Intentional Communities
Would you want to live in one?
I am curious how people feel about the idea of creating Intentional Communities? Specifically, completely egalitarian communities. Operated as a nonprofit. With the view of residents and visitors being Stewards of the Land, not Owners of it? Fully collaborative in nature.
If that premise resonates with you, what kind of lifestyle would be a dream-come-true for you? Meaning, when people think of Intentional Communities or “Communes,” what often comes to mind are images of 1960s and 70s-era “hippie” style, off-grid, hand-built housing and community farming. Yet, many different forms Intentional Communities have shaped themselves in recent years. In urban, rural and remote areas.
Some are off-grid homesteading styles.
Some are groups of friends who’ve bought land together and built modern homes - ranch and two-story style houses. Each having their own living space while creating picnic and playground areas for them to share with their children.
Others have purchased huge homes, even mansions. Designating communal spaces inside and outside the home for gatherings and fellowship. Some of these communities keep the residence more like a regular house. Other communities choosing to convert rooms into apartments for added privacy and independence.
There are “Tiny Home” intentional communities.
There are RV intentional communities.
There are women-only intentional communities. Among those, there are communities for only lesbian women.
Likewise, there are men-only intentional communities. Among those, there are communities for only gay men.
There are communities specifically for artists.
There are mission-based communities. Such as for Veterans.
There are industry-based co-living arrangements, such as tech professionals and/or digital nomads, sharing high-speed internet and other conveniences, yet benefit enormously from being able to maintain human contact by living together, rather than the isolation many in those industries have experienced.
Similarly, there are groups of co-workers (such as teachers and medical staff) that choose to live together - sharing commutes to work is one of the benefits.
Many intentional communities are created around ecological and/or homesteading principles. Some on religious or political principles. Some on holistic/wellness and diet. Of these, they may affirm organic and/or vegan diets. They may restrict (or promote) drug or alcohol use. They may adopted regular meditation or prayer schedules, as well as other programs to foster connection.
Some are fully egalitarian, operating as a Gift Society (or gift economy - a system of exchange where goods and services are given freely without explicit agreement for immediate or future reward).
Some will have shared income structures when residents have regular jobs. Functioning like a large family unit.
Some operate businesses within the community to more easily cover its maintenance expenses. (ie: Many of the eco-villages offer AirBnB style visitor opportunities or lead workshops & retreats or sell farm goods, artwork and crafts to support the community).
While most intentional communities are for full-time, year-round living, some have been created as vacation camps where friends and families can spend certain seasons together.
Most have well thought out policies for conflict resolution, maintenance, and sustainability.
Regardless of the visual, internal and external structures, Intentional Communities are about co-creating lifestyles that align with shared values.
Intentional Communities lift up the ideal of shared responsibility for the land, for the buildings, and for each other.
Does this appeal to you?
If so, what shape would your ideal Intentional Community take?
Do you want to have your own private home or share a mansion? Would you like to build a self-sufficient compound or even a small town? Would you like to be within an existing city or specific region of the country or world? Is your ideal location: Rural/Urban/Off-grid/Farmland/Mountain-region/Lakeside/BeachTown/4-seasons/Warm-climate?
Which Country/State/Province/City/etc would you want to be located in?
Would you want to live in a singles-only or same-sex community? Would you want there to be age restrictions (ie: 50 plus or retirement style communities)? Or would you prefer an intergenerational community? What kind of recreational activities are important to be included (ie: golfing communities, artist-style communities, access to swimming or cross-country-skiing, etc etc)
I would love to know why you are drawn to this kind of lifestyle? What kind of co-living arrangement you feel would best suit your values and vision. I would also love to know what you feel you would best be able to contribute to co-create a thriving intentional community.
Comment here or Email me:
Below there are some images to spark your imagination.
