In our ecovillage in Hawaii, fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration is at the heart of our daily lives. By integrating principles from The Way of Council by Jack Zimmerman and striving to embody The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, we create a space where connection and mutual respect flourish. Here’s a glimpse into how these practices shape our harmonious way of living.
Weekly Council Meetings: The Core of Our Communal Practice
At the center of our community’s efforts to foster connection is our weekly council meeting. Inspired by The Way of Council, these gatherings are more than just meetings; they are a sacred time for open dialogue and deep listening. Here’s how our council meetings work:
- Creating a Safe Space: Each meeting begins with the setting of a clear intention and the establishment of a safe, respectful space. This aligns with Zimmerman’s emphasis on creating an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
- Sharing from the Heart: We follow the council’s practice of sharing from the heart, where each member speaks honestly and openly about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This practice fosters a deep sense of understanding and connection among us.
- Listening Deeply: Active listening is a cornerstone of our meetings. We take turns speaking while others listen without interrupting, allowing each person’s voice to be fully heard. This deep listening nurtures empathy and strengthens our communal bonds.
Embodying The Four Agreements
In addition to our council meetings, we strive to embody the principles of The Four Agreements in our interactions with each other. These agreements provide a framework for our behavior and communication, ensuring that we maintain a positive and supportive community atmosphere:
- Be Impeccable with Your Word: We are committed to speaking with integrity and using our words to build up rather than tear down. This agreement encourages us to communicate honestly and constructively, fostering trust and respect within the community.
- Don’t Take Anything Personally: We understand that others’ actions and words are a reflection of their own experiences and perspectives, not a judgment of us. This principle helps us navigate conflicts and misunderstandings with grace, allowing us to focus on collective growth rather than personal grievances.
- Don’t Make Assumptions: We strive to ask questions and seek clarity rather than making assumptions about others’ thoughts or intentions. This practice minimizes misunderstandings and promotes clear, open communication.
- Always Do Your Best: We encourage each other to put forth our best effort in all aspects of community life. This agreement fosters a culture of mutual support and accountability, as we all work together to uphold the values and goals of our ecovillage.
Building a Collaborative Spirit
Beyond our council meetings and the Four Agreements, we actively cultivate a spirit of collaboration through various community activities:
- Ohana Work Days: Once weekly, we get the community together to create a strong group energy push toward a single project. These dedicated days are not just about tackling projects on the land; they’re a celebration of our collective effort and shared purpose. As we work side-by-side on tasks ranging from gardening and construction to maintenance and creative land use, each project becomes an opportunity to collaborate, learn from one another, and contribute to the common good, reinforcing our sense of unity and mutual support.
- Garden Parties: Strengthening our intentional community is greatly enhanced through our public community garden volunteer days. These events invite both members and outsiders to come together, fostering connections and building a sense of shared purpose. As we work collectively in the garden, planting, weeding, and harvesting, we not only tend to the land but also nurture our relationships with one another. These volunteer days provide a space for open dialogue, shared learning, and community bonding, reinforcing our commitment to collaboration and inclusivity while enhancing the vitality of our communal garden.
- Celebrating Together: We make a point to celebrate each other’s achievements and milestones. Whether it’s a birthday, a successful harvest, or a personal accomplishment, coming together to celebrate reinforces our bonds and fosters a supportive community atmosphere.
By weaving together the principles of The Way of Council with the values of The Four Agreements, we create a vibrant and harmonious community where connection and collaboration thrive. Our intentional efforts in these areas not only enhance our individual lives but also strengthen the collective spirit of our ecovillage, making it a truly special place to live and grow together.
