The Commune, Commonage, Kibbutz, Collective, Cooparative?

 

We don't reallly care for labels, brands or otherwise pidgeonholing what we're doing, but call it what you will, our "Great Experiment" in cultural existence is something yet to have formed a real identity as such. Once thought to be a relic of the sixties, the collective living movement is enjoying renewed interest. There are now hundreds of "intentional communities" spread throughout North America as a collective consciousness becomes increasingly more disenchanted with western culture. MMV is one such community, owned, operated and governed by its members.

While so many in the west are propelled by self-interest and "security," we find that a family-like sharing of our resources and skills accomplishes greater security than individual accumulation of personal possessions, property, and the abstraction of money. This, of course, presupposes a spiritually and psychologically integrated "family," complete with love, care, and the responsibilities of a true family.

Although our members, interns, and guests generally state these are important values, we make no mistake in presuming family-mind is an instant epiphany. This is a constantly evolving practice that takes time and energy; a lifestyle cultivated not only by intention, but also ritual, regimen, and awareness. It can be challenging, but in facing those challenges, we believe, better people and richer lives arise from it. Belonging is beautiful.