Life in Community

Bringing in older members can present costs but also yield great benefits, especially in maintenance and development of the community and—when handled well—in mentorship.

As intentional communities model new approaches to elder care, baby boomers can lead the way in transforming how we age in our society.

Finding themselves to be elders in a multi-generational community, two baby boomers resist, accept, then finally embrace the idea that age DOES matter.

When they crave an especially deep or challenging discussion, Gesundheit!’s meta-conversers excuse themselves (from the mundane)—then stir the collective pot, lie down, or go for a walk.

A small communal family discusses how they got good at cooperating, and other essentials of collective life.

For intentional community members, community comes with added benefits, unique challenges, and a call to authenticity.

In our “Community Conversations” issue, people both within and outside of intentional community discuss questions like: What does community mean to us? Where do we find it? What are its benefits and challenges? How do we deepen our experience of it? What is the purpose of community, and how do we talk about it? Their stories form a rich, diverse tapestry in which community and conversation prove to be inextricably intertwined.

Long-dormant childhood gender issues resurface in an intimate relationship in community—and this time avoidance and escape aren’t options.

Does the culture of women-only space still serve a worthwhile purpose, or does it perpetuate division? A long-time leader of women’s circles advocates inclusivity.

Trichomycosis axillaris can be the pits, causing even die-hard feminists to shave.