The Rise of Intentional Communities: Finding Connection in a Disconnected World
It is human nature to desire a sense of belonging and community. People feel alienated by highly individualized lifestyles in which they do not know their neighbors, do not belong to committees and functions, and the neighborhood community is replaced with an HOA. The idea of buying land and living with one's close friends is becoming increasingly prevalent in the online musings of millennials and Gen Z. This is where Intentional Communities find their place and may be more achievable than you might imagine.
What Are Intentional Communities?
The oldest examples of intentional communities are Ashrams and Buddhist Monasteries. They vary wildly in beliefs from political, spiritual, environmental, and economic points of view, but they have commonalities. Among them are A shared vision of a cooperative culture, shared values, and a belief that it takes a village to live a full life and fulfill a purpose. Many intentional communities are started with this desire for connection and cooperation, but any community or neighborhood can become an intentional community.
Intentional communities are not just about sharing land and resources, they are about sharing a life. They offer sustainability, community support, safety, shared childcare, and shared responsibilities like community meals and gardening. They also bring financial benefits, reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, and most importantly, provide a sense of belonging, trust, and reliability. As social creatures, we all need each other, and intentional communities offer a unique way to fulfill this need.
Why Intentional Communities Are Gaining Popularity
Intentional communities offer more than just shared land and resources—they cultivate a lifestyle centered on connection, sustainability, and mutual support. Some key benefits include:
- Sustainability & Resource Sharing – Reduced waste, shared gardening, and communal energy solutions.
- Built-in Support System – Safety, emotional support, and stronger relationships with neighbors.
- Shared Responsibilities – Cooperative childcare, community meals, and collective decision-making.
- Financial Benefits – Lower living costs, shared expenses, and increased economic resilience.
- Improved Mental Well-Being – A sense of belonging, reduced loneliness, and stronger social bonds.
Living With Purpose: The Power of Intentionality
Living intentionally is about more than just existing, it's about actively shaping our relationships, our lifestyle, and our responsibilities. By intentionally engaging with, serving, and enjoying our community, we can all find deeper meaning, greater fulfillment, and more joy in our lives. It's a choice that can inspire and motivate us to live our best lives.
