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Knowledge share: communitarian life

Pay it
Forward

1 value - Virtual OK - Posted Jul 15, 2017

The world is changing so fast. The human race is dividing and uniting in a push-pull along a stretching spectrum from the deeply naturally connected to the deeply artificially connected (cyborg/VR world).

Curious about living in a co-op, commune or intentional community, which falls somewhere on the spectrum? Perhaps interested in starting your own? Or maybe you've already lived at one and have experiences to share. I'd love to hear them! And you're not alone! :)

I have been a member of a co-op community for 4 years, I visited numerous co-operatives and communes and I have some insight on avoiding culty ones, finding the rad ones and the ups and downs of living with others in a cooperative/communitarian setting.

The best way for some people to learn about them is to just visit them or go adventuring/couchsurfing/WWOOFing/exploring.

But maybe next to that, talking to a true fan of the lifestyle (like I am) could be useful for you. You never know who you'll meet or what kinds of amazing social experiences you'll have!

Training & Qualifications


I have spent 6 years on a personally initiated, on-the-ground research study of intentional communities on my personal journey for more meaning and a deeper connection to nature and to one another in our increasingly disconnected apathetic and unhealthy society. I have listened to the downsides and benefits on many levels:

- food
- quality of life
- ethics
- connection to/disconnection from larger institutions (a constant discussion!)
- networking
- making a difference
- equality (and what it means to different people)
- antisocial vs. social motivations
- dietary needs/restrictions
- relationships to plants
- relationships to animals
- relationships to human beings
- romances/love
- diversity
- perspectives from various genders, orientations, belief systems, ethnicities, ages, races, backgrounds, nationalities
- money matters
- travel
- technology
- clothing
- shelter
- sustainability

I have visited and interacted with the members of communes, co-ops, eco-villages and even corporate communities. I have asked them specifically for their answers to the quandries of "to co-op or not to co-op" and "how to co-op" and "what is this whole 'community' thing anyway?" among other questions that sound silly but are actually real concerns of people considering intentional community living (even those living in those very communities!). I have read many books they recommend and books they did not recommend but which speak some truth about them.

I am still seeking communities I want to visit and explore. And that is an important qualification, because I'm not some reporter trying to write them off. I genuinely think many models work the same or better than cities. Some of them are far worse, though. And it's important to see and know the signs of the difference. There are cults that you don't want to end up at. And there are also the opposite: wonderful free thinking places of amazing co-living.

I still want to talk to more people about it, even if you have already heard of co-ops or intentional communities. Especially if you've had a positive experience at one!

Trading Preference: Pay it forward – pass on the good deed!

Reviews of Maxeem


Aug 27, 2018
Maxeem is wonderful, diligent, quick to respond and very helpful. Very conversant and interesting.
Apr 13, 2018
Thanks for the great chat & question ideas!
Nov 25, 2018
Maxeeem is up to amazing things and this book is no exception. The thoughtfulness behind it is a joy to be affected by and hold a manifestation of in ...my hands. Thanks so much for your graciousness and conscientious stewardship of the planet to boot!show more
Oct 04, 2018
Fantastic and patient artist. Great to work with.
Sep 24, 2018
Love the axolotl drawing
Sep 24, 2018
Maxeem creates art! The designs took a lot of work but they came out exactly like I wanted! The hellbender salamander is so unique it is my favorite :...)! show more
Sep 20, 2018
I love Maxeems art, this is a true artist!
Miriam provided unit of Be Stress-Free with Reflexology for Maxeem
Aug 27, 2018
Thanks for looking at reflexology. People can help their own health with self help reflexology!
Aug 27, 2018
I love the tattoo design! I have had a bunch of people try to draw my tattoo and everyone thought it was too complicating but Maxeem drew it perfectly...! I am very impressed and would highly recommend this artist.show more
Aug 27, 2018
Maxeem is interesting, fascinating, talented. Very recommended.


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