Beach selfie #over50 #positiveageing #beachwalk #wellbeing #love @boneAndsilver
… because I’m attending a 7-day intensive on the creation of an intentional Eco Village community near the beach, so I’ve decided to try and blog about each day’s events, partly as a way of integrating all the experiences.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.”
Margaret Mead
The vision is a Permaculture-based village, with clusters of dwellings, and shared community resources, such as a school, a restaurant, a community centre, a swimming pool and a small commercial centre that will include a general store, a medical centre and a community bank.
“We’re doing things differently. We’re challenging the mainstream concept that success = ownership and are advocating for the concepts of success = connection and success = energy independence, but also success = interdependence.” BEV website 2018
One of the most basic premises is that no one ‘owns’ their home; they’ll already be built by local architects and builders, to passive-solar designs, then you buy a share in the Village, and pay a weekly rent, but it’s secure for the rest of your life. Interesting.
We’ll also be studying Non-Violent Communication (NVC), with conflict resolution as part of that, plus Permaculture, alternatives to current world economics, Indigenous perspectives, cultural capital, Dynamic Governance/Sociocracy as opposed to Democracy, as well as meditation, yoga, an Empathy Bath (?), and delicious vegan lunches provided.
I’ll share everything except the lunch.
Sounds interesting/slightly weird/challenging doesn’t it? I have no idea what I’m letting myself in for, but I cleared my week’s calendar months ago, so can attend everything 9-5, plus the early morning yoga if I’m super keen- but to be honest, I’ll probably be lying in bed answering all your curious comments!
Has anyone out there done such a thing, or been part of an Eco Village? Any stories of delight, or warnings? I am partly motivated by the idea of living in a solid community as I get older, and being able to walk everywhere, and cycle to the beach- they estimate no one will be living on the land for at least another 3-4 years (so let’s call that 5 or 6).
Which would be perfect for me then.
I’m looking forward to sharing the privilege of this journey with you for 7 days (hopefully), unless I get too worn out with all the bathing in Empathy…
In gratitude for alternative perspectives, G xO
bone&silver 
That sounds great. Enjoy and let us know how it goes and what you learn please.
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This has been a dream of mine for ages! Our lives took a different direction–more insular, more individual, perhaps–but I still love this concept and I will really enjoy reading your insights into how this ideal actualizes into the real! 🙂 Looking forward to what you learn, discover, and create!
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Thanks Cathy! Stay tuned x
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Great
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That sounds very very interesting .I would like to hear more😀
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Doesn’t it? See you here tomorrow…
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looking forward to your reports–sounds like a fascinating week!
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Sounds fab. I read Non-violent Communication at the end of last year and loved it…so much so that it’s gone back on the bookshelf for a repeat read.
Enjoy your week!
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Awesome- seems like our world leaders need to read it more…
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Looking forward to hearing more – this is a dream of mine, so to hear your experience will be invaluable. Thanks for sharing it with us!
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Reblogged this on Living Small in a Big World and commented:
This is something I’ve always dreamed about doing, so I’m waiting for the next installment…
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I’ll be very interested to read all your feedback on this. It’s a fabulous idea in theory, but I’ve seen too many of these kinds of ideas fall through due to in-fighting, and egos getting out of hand.
It also had to do with the ‘personal space’ and ‘communal living’ coming into conflict with each other – sloppy boundaries, in part, and not taking responsibility, etc.
From what I’ve read the Eco Village concept tries to find a middle ground that works for everyone.
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Yes, that’s been my previous experience too Widds; lovely in theory, but the human animal is a tricky one. As an Introvert (albeit an Extroverted one), that struggle between privacy and social community is a challenge for me. Plus ego-tripping people who talk in loud voices to get their own way, a bit like Donald Trump. I will try to report back diligently 😊🙏🏼
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Look forward to it. 🙂
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Looking forward to your experience.
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Here’s the sum up of the final 7th day, with links at the end to the other 6 days, for your convenience Lisa : )
https://boneandsilver.com/2018/02/18/final-day-7-integration-of-eco-village-intensive/
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Interesting. Reminiscent of the hippie communes. Keep us informed 😊
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Yes, there’s a few old hippies here in the background…
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Including me, lol 😎
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How wonderful! ❤
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I hope it will be 👍🏼❤
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💗🌟💗
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I’m sending love and good vibes!
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I like the idea of a shared, village type lifestyle, but I’ve been too rootless to give up the home I now have. Then again, I’m not getting any younger. I’ll be interested in following your experiences at the Eco village.
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Yes, my future community as I age is definitely one of my motivations, plus living closer to the beach (although I’m actually only 10 mins away by car, but still…) : )
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Probably not such a great idea to be too near the beach…climate change and sea level rises, you know. 🙂
I’d like something like that in a more mountainous region. Of course, give my fear of bushfires, that’s probably not such a great idea either. -sigh-
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I hear your sigh. I’m with you. This is actually 10 mins from beach up a hill… I’d be safe there wouldn’t I??
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-grin- How far up the hill? You might end up with a beachfront property after all. 🙂
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Hahahahaha.
*also weeps
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-hugs- Maybe you could suggest they build on stilts instead of slabs?
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🤡
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Sounds amazing! I’m looking forward to learning more. Thank you for taking the time to share what you learn and what you see.
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Sounds good on theory not sure about in real life. Make sure before you proceed that the contract is solid. I’m not liking the bit about the rent or offering lifelong security.
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Good points Dewy, thank you. And I’m very streetwise like that 👍🏼
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Wow, Gabrielle, this is amazing!! Sending you love and blessings. Feel free to link one of your posts (or this one) to #ForgivingFridays…. creating conversation around nonviolent conflict is right up the forgiveness alley, so to speak!! Love this. You are amazing, be good and gentle with yourself.
Love, Debbie
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Yes, good reminder thanks Debbie 😊
I appreciate your input as ever 🙏🏼 xx
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You got it Gabrielle! Have fun 🙂
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Sounds incredibly interesting and cannot wait to read about your thoughts, feelings and experiences on this adventure!!
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It’s been truly fascinating, but I am glad it’s over now: 7 days 9-5 was Intense!
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