FOLLOWING THE 4 KEYS OF AN ECO-VILLAGE/ SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY:
Ecological Dimension
The Ecological dimension of a community allows people to experience their personal connection to the living earth. People can enjoy daily interaction with the soil, water, wind, plants and animals. They provide for their daily needs - food, clothing, shelter while respecting the cycles of nature. Ecology means
* Protecting nature and safeguarding wilderness areas
* Preserving clean soil, water and air through proper energy and waste management
* Growing food as much as possible within the community bio-region
* Supporting organic food production in the area
* Creating homes out of locally adapted materials
* Using integrated renewable energy systems
*Fostering ecological business principles
*Protecting biodivesity
Economic Dimension
As local groups and communities create their own local scrip currencies, exchange systems or decide to live totally exchange free, they learn about the new economy which is - energy, information and money is the same and none of it is scarce. A community's economy can be robust and full of vitality compared to other economies. Economic vitality means
* Earning. spending and investing any money in and for the community
* Making sure that every resident is meeting his/her basic needs
* Circulating any resources through as man hands as possible inside
* Keeping any money there is in the community
Social Dimension
In communities people naturally feel supported and responsible to those around them. Each member can feel a deep sense of belonging to the group. If a community is small enough, everyone feels safer, empowered, seen and heard. People are then able to participate in making decisions that affect their own lives and that of the community on a more transparent basis. Community then means
* Recognizing, respecting and relating well to others
* Sharing common resources and providing mutual aid
* Encouraging unity trough respect for differences
* Providing opportunities for creativity, self-expression and contribution
* Emphasizing holistic and peaceful oriented practices
* Fostering diverse cultural expression
Worldview/Cultural-Spiritual Dimension
Conscious communities respect and support - the Earth and all living things, cultural and artistic enrichment and expression, and spiritual diversity. Cultural and spiritual vitality means
* Sense of community unity and mutual support
* Creation of a peaceful, loving and sustainable world
* Respect and support for spirituality manifesting in many ways
* Flexibility and successful responsiveness to difficulties that arise
* Shared creativity, artistic expression, cultural activities, rituals and celebrations
* Shared vision and agreements that express commitments, cultural heritage and the uniqueness of each community
* Understanding the interconnectedness and interdependence of all the elements of the Earth and the community's place
in relation to the whole.
A NEW FORM OF SELF GOVERNANCE
Following the basic principles of Whole Systems has proven to be very successful by many well established intentional communities and eco-villages. They are not absolute and can be changed to reflect our member's highest values.
Like other evolutionary processes, whole systems decision making is not a linear process. Instead, it involves principles to be practiced in concert with one another. (I will share more about this in the community blog.)
The path of self-actualization in this new cycle of life is co-creation. Through synergy we can create what is beyond anything we could do alone and we are liberated to align with others for the betterment of all.
Ecological Dimension
The Ecological dimension of a community allows people to experience their personal connection to the living earth. People can enjoy daily interaction with the soil, water, wind, plants and animals. They provide for their daily needs - food, clothing, shelter while respecting the cycles of nature. Ecology means
* Protecting nature and safeguarding wilderness areas
* Preserving clean soil, water and air through proper energy and waste management
* Growing food as much as possible within the community bio-region
* Supporting organic food production in the area
* Creating homes out of locally adapted materials
* Using integrated renewable energy systems
*Fostering ecological business principles
*Protecting biodivesity
Economic Dimension
As local groups and communities create their own local scrip currencies, exchange systems or decide to live totally exchange free, they learn about the new economy which is - energy, information and money is the same and none of it is scarce. A community's economy can be robust and full of vitality compared to other economies. Economic vitality means
* Earning. spending and investing any money in and for the community
* Making sure that every resident is meeting his/her basic needs
* Circulating any resources through as man hands as possible inside
* Keeping any money there is in the community
Social Dimension
In communities people naturally feel supported and responsible to those around them. Each member can feel a deep sense of belonging to the group. If a community is small enough, everyone feels safer, empowered, seen and heard. People are then able to participate in making decisions that affect their own lives and that of the community on a more transparent basis. Community then means
* Recognizing, respecting and relating well to others
* Sharing common resources and providing mutual aid
* Encouraging unity trough respect for differences
* Providing opportunities for creativity, self-expression and contribution
* Emphasizing holistic and peaceful oriented practices
* Fostering diverse cultural expression
Worldview/Cultural-Spiritual Dimension
Conscious communities respect and support - the Earth and all living things, cultural and artistic enrichment and expression, and spiritual diversity. Cultural and spiritual vitality means
* Sense of community unity and mutual support
* Creation of a peaceful, loving and sustainable world
* Respect and support for spirituality manifesting in many ways
* Flexibility and successful responsiveness to difficulties that arise
* Shared creativity, artistic expression, cultural activities, rituals and celebrations
* Shared vision and agreements that express commitments, cultural heritage and the uniqueness of each community
* Understanding the interconnectedness and interdependence of all the elements of the Earth and the community's place
in relation to the whole.
A NEW FORM OF SELF GOVERNANCE
Following the basic principles of Whole Systems has proven to be very successful by many well established intentional communities and eco-villages. They are not absolute and can be changed to reflect our member's highest values.
Like other evolutionary processes, whole systems decision making is not a linear process. Instead, it involves principles to be practiced in concert with one another. (I will share more about this in the community blog.)
The path of self-actualization in this new cycle of life is co-creation. Through synergy we can create what is beyond anything we could do alone and we are liberated to align with others for the betterment of all.