Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: developmental stages of cohousing

[R.N. Johnson (cohoranda]

My community is still relatively new, but I see some of that dichotomy here.  
Some people have a drive to improve and change, some are happy to find a 
comfortable place and stay there. I lean toward the constant improvement end of 
things, but I can see that life as a "liver" is far more relaxed.  Most people 
have the capacity to operate at  either end of the spectrum.  We've all known 
the activist who gets married/ has kids/gets a "real" job and all of a sudden 
is dong the 9 to 5 grind like they were born to it, or the complacent "liver" 
who runs across a cause that really touches their soul and is working night and 
day to change the world. I wouldn't be surprised if at some point in the next 
5-10 years another round of "burning soul" energy arises at Pioneer Valley in 
response to new people moving in or some crisis or major event.  I know a few 
people in the cohousing movement who seem to move once the community is really 
settled, going on to help
 build a new community, or to find one that fits their ideals and lifestyle 
better.  You might find a place for that energy and drive in improving the 
larger community around you. I hope you find that community of "workers" you 
are looking for. 
Randa Johnson
New Brighton Cohousing
Aptos, CA