Why Community?
"So you think it’s going to be all lovey-dovey or what?"
What is the vision we have of a community, what do we picture when we hear that word?
What is it that we would want out of it, and what do we want to put in?
Practically speaking, I guess what I hope to gain is the possibility to combine the best of both worlds, going back to basics and simple, healthy green living, but without renouncing modern commodities like let's say internet or access to a car.
I envision a set up that is sustainable, clean and yes, beautiful.
Some of the benefits of communal living as listed in 'The Cohousing Handbook' are:
On a deeper level, I feel it is important to be part of something that we care about, and that cares about us.
Ok ok I admit, I am an idealist, but I am also a realist and to be honest it is hard sometimes to wangle the two sides.
And although feelings are a funny thing, when it comes down to it, they ultimately show me the way.
The moment something truly touches me inside, I just know..mostly because tears start rolling down my face
(and I am NOT the cry baby type of girl at ALL) and because of the sensation of a biiig lump in my throat...
During my search I read 'Joyfully together' from Thich Nhat Hanh, and this one sentence:
'When there is happiness in the Sangh*, that Sangh* can help so many people'
...oh boy, that really got to me and there I was again, bawling my eyes out!
For me personally, compassion and the urge to help people AND animals have always been part of me and I am longing for a stable, healthy environment and lifestyle, where I can grow and better myself as a person and where doing good becomes my everyday.
Because honestly, that romantic-couple-thing, that is just not...enough,for me it isn’t anyway.
Sure there are super happy self-contained "forever"couples out there, it is just not the norm, not even natural I dare to say.
So if you don’t have a big family around you, imagine you live within the security of a clan or tribe, like in the good old days.
Maybe that kind of set up would allow us to choose or not choose a partner for the right reason, not because we feel we NEED to because of the kids, the mortgage, what people might think ...or simply because we don’t want to end up alone.
But just like any type of partnership, this community thing cannot be easy. Never forget that only 10% actually make it, so lets make sure we do the groundwork first and know our s***!
* Indian word for an organized group of people with a shared aim or interest; an association or other organization.
So, what about you?
I would love to hear your thoughts on this
What is it that we would want out of it, and what do we want to put in?
Practically speaking, I guess what I hope to gain is the possibility to combine the best of both worlds, going back to basics and simple, healthy green living, but without renouncing modern commodities like let's say internet or access to a car.
I envision a set up that is sustainable, clean and yes, beautiful.
Some of the benefits of communal living as listed in 'The Cohousing Handbook' are:
- Lower living costs: who wouldn’t want that..
- time saving: again, the benefits are rather clear
- environmentally friendly: it is our responsibility to change our ways
- Contribution: sharing skills and talents is fulfilling and everybody wins
- Social interaction: option of regular interaction without sacrificing privacy
- safety and support: it is a comfort to know that people look out for each other
- sharing resources: this is an interesting one- having access to more facilities than you would when you live alone...luxury some would call that
On a deeper level, I feel it is important to be part of something that we care about, and that cares about us.
Ok ok I admit, I am an idealist, but I am also a realist and to be honest it is hard sometimes to wangle the two sides.
And although feelings are a funny thing, when it comes down to it, they ultimately show me the way.
The moment something truly touches me inside, I just know..mostly because tears start rolling down my face
(and I am NOT the cry baby type of girl at ALL) and because of the sensation of a biiig lump in my throat...
During my search I read 'Joyfully together' from Thich Nhat Hanh, and this one sentence:
'When there is happiness in the Sangh*, that Sangh* can help so many people'
...oh boy, that really got to me and there I was again, bawling my eyes out!
For me personally, compassion and the urge to help people AND animals have always been part of me and I am longing for a stable, healthy environment and lifestyle, where I can grow and better myself as a person and where doing good becomes my everyday.
Because honestly, that romantic-couple-thing, that is just not...enough,for me it isn’t anyway.
Sure there are super happy self-contained "forever"couples out there, it is just not the norm, not even natural I dare to say.
So if you don’t have a big family around you, imagine you live within the security of a clan or tribe, like in the good old days.
Maybe that kind of set up would allow us to choose or not choose a partner for the right reason, not because we feel we NEED to because of the kids, the mortgage, what people might think ...or simply because we don’t want to end up alone.
But just like any type of partnership, this community thing cannot be easy. Never forget that only 10% actually make it, so lets make sure we do the groundwork first and know our s***!
* Indian word for an organized group of people with a shared aim or interest; an association or other organization.
So, what about you?
- what do you associate with community living?
- what other benefits would you add to the list?
- what are YOU passionate about with regards to community living?
I would love to hear your thoughts on this