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<title>Communities Magazine - Coments</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/comments_rss2.php</link>
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<pubDate>Sat, 25 May 2013 01:26:37 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Comments on all Communities Magazine Articles]]></description>
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<title>Comment from Ma'ikwe Ludwig on 05/08/2013 09:46</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1649/Making_Lymeade#131</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1649/Making_Lymeade#131</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 08 May 2013 09:46:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[[Response from Ma'ikwe Ludwig to bwillson--see separate comment]

Thanks for reading and your comment. This is a very hard topic for me, and if you get the print magazine you'll see my sidebar on it.

The very short answer is that it depends on your level of disability and the purpose of the community. It is generally very hard for people with disabilities to find a home in community, unless they lived there before their disability. Most communities struggle, especially in the early years. Diversity and disability are two things that you can only have so much of before the community is essentially all about working with these issues.

And this completely tears me up; I can't in good conscience insist that communities take everyone. I also see how many amazing people just happen to have lyme, fibro, MS, or a host of other things, who would benefit greatly from community (especially in a culture where disability services can be very hard to access) and have a lot to give. But we can't all be couch bound and still get the work done. Which frankly sucks.]]></description>
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<title>Comment from bwillson on 05/07/2013 09:28</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1649/Making_Lymeade#130</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1649/Making_Lymeade#130</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2013 09:28:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Thank you for this article! I am somewhat disabled with Fibromyalgia I was told, but I often wonder about Lyme.
I would like to join a community, but fear no one would want me because of my physical limitations. My daughter is disabled with POTS, a form of dysautonomia and another condition called achalasia. We have a hard time finding family to help us and have been trying to fend for ourselves alone. I feel community would be the answer. I have a LOT to give, share and teach and can do a good bit "from the couch" too!  What are your thoughts on disabled people in community? Are there communities specifically for that, or any you know of that are welcoming to the slightly broken? She is an amazingly talented color expert, art framer and artist! My expertise is food, particularly Traditional food ways and would still be good for a resident grandma/wise woman!!]]></description>
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<title>Comment from marcine on 04/29/2013 04:10</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1631/Self_Reliance_Right_Livelihood_and_Economic_Realities#129</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1631/Self_Reliance_Right_Livelihood_and_Economic_Realities#129</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 29 Apr 2013 04:10:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[I appreciate reading this as reality check! As a couple looking for a community that has marginal funds and the desire to work in community, not on the outside I see why the opportunities for such a life are dismal out there. But that we keep the vision and do what we can do to continue to feed it are important, as well as heal the wounds of the old paradigm. Thanks for holding the space!]]></description>
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<title>Comment from clarityao on 04/13/2013 03:41</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1629/Cycling_toward_Sustainable_Community#128</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1629/Cycling_toward_Sustainable_Community#128</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 13 Apr 2013 03:41:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[I loved the movie :) it has inspired me and now I live in community. And just for the record Ryan lives in the same community as me in Hawaii so it was actually not a "honeymoon phase".]]></description>
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<title>Comment from jilala on 04/09/2013 11:23</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1634/Affordability_Angst_and_Angels#127</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1634/Affordability_Angst_and_Angels#127</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 09 Apr 2013 11:23:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[I have just visited Heart-Culture and Kara Huntermoon's descriptive interview is right on.  The land is beautiful, ancient, as are the main buildings.  Mature, self-sustaining, meditative people with the curiosity and perseverance to explore the oneness of existence and the discipline to take care of the needs of the land and the residents will be welcomed.]]></description>
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<title>Comment from artgal on 04/02/2013 12:59</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1631/Self_Reliance_Right_Livelihood_and_Economic_Realities#126</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1631/Self_Reliance_Right_Livelihood_and_Economic_Realities#126</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:59:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Abeja, Very interesting and well written post. I've just begun researching communal living for my son. I'm still trying to envision it.

My son, age 40, is going through some emotional challenges, feelings of failure that his life is not the success he feels it should be. He's a hard worker and well suited to outdoor work. In his youth, he enjoyed working in nurseries. Now, he barely keeps himself supported with his own residential window cleaning business. Our talks evolved to the idea of joining a working commune. Your own personal conflicts rang so true with me, particularly the way our government has made living debt free an impossibility. And a legally compliant business is out of reach for most. 

I wonder if you could share any resources to further our research into this topic? He's in Florida & would prefer to remain local but any links to info explaining the concept & requirements of a co-op would be much appreciated.

Thanks for sharing your reflections.

NOTE FROM FIC STAFF: You can find lots of info. about how to find and join an intentional community here: http://www.ic.org/in/enews/eNews2013March23.php]]></description>
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<title>Comment from Awkikuna on 03/24/2013 04:00</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1513/The_Sharing_Gardens#123</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1513/The_Sharing_Gardens#123</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 24 Mar 2013 04:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Thank you so much for this! We just incorporated this model to our community garden.]]></description>
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<title>Comment from Oz Ragland on 03/20/2013 19:11</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1641/Achieving_Affordability_with_Cohousing#122</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1641/Achieving_Affordability_with_Cohousing#122</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 20 Mar 2013 19:11:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[To: Marsha J. Beesen

Unfortunately, I believe you are right - cohousing is not realistic for a number of people.

There's nothing that inherently makes the cost of a house in a cohousing community any less expensive than for conventional homes. 

People who cannot purchase a conventional home, also cannot purchase a cohousing home.

Oz]]></description>
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<title>Comment from mjwyogini on 03/19/2013 07:44</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1641/Achieving_Affordability_with_Cohousing#121</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1641/Achieving_Affordability_with_Cohousing#121</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 19 Mar 2013 07:44:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[I believe that it's just not true that there are many affordable Cohousing communites. I have been trying to get into Cohousing since
I first found out about it in 1995. I've tried
many communities; usually one needs up front money in order to join; and I was a single parent for many years and that just made it harder. Now that I'm older and remarried; it STILL has not happened. We've tried together, to no avail.
I direct you to my entry in a blog on the Cohousing web pages:

http://www.cohousing.org/node/4228

Cohousing is not realistic for a number of people, and THAT is reality!!
Marsha J. Beesen]]></description>
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<title>Comment from ColinDoyle on 03/06/2013 20:08</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1559/Real_Diversity_Is_Internal#120</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1559/Real_Diversity_Is_Internal#120</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 06 Mar 2013 20:08:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Thanks for your comment, Sangel.

Based on feedback from you and others, I see that one of my points did not come through the way I wanted in the article, so I'll clarify it here.

I don't dismiss the experience of anyone, whatever their level of minorityness.  To me, it is feelings of being different that make one a minority.  These are often the result of being treated differently due to skin color, gender, accent, etc., but don't have to come from those external differences.  Mine comes from having a different worldview from the society around me.  They both arrive at the same place - feeling different - and that sense of being different is the crux of it, what I called the causal factor.  Someone of a different "race"/age/(dis)ability/etc. might not feel like a minority, but someone who knows they are different from those around them does feel like one, no matter if the original cause is external or internal.

I guess I should have made this point clearer in the article.]]></description>
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<title>Comment from Oz Ragland on 03/04/2013 13:06</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1641/Achieving_Affordability_with_Cohousing#119</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1641/Achieving_Affordability_with_Cohousing#119</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 04 Mar 2013 13:06:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Saying that "cohousing is intrinsically an affordable model" is true when comparing cohousing homes to single-family homes in nearby neighborhoods. It's rarely true when the comparables are homes in other forms of intentional community - such as ecovillages, communes, and shared households.

Unsubsidized cohousing homes have a HUGE range in price. The current Cohousing.org Classified Ads shows homes for sale ranging in price from $139K (Minneapolis, MN) - $595K (Boulder, CO). I've heard prices as high as $1.2 Million.

Achieving affordable cohousing home prices WITHOUT subsidies is very difficult. Why? It's very expensive to pay architects for custom designs. It's very expensive to pay lawyers and developers for the required legal and financial infrastructure. And perhaps most expensive are the home sizes and features required to be readily finance-able using conventional mortgages.

Oz Ragland
Exec. Dir. Coho/US (2008-2011)
Songaia Cohousing (1992-2010)]]></description>
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<title>Comment from spotty4 on 03/02/2013 13:58</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1641/Achieving_Affordability_with_Cohousing#118</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1641/Achieving_Affordability_with_Cohousing#118</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 02 Mar 2013 13:58:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[As the number of seniors who can no longer live on their own grows and the number of special needs adults also grows, we need to expand the model of co-housing to include supportive care.  We have lived as humans for tens of thousands of years in extended families in small tribes.  We need to develop low-cost rental units ($400-500/month)that mix the two populations so that they can help each other.  This dramatically reduces costs and improves quality of life.  
   I have written a number of papers on how to do this and will help anyone who is interested develop this co-housing model for their aging parents or adults special needs children.  
Phil Spottswood (spotty1948 [AT] aol.com)]]></description>
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<title>Comment from flywithrhonda on 03/02/2013 13:46</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1412/It_Takes_a_Community_to_Grow_an_Elder#117</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1412/It_Takes_a_Community_to_Grow_an_Elder#117</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 02 Mar 2013 13:46:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[A light bulb moment for me reading this article.  Now I understand the feelings I've been having turning 60 this year on Feb 7th, 2013.  I would like to find a community to join somewhere near Fort Worth, TX. I have 4 grandkids there so maybe Austin or Arlington would be good for me.  If anyone has an idea they would like to share with me, please contact me at my email...rhondajhenderson [AT] yahoo.com.
Keep up the great work!
Rhonda Henderson

[Editor's Note: Here's a reply from McCune in the FIC's Virginia office:

Reply to Communities magazine comment

Greetings,

The FIC offers the following tools to help search for intentional communities that meet particular criteria, including tools that focus on senior intentional community living:

1)ONLINE DIRECTORY. Search http://directory.ic.org for communities that meet any requirements you may have. Contact the communities individually on the list you generate to start correspondence with each community on the list. To contact an individual community, use the contact information at the upper right of that community's listing.

Communities by alphabetic list
http://directory.ic.org/iclist/

Communities by type: Ecovillages, Cohousing, Communes, Co-ops, Christian
http://directory.ic.org/iclist/community_type.php

Communities by geographic list
http://directory.ic.org/iclist/geo.php

Search using maps
http://directory.ic.org/maps/

Advanced search
http://directory.ic.org/records/?action=search

Complete advanced search
http://directory.ic.org/records/?action=search&advanced=true

Note regarding advanced searches: There is a check box on these pages which has an important effect on the results which reads "Check here to include communities who have not answered a given question in search results."

The Search Our Site box at the top left of every page on our site might also prove useful if none of the other online Directory search tools seems to help locate what you're seeking.

2)ONLINE BULLETIN BOARD. Post your interests on our free online bulletin board which is read by thousands of people.

http://reach.ic.org

3)IN PRINT. Our print resources may be helpful, particularly the Communities Directory, Communities magazine, and the book Finding Community: How to Join an Ecovillage or Intentional Community.

Shop here for the Directory, Communities magazine, and other titles http://store.ic.org/catalog/

4)NETWORKING EVENTS. Attend one or more regional or national intentional community events. These are typically the best way to meet people already living in intentional community and/or who have visited one or more intentional communities.

http://events.ic.org/events/
http://fic.ic.org/aofc/
http://fic.ic.org/org_mtgs.php

5)VISIT/TOUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES. A visit to or tour of intentional communities near your place of residence can be very useful. (Always pre-arrange such visits -- never show up without an appointment to visit or tour.)

6)FORUMS. There are community related discussion forums on a third party site.

http://intentionalcommunity.tribe.net/
http://coho.tribe.net/

Sincerely,
McCune
FIC Staff]]]></description>
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<title>Comment from treshann on 01/31/2013 01:32</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1417/And_I_Listen#116</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1417/And_I_Listen#116</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 31 Jan 2013 01:32:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[thank you for sharing your story. I am on this site reading because I am in a transitory stage of my life and think a spiritual communal living may be the answer for me.....what makes this story so ironic is that I am 52 years old and it will be a conflict with my children that would arise not vice-versa.....yet your insight is valuable in this instance also.........thank u and namaste :-)
Tres]]></description>
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<title>Comment from AngeleOrtega on 01/12/2013 00:07</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1616/Community_for_a_Minute#115</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1616/Community_for_a_Minute#115</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 12 Jan 2013 00:07:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Love it.. so basic are the rules

First - Trust Nature
Second- Trust a group
Three - Trust yourself

I love what she is doing.. lets have more of her everywhere ... at all schools.]]></description>
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<title>Comment from homealki on 01/08/2013 23:24</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1565/Busting_the_Myth_that_Consensus_with_Unanimity_Is_Good_for_Communities#114</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1565/Busting_the_Myth_that_Consensus_with_Unanimity_Is_Good_for_Communities#114</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 08 Jan 2013 23:24:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Thank you for creating a thorough and thoughtful article that addresses so many important common assumptions around consensus. Excellent and useful.]]></description>
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<title>Comment from oliviercompagne on 01/07/2013 09:12</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1565/Busting_the_Myth_that_Consensus_with_Unanimity_Is_Good_for_Communities#113</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1565/Busting_the_Myth_that_Consensus_with_Unanimity_Is_Good_for_Communities#113</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 07 Jan 2013 09:12:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Thanks for this overview and distinctions of the different types of consensus and their limits, Diana. I work with HolacracyOne, which promotes Holacracy, and I'd like to offer some further distinctions for anyone interested. 

As opposed to Sociocracy, in Holacracy, operational decisions (e.g., what's our business model?) are actually not made collectively -- only governance decisions are (e.g. who decides what's our business model?). Once the authorities and responsibilities are distributed, each person in their roles make autocratic decisions on operational matters. This favors effectiveness and speed of execution: no need to meet all the time to decide everything together. 

However, as you said, governance decisions can be revisited often, so as to adapt and adjust authorities based on what we learned from doing the work.

It's a subtle distinction, but significant enough that I thought it was worth sharing. If you have questions about Holacracy, feel free to reach out!]]></description>
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<title>Comment from Linzeesh on 12/19/2012 20:50</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1580/My_Advice_to_Others_Planning_to_Start_an_Ecovillage#112</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1580/My_Advice_to_Others_Planning_to_Start_an_Ecovillage#112</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 19 Dec 2012 20:50:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Thanks Lois, for sharing the wisdom arising from your experience and perseverance with us all!
Lindsay Newman,
founder of Altarnik]]></description>
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<title>Comment from caitlinaddison on 12/04/2012 18:33</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1607/Crossing_over_the_Threshold#111</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1607/Crossing_over_the_Threshold#111</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 04 Dec 2012 18:33:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Such a touching and realistic interpretation of the period of transition. Just becoming aware of the disconnect between the generations and how to present bridges that can connect us. Thanks for your wonderful words.]]></description>
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<title>Comment from aaa on 10/06/2012 14:56</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1554/Diversity_Issues_in_Los_Angeles_Eco_Village#104</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1554/Diversity_Issues_in_Los_Angeles_Eco_Village#104</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 06 Oct 2012 14:56:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Is "I don't Like you" ever appropriate or necessary?

Really?

The statement is a reflection of ego and inability to love another human being.]]></description>
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<title>Comment from mmaskall on 09/02/2012 11:09</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1580/My_Advice_to_Others_Planning_to_Start_an_Ecovillage#102</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1580/My_Advice_to_Others_Planning_to_Start_an_Ecovillage#102</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 02 Sep 2012 11:09:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Thanks for your wise advice, Lois.  -- Marty Maskall, Project Manager & Future resident of Folsom EcoHousing]]></description>
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<title>Comment from Archael on 08/11/2012 13:59</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1565/Busting_the_Myth_that_Consensus_with_Unanimity_Is_Good_for_Communities#101</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1565/Busting_the_Myth_that_Consensus_with_Unanimity_Is_Good_for_Communities#101</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 11 Aug 2012 13:59:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Thank you for sharing this insight.

Archael]]></description>
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<title>Comment from tkukuczka on 08/10/2012 08:19</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1417/And_I_Listen#100</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1417/And_I_Listen#100</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 10 Aug 2012 08:19:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[I really enjoyed your article and the humor used. Thanks for sharing.
Tami]]></description>
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<title>Comment from tkukuczka on 08/09/2012 11:34</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1565/Busting_the_Myth_that_Consensus_with_Unanimity_Is_Good_for_Communities#99</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1565/Busting_the_Myth_that_Consensus_with_Unanimity_Is_Good_for_Communities#99</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 Aug 2012 11:34:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[I am new to intentional communities and I had been wondering how the concensus method works. This article really answered a lot of questions I had about the process.  Diana, you explained things in a very understandable way; illustrating your words with examples.  Overall a really interesting read. Thanks.

Tami]]></description>
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<title>Comment from marionpape on 08/04/2012 19:20</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1565/Busting_the_Myth_that_Consensus_with_Unanimity_Is_Good_for_Communities#98</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1565/Busting_the_Myth_that_Consensus_with_Unanimity_Is_Good_for_Communities#98</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 04 Aug 2012 19:20:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Thanks for this analysis, Diana. I, too have had serious issues with a single blocker in a consensus process and now realize that  it would have been helpful to have had more training in facilitation techniques.
We are in   a forming Co-Housing Community in Victoria, BC (Fernwood Urban Village) and are looking at training every member in conflict resolution, non-violent communication and consensus.

marion]]></description>
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<title>Comment from Sangel on 07/26/2012 14:33</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1559/Real_Diversity_Is_Internal#97</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1559/Real_Diversity_Is_Internal#97</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 26 Jul 2012 14:33:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[I related very much to your experience of thinking differently, both with those around me, and with those I choose to associate with.  Many of us would like to focus on our commonalities, and your article is representative of much of the cultural thinking of today.  However, it also dismisses the cultural experiences of the groups that you identify.  

I represent several among them; Puerto Rican, older, a woman, gay, lower class, and yet I am also very educated, active in community groups, the transition movement, sustainability, etc. and your thinking represents a cultural trend in these groups. 

It is important to realize that this thinking is very privileged and does not represent the common cultural internal consciousness.  You include yourself as part of diversity, and as a minority, but you also dismiss their experience, which is exclusive.  For true cultural change, we do need to change our internal thinking, but for true diversity we need the value of everyone's experiences.]]></description>
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<title>Comment from cairn on 07/17/2012 08:06</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1564/The_Art_and_Ethics_of_Visitor_Programs#96</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1564/The_Art_and_Ethics_of_Visitor_Programs#96</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 17 Jul 2012 08:06:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Thank you for writing this.  I have been told by Spirit to start looking into intentional communities, and this article provided me with helpful information.

Only love exists,

karen]]></description>
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<title>Comment from FrankSchawaller on 07/10/2012 10:28</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1559/Real_Diversity_Is_Internal#95</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1559/Real_Diversity_Is_Internal#95</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Jul 2012 10:28:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[...and if folks want to get involved with Daniel Quinn, www.ishmael.org is the place to go. Also ishmael.org/NTV/ which can get you going with his New Tribal Ventures!

Thank you Colin for an inspiring article!]]></description>
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<title>Comment from corky1 on 07/02/2012 08:41</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1557/The_Limits_of_Diversity#94</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1557/The_Limits_of_Diversity#94</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 02 Jul 2012 08:41:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA["If we value diversity, let's start with religious tolerance."

How can we be tolerant of religious groups that are intolerant? One example, (and there are many more examples) one of the largest religious groups in the world boldly proclaims that all people who are NOT in their faith should be either killed or enslaved. Tolerance of this group means either becoming their slave or fighting them to the death.

Response from FIC Executive Secretary Laird Schaub:
In some ways, this is a perfect example of the challenge of diversity: how does it make sense to embrace those who condemn you? It is FIC's view that one of the core tests of nonviolence is whether you can find it in your heart to appreciate how someone can feel so inspired by their religious views that they are certain that they alone have answers to today's vexing social and spiritual issues. The delicacy here is walking the line between acknowledging the powerful desire for spiritual certainty and yet affirming the spiritual integrity of having a different answer. Did anyone say this was easy?]]></description>
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<title>Comment from CherylThompson on 06/19/2012 11:23</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1554/Diversity_Issues_in_Los_Angeles_Eco_Village#91</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1554/Diversity_Issues_in_Los_Angeles_Eco_Village#91</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 19 Jun 2012 11:23:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Hi, I'm a radical feminist struggling with the same accusations of "racism" in online feminist spaces.  There is no recognition that nowadays more white people (and pretty much every liberal) has a much great understanding of the dynamics of racism and much empathy for those suffering from racism.  Notice that it's logically impossible to claim that racism is as bad as it used to be when so many more people are conscious of it, and genuinely desire to eliminate it.  There's no recognition that racist beliefs have declined or that the  status of people of color has improved from decades past.

The narrative is that racism is as bad as it ever was, that there is zero distinction between "inside feminist spaces" and "outside feminist spaces" and that every white feminist has hidden (or not-so hidden) gross amounts of white supremacy just waiting to trap people of color.  These are patently false narratives -- and logically ONLY false conclusions can result from false narratives.]]></description>
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<title>Comment from unhooked on 06/06/2012 18:37</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1553/The_Lighter_Side_of_Community#90</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1553/The_Lighter_Side_of_Community#90</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 06 Jun 2012 18:37:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Thank you much for this review. I'm looking forward to seeing the film, even though it pokes fun at the one thing the world needs most right now. Do you mind if I link to it from my blog at http://simpleunhookedliving.wordpress.com?
[Response from author: Please feel free to link from your blog--and thanks for the appreciation!]]]></description>
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<title>Comment from unhooked on 06/06/2012 18:07</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1535/Common_Ground_in_an_Uncertain_World#89</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1535/Common_Ground_in_an_Uncertain_World#89</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 06 Jun 2012 18:07:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Wow Chris. I'm so impressed with the clarity and thoughtfulness of your writing. Thanks for another good read.]]></description>
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<title>Comment from Charlesalban on 05/08/2012 13:50</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1534/Creating_Spiritual_Community_at_the_Hermitage#88</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1534/Creating_Spiritual_Community_at_the_Hermitage#88</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 08 May 2012 13:50:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[This is the fundamental problem with all intentional communities. There is way too much work to do for a small group. That's why we have all these labor-saving gadgets... because we don't have the people to do the work. I'm a member of the New Vrindavan spiritual community in West Virginia. We went through all the simple and primitive living back in the 60s and 70s. There were over 700 people living here at its height in the early 80s. But most of them left as soon as they started getting married and having families. Any intentional community that wishes to grow and survive for the long haul must devise ways to retain and meet the needs of young families. The Amish are particularly successful at this. Their average family size is seven children, of which they retain 80%, and their population doubles every 20 years. They have learned how to take care of the needs of their young people. This is the model that needs to be followed.]]></description>
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<title>Comment from jeanmarie on 05/06/2012 20:28</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1534/Creating_Spiritual_Community_at_the_Hermitage#87</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1534/Creating_Spiritual_Community_at_the_Hermitage#87</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 06 May 2012 20:28:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Oooo boy, The things we do to feed our fantasy at the expense of sanity! Back to the land in 1973 for me was fraught with the same kind of peril. I burned down to a weak kernel of flame in ten years...physically, mentally and spiritually exhausted. Now, thirty years and a bit more secure I find myself revisiting that worldview I held in the '70s. I will invest my energy and talents in an effort to assemble my community. This time better prepared and informed...thank Goddess for the www!
Ok, my hat is off to you guys. Ya rolled the dice and accepted their faces up. And you evolved in a manner suitable to your spirits and circumstances...I admire your grit.
best wishes to ya,
jeanmarie]]></description>
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<title>Comment from boiester on 04/24/2012 19:19</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1501/Permaculture_101_and_Attending_to_Zone_Zero#86</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1501/Permaculture_101_and_Attending_to_Zone_Zero#86</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 24 Apr 2012 19:19:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Wisdom does come with age.  Thanks for your article; it demonstrates the zeal of youth, and the perspective of experience.]]></description>
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<title>Comment from silverheron on 04/15/2012 19:14</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1539/Inviting_God_to_Dance#85</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1539/Inviting_God_to_Dance#85</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 15 Apr 2012 19:14:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Love your article Mom,  It reminds me of when I discovered "A different Drummer". You seemed to really understand me then and I appreciated it.

Your Daughter,
Billie]]></description>
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<title>Comment from paxus on 04/13/2012 00:03</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1553/The_Lighter_Side_of_Community#84</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1553/The_Lighter_Side_of_Community#84</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:03:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Chris: An excellent review, and part of the reason that i say this is it is so close to the review i wrote and then re-wrote for Elephant Journal.

http://www.elephantjournal.com/2012/04/drinking-the-kool-aid-paxus-calta/

Thanks for your work.]]></description>
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<title>Comment from 3rdRevision on 04/08/2012 20:42</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1517/How_Permaculture_Stole_My_Community#83</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1517/How_Permaculture_Stole_My_Community#83</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 08 Apr 2012 20:42:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[How come you're building a mud/straw house in a damp climate?  Sounds like that might add to your suffering. 

Arjuna da Silva replies:
Dear Friend,
Thanks for your question about building with earthen and straw materials in a damp climate. We certainly wondered about that ourselves. But then we discovered that cob--one of the oldest forms of mud masonry--has been the wall system of many a multi-hundred year old cottage in Devon and other somewhat dampish places in the British Isles. We heard about a cob cottage in New Zealand that had lost its roof and after twenty-five years the walls were still standing. (Nice of them to leave it like that for us!) The key to building with these materials is that you need good moisture barriers, including "a good cap and boot"--a wide roof overhang and a non-wicking foundation. Thick walls like these breathe, but with mostly lime plasters, they don't seem to mold at all. We did our homework and sprung for oil-based products when we were sure we needed them. So we have no moisture seeps. One thing we did more of in the beginning was work with bermed walls. Those need the greatest care--perhaps concrete if not plastic. I'm thrilled with the house. Come visit! We do tours and do a dream-your-own-natural house seminar once a month. Please look at www.naturalbuildingschool.com.

Sincerely,
Arjuna da Silva
Earthaven]]></description>
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<title>Comment from gay3martin on 03/31/2012 13:42</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1444/Prescription_Facebook#82</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1444/Prescription_Facebook#82</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 31 Mar 2012 13:42:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Sandy, I feel for you and have only this to say... As an Emissary of Divine Light who lives in the broader community...I appreciate I have an easier time being in the world and still feeling part of the sacred community.  Michael told me once, "Gay, you don't need to live in a 'center'...you ARE a center." That truth has served me well.  When I long for the intimacy of community, I have only to reach out to you, or another member of my tribe, to know that closeness. And I am happy to know that others do the same and reach out to me...even those who never heard of EDL.  I love you and am so happy to be a member of your tribe. I so honor your great spirit and your eloquence of thought and word.]]></description>
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<title>Comment from Sharon Villines on 03/18/2012 10:01</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/132/When_Some_of_Us_Dont_Support_an_Existing_Agreement#80</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/132/When_Some_of_Us_Dont_Support_an_Existing_Agreement#80</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 18 Mar 2012 10:01:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[The use of a review date emphasizes that a decision is a decision; it is not dogma. There is a place for dogma and it should be labeled as such. Then everyone knows what is a given and what can change. Unfortunately, decisions made using consensus tend to drift into dogma in ways that destroy the effectiveness of consensus decision-making altogether.

A review date with the force of a term limit returns a decision to its rightful place in community life. It reminds us to ask ourselves, Has anything changed since we made this decision? Is this decision helping us change in the way we intended? Do we like what it has produced?

A decision does no more than serve a purpose. When it fails to guide the community toward that purpose, or the purpose is achieved, the decision needs to be corrected or dropped.

In dogma, nothing changes, so no review date is required.]]></description>
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<title>Comment from Within Reach Movie on 03/17/2012 12:17</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1553/The_Lighter_Side_of_Community#79</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1553/The_Lighter_Side_of_Community#79</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 17 Mar 2012 12:17:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Thanks Chris for this awesome article which i am agreement with. and thanks for the inclusion of Within Reach. 

Here's my review on IMDB about Wanderlust: 

"Lingers positively in my Psyche...looking forward to Within Reach "the Real" wanderlust story"
-27 February 2012

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1655460/reviews-20]]></description>
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<title>Comment from laev on 03/16/2012 21:54</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1553/The_Lighter_Side_of_Community#78</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1553/The_Lighter_Side_of_Community#78</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 16 Mar 2012 21:54:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Super review Chris.  It was like seeing the movie all over again with a new set of eyes and awareness, but with all the same fun.  I laughed right out loud reading the review.  Thanks for this.  I've posted it on my blog and the L.A. Eco-Village blog.
Best wishes,
Lois]]></description>
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<title>Comment from little white pines on 12/29/2011 15:47</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1502/Social_Permaculture#77</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1502/Social_Permaculture#77</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 29 Dec 2011 15:47:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[this is a very important topic. i hope some day i'll be able to find a community where i can practice social as well as permaculture of the land.]]></description>
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<title>Comment from caryhuggins on 11/13/2011 16:37</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1497/Buddha_BeingBuddha_Doing#76</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1497/Buddha_BeingBuddha_Doing#76</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 13 Nov 2011 16:37:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Hi Karina,
 I enjoyed the article very much and chuckled at our commonalities of nursing, 12 step work and "invitation by a nun to stay".  These are all special parts of my journey and today we are again drawn to look at finding a community that might be a good match for us between now and the Spring.  
   We live in a "cooperative setting" based on caring for the homeless and low income in New England.  We see too much enabling and decision making by one that does not fit with our values of consensus decision making, cooperation and empowerment, a strong priority of caring for the earth and the importance of providing education around health and wellness for people in need.  So......we are looking at options as we buckle down for a snow filled Maine winter and hope to send positive and open energy out to the universe around our search.  Thanks again for your touching, entertaining and inspiring story.  I would love to hear from you. The email I sent you was returned.
Peace,

Cary]]></description>
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<title>Comment from ecoportalen on 11/09/2011 17:05</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1498/Unto_the_Second_Generation#66</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1498/Unto_the_Second_Generation#66</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 09 Nov 2011 17:05:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[This article does clearly point out the core issue of human relationship. Whilst reading, I detect some sparkles of frustration in the language patterns. This sparkles combined in a community - on a subconscious level - it will always lead to the outcome you are writing about.

The consensus decision-making process is perhaps part of the problem. Why? The intention was good many years ago. Consensus was a democratic way of making decisions. The result over time is in modern psychology mentioned as a disaster for the humanity and the single mind within. A consensus decision making process can give the single mind the feeling of living in a constant compromise. The people will search unconsciously different opportunities to live more in alignment with their own values.]]></description>
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<title>Comment from katiemccamant on 11/07/2011 12:43</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1498/Unto_the_Second_Generation#65</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1498/Unto_the_Second_Generation#65</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:43:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[This is a very important discussion, and I will make sure we include it in the 2012 National Cohousing Conference to be held in Oakland CA June 15-17. Look for more info to come on the conference at www.cohousing.org.

Judith only briefly mentions the option of the community taking a stronger role in ongoing marketing for resales. I think this is a place the communities have often dropped the ball, leaving it to those that are moving out to find their buyers on their own. When new communities ask about later buyers' commitment to cohousing, I respond that it is not about legal restrictions but rather about the community staying involved in ongoing marketing and outreach so you can maintain a wait list of buyers who are specifically interested because of what cohousing can provide. 

Katie McCamant
Nevada City Cohousing
CoHousing Partners and McCamant & Durrett Architects]]></description>
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<title>Comment from maggieclifford on 10/10/2011 12:12</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1479/Work_Less_Simplify_More#64</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1479/Work_Less_Simplify_More#64</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:12:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Thank you, Kim! I recently moved to an intentional community in northeastern WA and am further inspired to work for this community because of your article. I'm making a list: What I want to work on in the community. I want to figure out how to get our water from the land and decrease the community's perceived need for indoor refrigeration. Those are my first two items! I am already on board with 'working less and simplifying more.' Now I want to use my 'extra' time to make this community more sustainable and more aligned with permaculture principles. 
Thanks again!]]></description>
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<title>Comment from danelaverty on 09/10/2011 00:09</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1478/Right_Lively_Hood#63</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1478/Right_Lively_Hood#63</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 10 Sep 2011 00:09:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[For years I've dreamed of being part of an intentional community. I'm at a point in my life now where I feel I can start focusing on getting involved in the communitarian world. However, I'm also at a point where I have kids, a wife, and a mortgage, so up and moving isn't in the cards at the moment. I appreciate your suggestions of other ways that I might engage in the communities work. Thanks!]]></description>
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<title>Comment from wmeecham on 08/25/2011 08:14</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1440/Tough_Grace#62</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1440/Tough_Grace#62</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 25 Aug 2011 08:14:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[What a heartfelt narrative of profound recovery and growth! I found this post by searching on 'Mental Health as Spiritual Path' after blogging (WillSpirit.com) about my own struggle as a professional (former surgeon) who has worked long and hard to achieve peace and transcendence in light of emotional issues and bipolar mood swings. It's good to read someone speaking with such clarity and sincerity about this path. Thank you.]]></description>
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<title>Comment from graceonline on 08/13/2011 13:54</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1456/Hopeful_New_Stories_from_the_Old_World#60</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1456/Hopeful_New_Stories_from_the_Old_World#60</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 13 Aug 2011 13:54:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Chris, I am grateful to find your review of the film. You addressed a number of  questions that came to mind as I viewed the trailer. I can't wait to learn more about that mandala game and how it helps with household chore distribution!

I've added the trailer and a link to this article on my "What are sustainable communities?" web page at http://www.squidoo.com/what-are-sustainable-communities#module152347908. I am sure both will be of use to my readers.]]></description>
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<title>Comment from Oz Ragland on 08/06/2011 09:03</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1467/A_Communitarian_Conundrum#59</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1467/A_Communitarian_Conundrum#59</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 06 Aug 2011 09:03:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Hi Tim,

The Cohousing Association of the United States has done some detailed census work. Our estimate for the total count for people living in Cohousing in 2008 was 6,400. Coho/US has done a more comprehensive study and will soon publish new data that should be stronger.

I also wonder about this question on a personal level for you. I believe that you do not live in an intentional community yourself. Is this form of community something that you want, but have not gotten? Perhaps your "community needs" are met through other means, e.g., the academic work place, associations, the FIC?

Warm regards,
Craig Ragland
Retired Coho/US Executive Director]]></description>
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<title>Comment from christinekerr on 07/31/2011 23:37</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1444/Prescription_Facebook#58</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1444/Prescription_Facebook#58</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:37:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Well Sandy, how interesting to stumble upon your very eloquent article. I too was a part of the Emissary community for 27 years from 1974 - 1996. It was a journey of awakening and brilliance. I treasure the memories and am still awed by the remarkable friendships and sense of family that was otherworldly. The end of community life for me was bitter and painful and I experienced the worst of what had been the best. Embracing grief and loss is something that I have been exploring more deeply in the past few years. Losing my life in community  in 1996 was devastating at every level and at the same time incredibly freeing. I have needed to forgive myself for errors in judgment throughout those Emissary years and also to honour the choices I made that allowed me to experience a very different lifestyle. And the journey simply continues creating community wherever I am with those closest to me and though the numbers are smaller the sense of trust and intimacy is quite profound. Christine Kerr]]></description>
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<title>Comment from mizliz on 07/24/2011 16:29</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1462/The_Relationship_of_Relationships_to_the_Group#57</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1462/The_Relationship_of_Relationships_to_the_Group#57</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 24 Jul 2011 16:29:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[I see that being a mediator amongst members of a community is quite challenging!  Trying to be objective and focusing the task at hand while chaotic emotions and energies flare is a difficult thing to do!  High Five to Mr. Schaub!  This has also given me a reality check of what could happen if I decide live in a community.  Thanks!]]></description>
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<title>Comment from mizliz on 07/24/2011 15:56</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1459/Honesty_and_Intimacy#56</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1459/Honesty_and_Intimacy#56</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 24 Jul 2011 15:56:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Thank you for your hindsight, insight, and foresight of your personal journey to communal living.  It will help others like me, who haven't yet experienced this lifestyle but are considering it, to weigh out the pros and cons and whether it is right for them at that time.  It's interesting, however, that we as human beings will seek affirmation or approval of our existence from like-minded people, but as much effort as we invest in relationships or tolerate differences, the bottom line is each one can only be accountable for his or her action and nobody else's, whether it is two or twenty.  And the problem is, nobody is or will ever be exactly the same.  Having said that, the benefits of living this lifestyle, I'm assuming, is the support one can have at a time when it is needed the most.  It is an opportunity to move forward from a life that has nothing to offer and a chance to do the same for another.  After all, it is the compassion and love for others that make life worth living.]]></description>
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<title>Comment from kevcosta on 06/14/2011 08:53</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1462/The_Relationship_of_Relationships_to_the_Group#54</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1462/The_Relationship_of_Relationships_to_the_Group#54</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 Jun 2011 08:53:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Wow!  What a wonderful example of How a group dynamic can be assisted in such a delicate & challenging situation. 
And I agree with Mr. Schaub's final comment: "...this is as good as it gets."
Kudos also to the Community for having the insight to bring him in to help!]]></description>
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<title>Comment from howard on 06/14/2011 00:21</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1445/Rx_for_Mental_Illness#53</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1445/Rx_for_Mental_Illness#53</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:21:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Nice article! I've lived in community for 15 years. Genuine compassion and love seems to works wonders in many situations. Yet the "experts" living here have not always done so well. Well-trained and skillful mediators got into conflicts themselves so entrenched that they eventually moved out (not for lack of skill in them, but they were treated as "peers" and not given authority over the process). Also, professional counselors and therapists get into trouble when they try to diagnose or counsel neighbors without professional permission. Non Violent Communication seems to work wonders when used with proper intention. Obviously NVC cannot be forced upon others - only modeled by enough people who choose it.
I like the practical suggestions.
Howard]]></description>
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<title>Comment from Econdemocracy on 06/07/2011 23:30</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1443/Shadow_Sides_of_NVC_and_Co_Counseling#52</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1443/Shadow_Sides_of_NVC_and_Co_Counseling#52</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 07 Jun 2011 23:30:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[I have seldom seen articles with so much that is both thoughtful, and from the heart (and touching readers' hearts) in so few words. Thank you for this piece. I will save the link to it.

-E.D.

"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion" -The Dalai Lama]]></description>
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<title>Comment from Helen2012 on 06/07/2011 06:53</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1440/Tough_Grace#51</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1440/Tough_Grace#51</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 07 Jun 2011 06:53:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[After reading your article Alice you have served to convince me all the more of what i know, that spiritual emergence and mental illness are one in the same bag. It depends on the view of the individual concerned and their 'ownership' as in willingness to take responsibility that defines the outcome. It is a shame there are not more like us strong enough to stand out and say NO. 

Your story is inspiring, having received an identical diagnosis back in 2009, my story mirrors your own in many aspects, only i was just 17 (in the late 1980s) when this all started to emerge, have since raised a family and live an independent life,with a greater sense of self than I would ever have had i not been exposed to and lived with 'mental illness' as an ongoing condition... I believe wholeheartedly in it being a transformational process, a path of initiation. In the western world there is much catching up, peer professionals can only be a positive step toward integration and further understanding.]]></description>
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<title>Comment from BrainJam50 on 05/22/2011 10:40</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1437/Gifted_Mad_and_Out_of_Control#50</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1437/Gifted_Mad_and_Out_of_Control#50</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 22 May 2011 10:40:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[I agree with KateO, "This is brilliant and timely."

I've had to deal with bipolar and chronic depression for many yrs. Treated with various mind altering pharma/dr. approved meds, I was kept on somewhat of an even keel. Never able to quite feel happiness nor sadness.........

For me, talk therapy has been most beneficial. Here in Portland Oregon there is a wonderful organization called William Temple House.  WTH helps, in various ways, those who are down and out. The therapists who work here do so on a volunteer basis. They truly work from the heart.

With the help of my counselor at WTH, over the course of almost 2 yrs, I've been able to slowly chart a path to recovery. A major part of this path was getting off the various meds I was on.

Now, finally, I'm recently med free. I've regained some of my Humanness, my long lost ability to see Beauty again and to respond to Beauty with a sense of awe and wonder. To me, this is what Being Human is all about.

jgo159atearthlink.net]]></description>
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<title>Comment from shambleton on 05/09/2011 21:39</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1437/Gifted_Mad_and_Out_of_Control#49</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1437/Gifted_Mad_and_Out_of_Control#49</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 09 May 2011 21:39:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Alexis,
This article came to me at the perfect time. Thank you.

shari.hambleton [AT] gmail]]></description>
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<title>Comment from moksha on 05/07/2011 15:32</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1440/Tough_Grace#48</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1440/Tough_Grace#48</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 07 May 2011 15:32:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Hi Alice!

Thanks for the great and inspiring article. I have a small but similar blog post on bipolar disorder being a blessing and the book I'm working on also uses Campbell's Hero's Journey as a template. I'd really love to speak with you sometime, see if there's anything I can do to help you and perhaps get some guidance and mentorship as I embark on a path that you have experience with. My email is bretaw [AT] gmail. My blog and the post I mentioned can be found here: http://bretawarshawsky.com/the-man-who-comes-back-through-the-door-in-the-wall-will-never-be-quite-the-same-man-who-went-out/

Thanks again and Be Well,
Bret Warshawsky]]></description>
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<title>Comment from yosefy on 05/05/2011 10:18</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1445/Rx_for_Mental_Illness#47</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1445/Rx_for_Mental_Illness#47</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 10:18:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Hi, 
New to this site, but old to this grand philosophy.
Having reached  point of no return at 65 years young, I am throwing my entire support, being and world sophistication behind the community I am yet to locate.

Yosef Y, PhD.,]]></description>
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<title>Comment from Wendahar on 04/09/2011 20:41</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1444/Prescription_Facebook#46</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1444/Prescription_Facebook#46</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 09 Apr 2011 20:41:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Sandy, I echo your eloquently expressed experience. I am a late adapter to Facebook having only created an account two months ago. I created the account so I could share photos of a recent trip to Greece with some friends I had made while there. Within two weeks of joining I got the news a dear EDL friend had died as it was posted by someone else I knew in EDL.

 It feels like I am recovering something very precious from my past--loving friendships and relationships. I had not realized how "barren" my life had become without the balm of the EDL community I had become a part of at the age of 12. 

Like you, in the early 1990's, after getting an advanced degree in therapy, it felt like time to "prove things in my own." That is almost 20 years ago. 

I describe my Facebook experience to friends as "the EDL spiritual community on line." What a wonderful gift!  Wenda Hartzell]]></description>
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<title>Comment from cosmicfellow on 04/08/2011 21:37</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1444/Prescription_Facebook#44</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1444/Prescription_Facebook#44</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 08 Apr 2011 21:37:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Well done Sandy. Our EDL time coincided..I was at The Hundred 1972 to 1991. I miss the camaraderie, the experience of family and team, participating in manifesting shared vision. I`ve found it healthy to view that remarkable cycle of my life, largely shared with a wonderful woman, Carol (then wife, now friend), as a privilege, as an extraordinary opportunity to have a taste of where we´re headed as this astounding Awakening accelerates and we enter the next Golden Age. My community, like you, now seems to mostly be online. The passion I expressed into EDL and my networking and presentations around the globe 20 years ago continues on my website/blog. I offer it here not as gratuitous self-promotion, but as an invitation for any interested to explore how my mental health is at the moment! www.thecosmicalarmclock.com Much love, David Thatcher]]></description>
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<title>Comment from alarion on 04/03/2011 12:53</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1444/Prescription_Facebook#43</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1444/Prescription_Facebook#43</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 03 Apr 2011 12:53:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[I was in a commune called Sunburst Farms from 1971 to 1987. We had a rich life, pioneering growing organic food and marketing, retailing, wholesaling and trucking and air freighting it. Besides that we learned a Westernized Kriya Yoga as our Spiritual Advisor had studied with Yogananda in the 40's and was one of two people who went on from there to develop Yogananda's vision of world brotherhood communities in their own unique ways. 
I also grieved for a long time and finally started reconnecting with the people who hung in and now have a thriving community once again. Living my own life and raising a son outside the community on my own with no family here, was hard; the things I learned from all of us raising a Vietnam era generation in community did help me and probably enabled it to happen. The contrast was obviously not favorable to doing it outside of community.
Eventually many of the ex members and now current members are all communicating on Facebook, which is wonderful to be able to do.]]></description>
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<title>Comment from WilliamCombi on 03/27/2011 00:24</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1445/Rx_for_Mental_Illness#42</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1445/Rx_for_Mental_Illness#42</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 27 Mar 2011 00:24:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Hi Brian. Excellent article. Lots of wisdom. Love is the true healer.  Blessings, William]]></description>
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<title>Comment from ac40214 on 03/25/2011 11:12</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1437/Gifted_Mad_and_Out_of_Control#41</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1437/Gifted_Mad_and_Out_of_Control#41</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 11:12:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Alexis, thank you for your thoughtful and insightful essay.  My mother was mentally ill, diagnosed in the early 1970s with that "trash bin" diagnosis of schizophrenia you mentioned.  I agree that it's easier once we admit we're all somewhat "tetched."  In fact, I often imagine this entire planet is one big asylum being monitored by a cosmic Nurse Ratched.  Again, thanks for a superb essay!  Al]]></description>
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<title>Comment from KateO on 03/12/2011 13:46</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1437/Gifted_Mad_and_Out_of_Control#40</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1437/Gifted_Mad_and_Out_of_Control#40</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 12 Mar 2011 13:46:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[This is brilliant and timely. 

Many of us who know, feel and care too much about the world are in highly precarious situations now. It doesn't matter how accomplished we are, as entropic events spin ever faster a stable community for both physical and mental sustenance is vital.

I'm trying to patch a temporary one together for myself by spending more time with friends in the small town I live in. Just long enough to sell my belongings, including my home, however, because I need to move away from this dark, rainy place before next winter... 
So I'm trying to find an intentional community now...and I know, it's late...

How very frightening it's all become for me, a sixty year old woman bursting with the knowledge, experience and energy to create huge gardens that sing with healing luminescence, paintings and sculptures alive with character and motion... But I don't even want to go it alone now. I crave a small community in the Pacific NW to work with. 

larryrose22 [AT] yahoo]]></description>
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<title>Comment from LindaBeilfus on 02/07/2011 12:44</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1412/It_Takes_a_Community_to_Grow_an_Elder#39</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1412/It_Takes_a_Community_to_Grow_an_Elder#39</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 07 Feb 2011 12:44:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Thanks for your insightful thoughts on stepping into being a grateful elder accepting my new status & using years of gathered wisdom to enrich, sustain, & be of service.  Now I need to connect with a community to share it all with.  Embracing the present, drawing knowledge for the past, feeling more useful & fulfilled.
Linda B ..62  So finding community is confusing, how do ya go about it? 

[Editor's response: this website is a good place to start--check out the many resources available in the different categories along the top banner. Good luck...]]]></description>
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<title>Comment from little white pines on 01/08/2011 16:11</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1413/Elderhood_In_and_Out_of_Community#38</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1413/Elderhood_In_and_Out_of_Community#38</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 08 Jan 2011 16:11:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[i am interested in intergenerational community with the intent that it would be a long term commitment. in which case, it seems some serious thought needs to be given as to how to put to use abilities and talents of all it's members. plans for aging should be put in place when the community forms. most retired people and many in nursing homes are still capable of contributing in some ways. i like the green house plan in the eden alternative started by dr. william thomas which could be a part of a community or of several nearby communities in cooperation.
 i have been retired for almost 5 years but think i am still able to hold my own as far as being useful despite some physical limitations and a not so good memory. when i am no longer able to take care of myself mentally and/or physically, i don't want to be stuck away in a depressing institution and drugged to keep me passive.]]></description>
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<title>Comment from little white pines on 01/08/2011 15:25</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1412/It_Takes_a_Community_to_Grow_an_Elder#37</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1412/It_Takes_a_Community_to_Grow_an_Elder#37</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 08 Jan 2011 15:25:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[i like the term "elder" so much better than "senior". 
i will hit 70 next spring. i wanted to start a small community here in nw indiana, but since i have had no success and don't drive, making me rather isolated in the woods and too dependant, i have to decide whether i will try to stay or move closer to civilization and my daughter in boston. the decision will be made on my birthday this spring...what will i do with the rest of my life? it would be nice to find a community like currents near boston...i was interested in reading more about currents, but couldn't find it listed.
i agree about the wisdom of elders not being appreciated and instead older people are dismissed as silly old things.]]></description>
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<title>Comment from sunnyrain on 12/11/2010 09:51</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1412/It_Takes_a_Community_to_Grow_an_Elder#36</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1412/It_Takes_a_Community_to_Grow_an_Elder#36</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 11 Dec 2010 09:51:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[This is a perfect article, at the perfect time. Thank you so much for helping me to understand this part of my life...]]></description>
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<title>Comment from danaellyn on 12/05/2010 11:49</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1413/Elderhood_In_and_Out_of_Community#35</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1413/Elderhood_In_and_Out_of_Community#35</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 05 Dec 2010 11:49:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[excellent article]]></description>
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<title>Comment from willeva on 11/09/2010 21:14</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1397/Power_and_Disempowerment_on_the_Ecobus#33</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1397/Power_and_Disempowerment_on_the_Ecobus#33</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 09 Nov 2010 21:14:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[I accidentally signed up for this long bus trip at age 16. Seemed like a good idea at the time. My naivete precluded a Reaction formation, that, had I mobilized, would have made me more obnoxious than I already was. What I recall, notably, was being introduced to the "Gaia" hypothesis. This notion that nature was functioning in such a way as to always be optimizing the features in an ecosystem toward a synergy to keep the system "healthy", in homeostasis. 
Like other ecosystems, groups tend to be "self correcting", adjusting themselves to avoid radical shifts that would endanger the overall health of the organism. They are also teeming with the implicit rules of the larger culture. Some of us had hoped to escape only to find the culture of the group shaping our behavior and inducing our roles into old unpleasant familial patterns. There were leaders, followers, peace makers, scape goats, and the like. Change came slowly and new ideas were often viewed with suspicion. A lot like, well, a lot like some of our current cultural entities. 
Nonetheless, it made for some ribald humor, great adventures and an opportunity to try new relational strategies. Much to my bemusement, I became a life long learner with a penchant for groups and the ilk. Oh yeah, I still keep a Gedunk box in my house. 
William Coppersmith, 81-84]]></description>
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<title>Comment from IslandOwl on 11/09/2010 00:32</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1397/Power_and_Disempowerment_on_the_Ecobus#31</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1397/Power_and_Disempowerment_on_the_Ecobus#31</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 09 Nov 2010 00:32:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[I was on the "Ecobus" way back in 72-73 before your conservation group took it over.  Sounds very, very familiar.]]></description>
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<title>Comment from rbereson on 11/08/2010 21:30</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1397/Power_and_Disempowerment_on_the_Ecobus#30</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1397/Power_and_Disempowerment_on_the_Ecobus#30</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 08 Nov 2010 21:30:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Amazing to read this. I was with Mike, Diane, Frank, and Danny in 1979, Mike and Diana in 80 and 81 (and Ben and Albert). As for you, there are deep paths of joy and pain left behind. I still love the music and dance and it has added immeasurably to my life. I miss camping out and seldom shared that part with my kids. I really love what you said about the finding and losing your voice and I remember those meetings with pain and regret, especially my own part as a 2nd and 3rd year student. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...]]></description>
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<title>Comment from Suzanneleh on 11/08/2010 20:48</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1397/Power_and_Disempowerment_on_the_Ecobus#29</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1397/Power_and_Disempowerment_on_the_Ecobus#29</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 08 Nov 2010 20:48:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Hey Chris!!! So good to see your face and read about our shared history. You said it all so well! I remember you sitting quietly on the bus seat, your knees up in front of you, looking like you wanted to get sucked in by the seat. Yes, so much pain, and also joy in all of those memories. Would love to see you sometime; sorry to hear you're not in Oregon any more. 

Hugs,
Suzanne Greenberg]]></description>
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<title>Comment from donfoote on 11/08/2010 06:17</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1397/Power_and_Disempowerment_on_the_Ecobus#28</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1397/Power_and_Disempowerment_on_the_Ecobus#28</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 08 Nov 2010 06:17:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[I was a member Of Trailside Country School, went for a year with Mike and Diana Cohen, in the way back machine in 72-73. Great article, and I have to say, sleeping outside every night for a year was incredible. I still love sleeping outside, and have no fear of weather.
Group think was probably not as developed back then, but the model was the same, and we all did conform. My group was incredibly tight, we careened our way through the year, bursting at the seams with energy. It shaped alot of my life going forward. 
The group think enforced on us was weird, ultimately, (and your's sounds even weirder!!) but life has many strange lessons, and sometimes learning what is weird informs you as much as doing good.
Thanks for the thoughtful article.

Don Foote]]></description>
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<title>Comment from taylorpasons on 11/07/2010 23:07</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1397/Power_and_Disempowerment_on_the_Ecobus#27</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1397/Power_and_Disempowerment_on_the_Ecobus#27</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 07 Nov 2010 23:07:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Chris this really took me back.  I remember sleeping on the bus and get the third degree.  Just reading "I have something to bring up" created a pit in my stomach.  Oh the long hours if not days of sitting talking about my feelings. I was on Dan and Trudy's bus (83-84), then with Ben and Libby(84-85) as an under-grad.  I returned as a graduate student in 1990 to find a fully liberated school, where everything did not need to be talked through, we set timelines on meetings, therapist were called when times got tough.  

Thanks for bringing back.  

Taylor aka Chip Parsons]]></description>
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<title>Comment from doctoreva82 on 11/05/2010 10:19</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1397/Power_and_Disempowerment_on_the_Ecobus#26</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1397/Power_and_Disempowerment_on_the_Ecobus#26</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 05 Nov 2010 10:19:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Wow! What a great article about the bus! As a more recent graduate I love hearing about the program in it's formative years. It brings up a lot of topics which are still relevant to my experience, though I 'm glad to report the bus was vegetarian, with some flexibility, when I attended and that group facilitation and non-violent communication were a big part of my experience with the program. Looking forward to the next step in the ecobus' evolution :)
Thanks!
eva vanaken]]></description>
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<title>Comment from TotalUnschool on 09/12/2010 14:21</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1394/More_Perspectives_on_Leadership_and_Followship#25</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1394/More_Perspectives_on_Leadership_and_Followship#25</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 12 Sep 2010 14:21:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[I think this is a wonderful response to Elizabeth's words and adds depth and "width" to the discussion.  The roles of leader and follower are not necessarily even the best to look at; perhaps there is facilitator and facilitated, or perhaps all are leaders either from the center or from teh top (or the front); or perhaps we can look at who is choosing to be at cause or who is choosing to be at effect in a given situation.  

The list of passive-aggressive behaviors from followers is astutely observed.  Now what ways forward can be designed to handle these possibilities and keep focus? what would be the ideal way of handling everyone's needs?

Lastly, the question of what to do when people show up for a project and there is no work to be done--what ways of being helpful exist that don't need to be pre-planned, that can be engaged in in cases when the "leader" has not had forethought?

And how can IC be the most useful everyday resource?

Thanks for addressing these issues.

AS]]></description>
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<title>Comment from TotalUnschool on 09/12/2010 11:00</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1393/Balancing_Powers#24</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1393/Balancing_Powers#24</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 12 Sep 2010 11:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[This article is a great beginning, and I appreciate your taking the time to share your learnings.  I felt a sense of relief in imagining the possibilities of having better leaders in my own community.

I can also see there is much more possible.  There's no space here to go into _what_ the possibilities are, but here are some qualities those possibilities might include.  A great leader's toolset:

--is useable by people on the left or the right
--increases effectiveness, not simply profits (if a business tool) or not simply temporary "good feeling," but of both simultaneously and lastingly
--leaves you with more energy after you used it than you started with

If our leaders' tools don't meet all these criteria, we can look for better ones.  They're out there.  Seem impossible?   I wouldn't have believed it until I found them, but now I have and I'm amazed at what I've found.]]></description>
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<title>Comment from MelanieRios on 09/08/2010 17:23</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1381/How_to_Add_Zest_to_Your_Sustainability_Education_Program#23</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1381/How_to_Add_Zest_to_Your_Sustainability_Education_Program#23</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 08 Sep 2010 17:23:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Hi Tim,

   I'm based in Eugene, Oregon.  You can reach me at melanie at rios.org.]]></description>
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<title>Comment from ecologicalsolutions on 08/07/2010 16:44</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1372/To_Learn_Sustainability_Is_To_Learn_Community#22</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1372/To_Learn_Sustainability_Is_To_Learn_Community#22</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 07 Aug 2010 16:44:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Never under estimate the power of a good example!! Well done Leila and greetings to all my friends at Tamera

max - Crystal Waters, Australia]]></description>
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<title>Comment from timmeextreme on 07/01/2010 01:59</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1381/How_to_Add_Zest_to_Your_Sustainability_Education_Program#20</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1381/How_to_Add_Zest_to_Your_Sustainability_Education_Program#20</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 01 Jul 2010 01:59:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[hi there thanks for the interesting article can i ask where you are based? id love to contact you for more information on your permacultre course. my email is timmeextreme at gmail.

cheers tim]]></description>
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<title>Comment from timmeextreme on 07/01/2010 01:39</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1370/Live_and_Learn#19</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1370/Live_and_Learn#19</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 01 Jul 2010 01:39:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[hi im a builder interested in sustainable building methods.i found your article very interesting and would love to contact you about your projects. is there an email address i can contact you at?
mine is timmeextreme at gmail.
cheers tim]]></description>
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<title>Comment from arizona on 06/17/2010 08:24</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1353/Second_Family#18</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1353/Second_Family#18</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 17 Jun 2010 08:24:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Diane,  Twin Oaks was the first community I visited.  When I was looking at all the intentional communities, I narrowed my search to those which were egalitarian and which were not 'spiritual' based.  Twin Oaks was the longest existing community of those which met my qualifications so I went for a visit.  I felt more at home at Twin Oaks after 3 weeks than I did in my home - so the decision was made.  

Becky, My children are totally okay with my decision. While none of them have yet visited me, I talk with them at least once a week on the phone.  Two of them are currently planning trips to visit me early next year and I cannot wait to truly show them my thrilling life here at Twin Oaks.  

Ivy,  thanks so much for your kind words.  There are many challenges in living in community but there are also a great many joys which I was not finding without community.  I have never regretted my decision to re-purpose my life in this direction.]]></description>
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<title>Comment from Josie on 06/16/2010 21:40</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1353/Second_Family#17</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1353/Second_Family#17</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 16 Jun 2010 21:40:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Hi Arizona,

I wonder if you could talk a bit about how you narrowed your search and settled on Twin Oaks? while it's wonderful to see the proliferation of communities, I also find it rather overwhelming! 

Thanks, Diane]]></description>
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<title>Comment from IvyEW82to89 on 05/10/2010 15:21</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1353/Second_Family#16</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1353/Second_Family#16</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 10 May 2010 15:21:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Arizona, what a wonderful story you tell of the second purposing of your life. 

I appreciate examples of where you found your challenges, and the candor and delight as you tell of your life. 

Living at TO sounds glorious and hard; whimsical and sturdy. Thank you for an excellent story!   Ivy/Santa Ana, CA]]></description>
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<title>Comment from nancyperrin on 05/08/2010 09:21</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/200/Shared_LivingWhen_Home_Is_a_Community#15</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/200/Shared_LivingWhen_Home_Is_a_Community#15</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 08 May 2010 09:21:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Dear Carol, 

I appreciate your article: shared housing. Fred and I lived in shared housing for 27 years before we built our community called Songaia. We have lived in our own small home at Songaia for 10 years and love it!  Our home has an open door for community members, friends and family to come and go as they support us through Fred's illness. And the privacy it offers us in between visits is important. 

It is exciting to hear these days how many people who have lived in cohousing/private homes are ready and willing to return or experiment with shared housing. Some for the first time.

Finally, whatever form of community one chooses is great- it certainly is a need for the future.

Thanks for your writing.

Nancy]]></description>
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<title>Comment from ASL in Veg/an Ecovillages on 04/22/2010 15:48</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/99/The_Meandering_Paths_of_Arcadia#14</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/99/The_Meandering_Paths_of_Arcadia#14</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 22 Apr 2010 15:48:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[I just reread Alex's article with great pleasure. An article years ago about Arcadia and Giles Blunden's work is what first opened my eyes to the world of US intentional communities, co-housing and FIC, so it is particularly delightful to have such a well-written insightful update on where Giles and Arcadia are now. Thanks, Alex! Well done, Giles Blunden! I was interested, also, to be reminded that the housing at Arcadia is "small." The ASL community in AZ is in the process of going "tiny" - with mobile beautiful Tumbleweed houses! (You can read more about this at www.aslivec.org) - AG]]></description>
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<title>Comment from beckyeleven on 04/16/2010 11:24</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1353/Second_Family#13</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1353/Second_Family#13</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 16 Apr 2010 11:24:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Thank you for your words about your experience finding family after the kids left home.  I wonder how they accept your choice, and if they visit?  I  wanted community when my kids were babies, but there weren't  so many  great places at the time.  Now, it has again become a possibility for me, as well as the thought of just moving into a nice existing town, with all its connectedness.  I am happy your story has a happy ending and the truth that we are only 'at home' if we let ourselves be there, became clear to me as I  read it.  Becky/Costa Mesa CA]]></description>
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<title>Comment from ss834 on 04/15/2010 16:18</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1350/Parenting_in_Community#12</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1350/Parenting_in_Community#12</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 15 Apr 2010 16:18:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[I loved this article! I live in a smaller community that is mostly my immediate family and childcare is a BIG issue. It changes things dramatically. However, we're getting along well and it's great to read how others have adapted to the unique challenges of raising children.]]></description>
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<title>Comment from lauramarigny on 04/13/2010 08:48</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/199/Emergency_Community#11</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/199/Emergency_Community#11</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 13 Apr 2010 08:48:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Thanks for this, Jesika! Yes, that really was us...and thanks for adding lowernine.org for info - if anyone has any questions about us, they can reach me at laura AT [sub.] lowernine.org. It's not Made With Love, but there's still lots of work to do!

Miss you guys...

xxx
Laura]]></description>
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<title>Comment from RebeccaA on 03/19/2010 11:03</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1346/Nudging_at_Boundaries#9</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1346/Nudging_at_Boundaries#9</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:03:00 -0500</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[I love this article! It expresses so well the openness, the sharing, the freedom that is potential in this kind of place.]]></description>
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<title>Comment from JaneJ on 01/29/2010 19:45</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1024/Cultural_Etiquette#5</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1024/Cultural_Etiquette#5</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:45:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[It's an interesting article.  A 'dark day'or a 'black heart' does NOT in any way reflect racism.  Think about the weight of a truly dark day - when the sun can not be seen and the sky is heavy with clouds. It is the feeling of a dark day that is related to the saying 'dark day'. It has nothing to do with racism.  Also, a black heart is not associated with the hearts of Black people, it is associated with a heart that is not exactly healthy - in other words, dying tissue.  As for 'the pot calling the kettle black'- it has nothing to do with black skin.  It has to do with sitting on a fire and getting black with soot. A good pot and a good kettle - in the day when this saying came to life - was black.  It means you should not criticize if you are exactly like the thing you are criticizing.  I agree, we do use language in a way that promotes racism and sexism. However, these examples are not good examples of that. Using them only confuses the issue. ]]></description>
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<title>Comment from bradleydean on 01/15/2010 21:40</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/200/Shared_LivingWhen_Home_Is_a_Community#4</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/200/Shared_LivingWhen_Home_Is_a_Community#4</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jan 2010 21:40:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Carol:
Yes, a wonderful story and life experience! Thanks for sharing.
PS - Why Caballeros, instead of Caballeras?!
]]></description>
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<title>Comment from bradleydean on 01/15/2010 21:31</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1330/Gut_Health#3</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/1330/Gut_Health#3</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jan 2010 21:31:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Dona:
Nice article, thanks for sharing. My gut felt better just reading it!
Peace,
bradleydean]]></description>
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<title>Comment from anjee on 01/10/2010 19:51</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/200/Shared_LivingWhen_Home_Is_a_Community#2</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/200/Shared_LivingWhen_Home_Is_a_Community#2</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 10 Jan 2010 19:51:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Just wanted to say that I loved reading this article. You give fantastic insight and also inspiration into community living - what a wonderful way to live... :)
]]></description>
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<title>Comment from Elke on 12/29/2009 09:44</title>
<link>http://communities.ic.org/articles/195/Hard_Times_at_Orinda#1</link>
<guid>http://communities.ic.org/articles/195/Hard_Times_at_Orinda#1</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 29 Dec 2009 09:44:00 -0600</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[I enjoyed this article. I too have seen some silver lining in people becoming more aware of what's important and moving away from creature comforts that have to be bought.]]></description>
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