Discussion Summary: What Each of Us Is Thinking About Cohousing

as of November 20, 2006

Readiness for cohousing: A few of us would be ready to move in now if the right place came long. At least one has already put a deposit on Altura. Others are not yet clear on whether cohousing itself is right for them, though all agreed that some sort of intentional community is our goal. The ElderSpirit vision includes “affiliates” who don’t live in cohousing but participate in some aspects of community life. Intent is the glue that holds a community together as we learn and choose how to interact. We agreed that in some respects, as we work through these issues, we already are a community.

Spiritual growth and practice:  All but one agreed on the central importance of spirituality in community, though the degree of spiritual focus and structure varies. One group member offered to lead us in dream work to help create what we want. Another told us about the developing “Embracing Simplicity Hermitage” Buddhist community in Hendersonville. Another reminded us that “living in community IS a spiritual practice.”

Size and makeup of community: Some favor a multigenerational group, others prefer elder-rich or elder. An elder group in the midst of a larger, multigenerational community could meet many people’s needs. A maximum size of 20-30 units was mentioned because as we age, we may tend to prefer smaller, closer, less dispersed networks of friends.

Location: Many of us are still waiting for a site to “click” with us. To avoid meetings, at least one will adjust to whatever a satisfactory developer has to offer. Some consider it essential to have access to city life, universities, and a variety of exciting things to do. Two group members have property to offer: one a large farm near Candler on which to build cohousing, the other a small farm where meeting and retreats could be hosted. Owning a site is helpful (you know where you’re going to live), limiting (other possibilities are ruled out), and daunting (a huge project!).

Other aspects of community: Several people listed simplicity, economy, environmental consciousness, giving back to the larger community, gardening, and fun as essential ingredients. Apparently we agree on giving back, gardening, and fun. Avoiding ostentation and simplicity “up to a point” are comfortable to all, and it’s possible, of course, to adapt cohousing principles, such as location of parking, to better suit elders’ needs. However, we need to clarify and work through what we mean by simplicity and environmental responsibility and how far various group members want or need to go with these. This process can help each of us, as core groups emerge, to identify which one we belong to. Although we may end up in different cohousing groups, we will still all belong to the larger intentional, spiritual community.