RRC - Part 1: A Brief Vision

Many empty-nested adults are becoming more interested in residential communities. Beyond sharing the burden of responsibilities at a larger scale, advantages may include a number of amenities depending upon the climate, natural elements, siting (urban or suburban), local activities, available products and services, and transportation. Residing within such communities may also enhance people’s engagement in arts and entertainment, recreation, education, and relationships in accordance with their interests and preferences.

The proliferation of these communities continues as the population matures. Some developers may make assumptions about the needs of a maturing customer base and build communities accordingly. Others, perhaps thinking more holistically, will innovate and respond to the values and life-affirming qualities embraced by a growing “wisdom class.” The intent of this article series is to characterize the greenshifting nature of developments from occupancy and privacy to inhabitation and connection.

Let’s start with the word community. What does it mean? Typically, it identifies a group of people having common interests, neighboring environments, and agreed upon policies. In the present context, I believe most people use the term to describe residential buildings in spatial proximity to one another, perhaps with a shared commons for indoor and outdoor activities. Sometimes a specific development is surrounded by a structural boundary complete with entry/exit security.

Now I submit the question, what can community mean? When expanded to the phrase common unity, it can be understood as sharing common responsibilities, while being committed to a unifying theme, renewable living for example. Preferably, sense of place and belonging surpass a mere address on a map. Interests may be elevated to passions. Neighboring environments can describe a shared context for living that balances and integrates nature with culture. And policies can be enhanced and transformed to embrace and encourage both a consensus-building process and a living expression of a cultural covenant.

I invite you to open your hearts and minds. Remember that boundaries – be they physical, behavioral, emotional, or spiritual – comprise two sides. The outside persists at repelling that which we fear. The inside resists expansion to that which we experience. Persistence and resistance are two sides of the same door – the door to living graciously and fully, or gracefully.

In more practical terms, while boundaries attempt to keep perceived threats out, they often succeed at keeping personal vitality contained. A development designed without regard to viable living will experience limited success and perhaps hardship for people touched by its presence.
Why deprive oneself of the opportunity to flourish? As a corollary, why deprive the world the opportunity to experience your fullness? Holistically designed communities create spaces in which the sacredness of every day living emerges naturally.

In a series of brief articles, I will help you navigate some of the philosophies and practices essential to renewable community living. Meanwhile, I encourage you to explore ways of creating and sharing sacred space on common ground.