Inspired by, among others, the books of Jean M. Auel, The Continuum Concept by Jean Liedloff and Seth Godins "tribes", I too have had a dream of finding a ’tribe’ of my own for many years. I even had the opportunity to live in one for a while (besides all the communes I’ve lived in that were definitely less intentional), and still know quite a few people who has actually succeeded in creating the type of ’tribe’ that many people are yearning for.
It is no wonder that people are more and more seeking communities. We are living in such isolation and separation in all areas of life, that just having someone to share life with becomes an almost desperate longing - because we know that how we are existing at the moment, isn’t natural. But I would like us to take a moment to question whether the community we’re all so desperately longing for, is in fact a literal tribe or village. Or could it be something else entirely?
First of all: to create an ”intentional community” that is actually functional and harmonic, it requires a tremendous effort, and it may take years to create. It is not something that (for most) falls into your lap easily. So it has to become a primary focus of life on a very practical level. That takes time away from other projects. And most people do not have as much time to place into creating such a place, or even becoming part of one that’s already existing.
Secondly: I am seeing more and more how we are all trying to come up with ”coping” solutions to deal with and handle the current state of the world that is, for all intents and purposes rather horrific and bleak. It is becoming more and more evident that the current way we are living in this system, is no way to live - especially not with children. And so we try to come up with solutions to make life bearable, to cope with the state of the world.
But what about the tribe of the whole world, of humanity? What about that community?
I understand we're all trying to do what's best for our families, but I personally don't want to isolate myself in a little perfect village, while I let the world burn at my feet. To me the solution is obvious: to start contributing to change on a global level, through our local networks and communities - that may not even be literal tribes or villages, or even exist physically but perhaps online.
The longing for a tribe/village is real, it represents a real need for unification, for oneness, for equality among human beings and of life as a whole. But the community we ought to focus on creating - is the global one.
The earth tribe, earth village. Nothing wrong with ALSO creating small local villages if you’re able to or if it’s your passion - but I do suggest to consider that this deep need represents a more existential issue, and that each of us have the opportunity to be strong within standing as an individual beacon of bringing people together, not just a small, exclusive group, but as all of us, here on this planet together.
This here community of Steemit is a perfect example of a modern tribe/village/community - and all of these online communities can be both expanded into being a benefit for humanity as a whole, as well as merge with IRL communities and meet-up groups. My friend Jesscia Rios has some more examples of how to create village-style living in a modern life style here: http://thenaturalparentmagazine.com/village-loss-longing/
Image by Hudson Hintze from Unsplash