7 Routines & Practices Observed In Successful Self-Sustaining Communities: 1. Live within seasonal bounds. - Proponents of sustainable living aim to conduct their lives in such a way that mimic the example given to us in nature. Natural balance and respect for humanity’s relationship with the Earth’s natural ecology and cycles should be our driving force. This could include — yet is by no means limited to – the practices of: (a) Waking up naturally. As quoted from Sherry L. Ackerman, Ph.D., in Improve your sleep quality by waking up naturally, “waking up naturally is far gentler on the body. Teach yourself to wake up on time by priming your body’s internal clock – stick to a regular bedtime routine and train yourself to wake at a certain time. Go to bed at the same time every night and allow yourself to sleep until you wake up naturally. No alarm clocks! If you continue to keep the same bedtime and wake up naturally, you’ll eventually dig your way out of fatigue and arrive at the sleep schedule that’s ideal for you.” (b) Eating seasonal foods. Those foods that can either be grown, preserved, hunted for, or gathered in your local area during — and throughout — each change in season. (c) Using plants as medicine. For every season of the year and of life, there is a plant to help the body heal. 2. Meet together. - Interacting daily with others is of vital importance within the sustainable living community. Whether it be talking via phone or email, visiting neighbors, ride-sharing, coordinating bulk food purchases, going to church, or hosting a DIY get-together…interact daily with others in the community. 3. Positive outlook on life. - Attitude is EVERYTHING. A “can-do,” positive attitude possesses healing powers. Dispel all negativity within the community and live with purpose. 4. Reduce Poisonous Habits. - A majority of our most poisonous habits have their roots in hyper-consumption and convenience. In order to reduce poisonous habits, we must first look to alter our spending habits, methods of transportation, energy consumption, and diet. Likewise, it is important to note that the most healthy sustainable societies have built-in requirements for daily physical activity – whether it is working the land or walking to get around. It is usually performed for exercise, out of necessity, and/or for socializing purposes. 5. Eat together. - Adopting a traditional diet – and sharing it in the company of others — is a truly nourishing experience. The hunter/gatherer within the sustainable living community is responsible for, and finds joy in, food preparation and meal coordination. They achieve ultimate fulfillment in bringing life-giving sustenance to the group — and likewise recognize the importance of eating together. 6. Grow your own. - Gardens are sprouting up (literally) all over the place (home and public). It’s a revolution of sorts! Gardening is an extremely therapeutic, empowering, and bonding experience. An absolute necessity for the thriving sustainable living community. 7. Foster accountability. - To be accountable within a sustainable living community means you have an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for your own actions. A lifestyle that attempts to reduce one’s own – or society’s – use of the Earth’s natural and personal resources almost demands accountability in order for the dream to be realized. [Just a few good words to remember when developing my property. Even if it never turns into a community (which would be cool!) I would still want to keep these in mind for myself and visitors or any other people living on the land with me. It just seems like a better way to live.]
Posted on: Mon, 06 Oct 2014 05:38:48 +0000
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