17 May 2010 Matinee

The topic for the matinee this week was Community, Is it a means or an end?

Ten of us gathered together from both the campuses to share and to be open to new ideas and viewpoints from the various ages, genders and countries. We were asked to write down our first thoughts on this idea.

Ivor F. (Oxfordshire): " Community aims are liable to change and could be long term or short term participants. Could be the end of one type of living for some and therefore a new beginning. Without community there will be an end. Proper community has no end."

Jock M (USA ), previous member of Findhorn:" Definitely for me community is both a means and an end. I need to feel that the community is a kind of vehicle, a tool that I am fashioning to do something with. Its living our values together that is part of why community is an end as well as a means. We learn from each other in an authentic community where we are willing to be as open or transparent about our inner processes as possible.

Lisa M (Findhorn, Scotland): We can never know what the end is. We can only choose to focus on the here and now. In true community everyone has a place .Most important is the day to day commitment to be loving and caring, which is not the same as being nice all the time. How do we create true community when the players are constantly changing? Needs to be at least a core team of dedicated members, but take care as that can lead to a clique from which others feel excluded.

David M (Findhorn): Willingness to engage. Community does not just happen. It is about being in relationship. It is sustained with deep openhearted skillful behaviour and is most successful with a task and clear intention. It takes time, willingness and deep listening to work with others.

Sharyn (USA and New Zealand):" Community is not a place but it is a way of being in connection with our own self that we carry within our essence and bring to every person we have contact with. When we are in a state of community we are in unity with our inner self and accepting of those around us. It is recognizing the deep spirtual connection that binds us all together as humans alongside the animals and the earth and speaking from that place of oneness that creates community. It is a an ongoing process to stay in unity, like a dance as we feel ourself sinking into the mind again and again, we find the way to speak about what is happening emotionally, mentally and then we are able to return to our heart centre where unity lives."

Kylee (New Zealan) “Intentions multiplied. A greater purpose."

Amanda from Brazil: " The way not the end: tension vs balance; to let come from heart; protection care; communication; walking in same direction; giving and receiving; breaking self barrier to go to community; same level connection;; sharing; each one's contribution [skills], working together.Trust."

Hernan (Argentina) " Now in the modern world intentional communities are a means of rediscovering the power of solidarity and union with others. A means to transcend the illusion of an individual isolated life, a way of celebrating human social nature. A means to an end."

Wendy (Devon, England) " People are drawn to community for sustainable lifestyles and release from illusionary 'I', part of greater whole. 'I' s separation is the greatest obstacle tocoming in to unity with intention and awareness."