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What is included in the price?Room in the group house (based on availability) and camping if the house is full Produce from the farm and bulk food staples for all meals (All meals prepared and eaten in the house must be vegetarian. If preparing and eating non-vegetarian meals, it must be done in our campground area) Time and support to learn our farming practices and yoga/meditation practices Opportunity to attend classes/courses on a wide variety of spiritual topics (at our temple in Palo Alto)
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What is the weekly schedule?Sunday & Monday: free days Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: harvest/farm project days Wednesday: afternoon market Saturday: morning market and events See Daily Schedule for more details
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How do meals work?Tuesday through Friday we have lunch as a group. We all take turns with lunch preparation and clean up. Saturday group meal varies based on events of the day. Sunday & Monday meals on your own. Breakfast and dinner are on your own daily. Produce and basic staples are provided (grains, dry bean & lentils, cooking oil, milk, yogurt) Specialty items are purchased individually.
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What do I need to bring with me?The farm is located in a temperate climate close to the coast, so having a variety of layers is very helpful. The weather can be coolish in the mornings and evenings throughout the year with fog and light mist, so having some layers to accommodate those conditions is great. The temperature usually doesn’t ever get above 75 degrees Fahrenheit except on rare occasions in Sept/Oct. Having sturdy shoes is also helpful as much of the farm is on gently sloped land. Personal camping gear (tent, sleeping bad, sleeping pad) if you prefer to camp or if the group house is full.
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Do I need a car?It is helpful but not required. The farm is 2 miles from Hwy 1 and about 2 miles from the nearest grocery stores which are easily accessible by bicycle. Public transportation is available but also limited in our area.
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What is Ananda Valley Farm?Ananda Valley Farm is a branch of the Ananda Palo Alto Community which is based in Palo Alto and Mountain View. The Ananda Communities are intentional communities which practice the yoga and meditation teachings and principles as taught by Paramhansa Yogananda. Our community purchased the farm in 2013 and we now offer volunteer opportunities, farm tours, community project days, as well as other special events throughout the year along with participating in 3 farmers’ markets from April-October.
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What do I need to know about living in a spiritual community type of setting?We ask that you try to cultivate the right attitude, harmonious relationships, and joyful cooperation as whatever else you can do to help us maintain a peaceful and uplifting atmosphere. A few other key points: No recreational drugs or alcohol No smoking/vaping/etc. Dress modestly and respectfully No pets Quiet hours are from 8pm-8am which simply means being respectful of your housemates and using headphones/earbuds anytime you are listening/watching music and/or videos.