by Tao Oliveto, Carrboro, NC

We had a great time on this trip and we are also in the early stages of considering opportunities for relocating. For now, we love living in co-housing in Carrboro and will be here for the near future, enjoying and participating in this progressive town. Still, there’s something to be said for shaking things up, challenging yourself to grow in new opportunities. I’ve moved a lot and admit that relocating is a wonderful stimulus for me, pushing me into new action. So, we’re listening, watching and waiting.

Sweet Pond Eco Community is forming in Southeastern VT, about 6 miles from Brattleboro. Here, 9 environmentally friendly homes will be placed in an apple orchard, while the surrounding pastures, woods and pond will be protected - close to 100 acres of remarkable beauty and natural habitat. The construction plans will be Leed Gold certified and based on the E.F. Schumaker’s, Small is Beautiful.

Currently seeking members, a thoroughly informative website is in place at SweetPondEcoCommunity.com. We were given a tour of the property (along with lunch and engaging conversation!) with T and Zoe, a well-informed, creatively inspiring couple who set out to save land and invite neighbors to work together to create “a caring, supportive, friendly, and most importantly FUN home.” Their vision includes “a community that delights in life, values communal living and diversity, and leaves a legacy of wise stewardship for future generations.” Learn more about T.

Brattleboro itself also seems promising as an urban community, drawing people in, rather than pushing them out. The only way we can find a community-oriented sustainable way of living in America is to unite in downsizing and contract back into efficient city landscapes. Consider The Wherehouse in the heart of downtown Winston-Salem, NC, where a group found variations of life and work in an urban kind of utopia. Our cultural shift towards hoarding space and “privacy” has not brought the health or happiness that we expected. Of course, just like in yoga, contraction triggers the complementary energy of expansion and, in this case, balancing our hearts and minds and our way of life.

One thing both Jerry and I know, is that we will continue to seek a way to share a way of life, interests and resources with others, wherever we end up. Co-housing/space sharing is the way of a sustainable and hope-filled future - no matter where you put it.

This entry was posted on Friday, May 2nd, 2008 at 1:17 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.