Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Frustration in Forming Community

[Saoirse (ccharis]

On 5/26/04 10:12 AM, "Steven Chase Spurgeon" <strahbale [at] yahoo.com> wrote:
 
> I admit that we have invited only friends and acquaintances to our
> preliminary meetings. We have discussed how to broaden our scope, but are
> leery of attracting folks that are not aligned with our vision.

It sounds like you may have already considered that your approach in this
matters limits you in a particular way.

As someone who has lived in a cohousing comm'ty for the past 7 years, I'd
have to say that the most surprising thing about it is the degree to which I
have come to appreciate the differences among us. I would have been one 7
years ago who wanted to hang out in my life with people who were aligned
with my thinking. Now, I see that it is good to be in partnership with
someone who deeply understands my world view but as a person I have become
wiser and deeper by engaging in comm'ty life with people who are more
diverse in their approach to life.

My life is immensely more balanced and my heart likewise more open. I feel
more prepared today to be a citizen of the world because of the diversity I
have -- through my somewhat begrudging agreement -- been living with these
past years. 

My suggestion, take it or leave it, is to consider broadening your filter.
Build and nurture the energy of a vision, and see who shows up.

May it be well with you today,

Saoirse

-- 
Harmony Village Cohousing
Golden, Colorado
http://www.harmonyvillage.org