Life in Community
Coming of Age
Posted on September 7, 2012 by1 Comment
In Ithaca, New York, a pioneering project continues to break new ground in ecological design, education, and community.
Aspiring to the Working Class
Posted on September 7, 2012 by2 Comments
By learning necessary physical skills, these ecovillagers transcend the limitations of their middle-class educations.
An Ecovillage Future
Posted on September 7, 2012 by1 Comment
For the health of our species and the planet, we need ecovillages.
The Art and Ethics of Visitor Programs
Posted on June 7, 2012 by2 Comments
To create a thriving, diverse community, we need to learn how to host and integrate new people in ways that support them as multi-dimensional human beings.
Real Diversity Is Internal
Posted on June 7, 2012 by3 Comments
What happens if, despite all outer appearances, one finds one’s worldview radically different from the mainstream?
The Limits of Diversity
Posted on June 7, 2012 by1 Comment
If we are truly committed to diversity, we need to stop labeling people who hold religious ideas unlike our own as “cultists,” and start practicing the tolerance we preach.
Diversity Issues in Los Angeles Eco-Village
Posted on June 7, 2012 by3 Comments
A longtime ecovillage activist moves beyond denial to recognize the institutional racism affecting not only her society and her community, but her own way of thinking.
The Paralysis of Racism in Social Change Groups
Posted on June 7, 2012 byWhen a member of a minority population claims racism, how does a group committed to racial nondiscrimination respond?
The Lighter Side of Community
Posted on June 7, 2012 by4 Comments
This Hollywood movie offers both surprising insight and fond parody while taking viewers far from the beaten path, into the world of intentional community.
The Church of Fermentation
Posted on March 7, 2012 byIn a world in which food choices
and dietary preferences can
become quasi-religions,
lactic-acid fermentation wins
a new convert.
Spirit in the Woods
Posted on March 7, 2012 byAt New View Cohousing, practicing consensus, navigating illness, and simply
sharing lives are continuing spiritual exercises.
Inviting God to Dance
Posted on March 7, 2012 by1 Comment
A dancer’s year at Currents community opens and transforms both her and the group.
Common Ground in an Uncertain World
Posted on March 7, 2012 by1 Comment
A journey through various flavors of spiritually eclectic community brings
us face to face with cursed seeds, the White Brotherhood Team, mystery,
and stardust.
Creating Spiritual Community at the Hermitage
Posted on March 7, 2012 by2 Comments
To these communitarians, all work was holy—but overwhelmed by “the
accumulating weight of such holiness” and other disappointments, they
eventually adjust their aspirations.
Monasticism, Community, and “The Great Work”
Posted on March 7, 2012 byThe former Elderhostel coordinator at Holy Cross Monastery explores
personal and monastic history to explain her unlikely presence there.
Creative Spirituality in American Communities of the Past
Posted on March 7, 2012 byIf you haven’t heard of hollow earth theory, zig-zag-and-swirl, B-FICs, or
bathing bans, you’ve missed out on some of the more distinctive contributions
of communal spirituality.
Sharing the Path
Posted on March 7, 2012 byEven “non-spiritual” groups can benefit through a multitude of simple practices that deepen participants’ connections with themselves, one another, and the sacred.
Creating Community Ritual
Posted on March 7, 2012 byRitual can connect us more deeply to place, mark the passages of our lives,
comfort us in times of grief, and link us in the pure joy of celebration. It
works best when created collectively.
How Permaculture Stole My Community!
Posted on December 7, 2011 by1 Comment
After a painful period stranded in “permaculture heaven,” an Earthaven founder finds her community finally moving back towards balance with its eco-spiritual roots.
Growing a Culture of Gratitude in Argentine Patagonia
Posted on December 7, 2011 byAn organic farming volunteer learns surprising new lessons from his Argentinian hosts—such as how to relax, how to enjoy practical labor, and how to contribute more sustainably by putting personal work first.
Social Permaculture
Posted on December 7, 2011 by1 Comment
While expert at understanding ecological connections, permaculturalists often founder in relating with one another. Applying permaculture principles to group dynamics can help us work together more effectively.
Unto the Second Generation
Posted on September 7, 2011 by12 Comments
When a cohousing group’s honeymoon ends, and economic stress dictates selling units to any willing buyers, can a community’s core values and connections endure?
Buddha Being…Buddha Doing
Posted on September 7, 2011 by1 Comment
Overcoming her resistance to waking up at 5 a.m., a veteran community seeker learns transformative lessons at Deer Park Monastery.
The Gift of Compost
Posted on September 7, 2011 byTo the Compostmeister at a collective house, the cycles of compost embody a new economics that focuses upon human needs and relationships.
Work Less, Simplify More
Posted on September 7, 2011 by1 Comment
By reducing our economic impact, we can shrink our ecological footprint, while freeing up time and energy to contribute to community and a more sustainable world.
A Communitarian Conundrum
Posted on June 7, 2011 by1 Comment
Despite widespread desire for community, structural and cultural obstacles to intentional community in the modern world loom large.
Fascinating Selfhood
Posted on June 7, 2011 by1 Comment
Do you think a half-century-old book on proper “womanhood,” much of whose advice is guaranteed to cause feminists to scream out in indignation, has nothing to teach us? Think again.
The Solace of Friends in Community
Posted on June 7, 2011 byWomen’s Empowerment Circles offer community-within-community, building trust, caring, and mutual support.
Intimacy in the Village Setting
Posted on June 7, 2011 byAfter a journey from nuclear family life through student coops, an ecovillager finds rich opportunities for intimacy, in many diverse forms—not just with lovers and family.
Three Perspectives on Intimacy in Community
Posted on June 7, 2011 byA starter marriage, a spouse’s health crisis, and the small details that define each person shed light on the meaning of intimacy.
