Wellbeing
Published on February 5, 2018
Comments 40

Normal programming has been temporarily suspended, because…

written by
Beach selfie #over50 #positiveageing #beachwalk #onlinedating #love #Australia

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 

40 Comments

  2. cathytea says

    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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  7. spicejac says

    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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  9. Widdershins says

    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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  13. acflory says

    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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  15. Dewy says

    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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  16. ForgivingConnects says

    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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  17. Pingback: Today’s Forgiving Fridays: Exquisite Beauty of Life – ForgivingConnects

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