I don’t think any of us are in a community or group that is completely intentional. There’s a lot more at play than simply us choosing it. And I think the reasons go much farther back than we realize. Even prior to being born into our family, there were all the previous generations that helped to set our course. Then there are the people who we associate with and what becomes of that. Sometimes, because of our actions, we end up somewhere—like jail; or a certain university due to a scholarship; or we drift into something because of some friend, group, or belief that we simply follow without giving it much thought. We may think we are a self-made person, but that is not the whole truth.

            Anyway, the idea of intentional communities intrigues me. Off and on I’ve felt that we’ve had an evolving one here in our canyon over the years. I like the concept of working together and sharing resources with those around us and I’m drawn to learning more about them.

            We just returned from the Southeast where we visited friends and family. Also on our itinerary was a stop at Cranmore Meadows Tiny House Intentional Community in Haw River, North Carolina. Nathan graciously showed us around the rural property even though he and his wife, Callie, had just brought their newborn baby home from the hospital the night before. He displayed a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm about the natural habitat of the area and building with sustainable materials. All of it clearly excites him. They’ve hosted workshops where an expert comes in and leads hands-on demonstrations for interested volunteers who learn and assist in the creations. They also try to work with the natural lay of the land to determine how and where to build or not build. I wish all new construction would take this more integrative approach, since it tends to fare better in regards to sustainable living. Making use of natural light with well placed windows, orienting as well as using more earthen materials, can lessen the constant need for heating and cooling, for example.

            For me, a certain kind of joy happens when I can succeed in living more in tune with the natural environment. It can foster creativity which almost always brings a little happiness. Whether it’s picking out our eclectic wardrobe at thrift stores and yard sales or sewing it ourselves; utilizing castoffs found along the side of the road for our yard art or furniture; or getting new ideas from walking around someone else’s neighborhood—it’s pretty fun. And doesn’t the most fun come from the things that more of us can get pleasure from, instead of just ourselves? Including the plants and animals?

            What makes you come alive? What makes you vibrate with life? I love hearing the owls in the predawn hours through my bedroom window. Could it be a lifestyle change? Or saying “yes” to more things which take us outside our comfort zone? Perhaps it’s rocking out in the kitchen to our favorite song… Living in the present as much as we can helps us feel more awake and alive!

            So, I ask: what’s next for you? Or—better yet—what about now?

Chi Varnado has published six books including fiction, nonfiction and children’s books. They are available on www.amazon.com. Her collection of essays, Quail Mutterings, can be found on www.chivarnado.com or www.dancecentrepresents.com.