I lived in an OM house in Los Angeles from June 2013-May 2014. It was one of the most powerful, heart opening, growth periods of my life. It was an environment that gave me full permission to be me. If I had a day when I was sad, I could be in the house and crying without anyone trying to fix me. "Do you need anything?" would be the question and then the freedom to cry, laugh, be quiet, be joyful. The age range of 7 people was 28-56 and I was the oldest person in the house.

When I started to OM in January 2013, I knew that the only way I could have a regular practice was to live in an OM house because of my work schedule. There were optional OneTaste activities and social events, like going out to dinner and I never felt pressured to do attend anything.

Living in a community house after raising three children to adulthood, after the death of my husband and after starting an online nonprofit organization taught me so much about myself. There would be spontaneous opportunities we called "research." Like when I was doing too many dishes and housework my housemates gave me a 21 day assignment to learn to receive more. They took turns getting up early to make my coffee and breakfast. They did my laundry and all the housework. It helped me unravel a pattern of thinking I had to overgive to be loved.

During the year, I worked on my computer and had coaching meetings with clients all over the world. I could work in a variety of places in the house and like anyone who lives with people, there were days I could work in open spaces like the kitchen or living room and days I worked out of my bedroom. For six months of the year, I traveled three weeks every month for work and professional development. I let people know when I was leaving and when I was returning which included needing a ride to and from the airport.

I loved the morning practice, conversations in the kitchen and celebratory dinners. Getting to know people with dancing, laughter, food, and deep conversations. It was a community house where everyone lived their own lives in community with free will.

I hope to do it again some day.