For those who have been following this, there may not be anything new here. But I have issued a call on FB and other places for others interested to help me write this book and I am using this blog to give them some basic idea of what I am doing.
The New American Kibbutz Movement: A Manifestation of Spiritual Socialism
This is my announcement that I am now working on a book entitled “The New American Kibbutz Movement: A Manifestation of Spiritual Socialism.” As the name implies it is a joining of the successful Kibbutz movement ideals of Israel with the provision for a community of people working together to see each individual achieve his/her highest potential. This will be a community of compassionate people of all ages and all income levels to achieve this for themselves and others. This will be a fervently non-religious community, but open to all willing to live in harmony with one another. If you are interested in working with me on the book and/or in this community, please contact me directly at joyfulltimes@yahoo.com. If you are already working on the same thing, please let me know and perhaps we can work together. If not, there’s room for all of us. Now is the time. You can check out ideas that I have already started by going to my blogs on the Spiritual Network. The goal is to publish and market the book within 4-6 months and to use the proceeds and publicity from it to start the community. I know there are others with the same passion. Now is the time.
The New American Kibbutz Outline
Chapter 1 Brief History of Utopian ideas: What can the past teach?
Chapter 2 Brief History of the Kibbutz movement: Is it viable for today?
Chapter 3 Brief History of American Communities: Where have all the Hippies gone?
Chapter 4 Why Now: Why do we need this now in America and in the world?
“It is not good for man to be alone.” This is the passage in Genesis referring to the creation of Eve a “help meet.” While this passage is literally speaking of the relationship between a man and a woman, I don’t think it is too far a stretch to broaden the view. I believe that we were created to live in community with one another – in villages rather than cities. Most if not all major religions make some reference to this. Christianity says, “Where two or more are gathered together….” Buddhism teaches, “Happy is the unity of the Sangha (community).” Judaism proclaims, “Separate not yourself from the community.” Islam explains, “Believers are to one another like a building whose parts support one another.” Etc., etc., etc.
Early Christianity survived and grew as a community. Israel became a strong nation because of the Kibbutzim. So as many of us look towards a better world filled with decisions based on love not hate, compassion not judgment, charity not greed, then these people and ideals should be supported and nurtured within community. The idea of “rugged individualism” will never bring lasting peace to our planet. “The hand cannot say to the foot, what need have I of you?”
Community creates a power base stronger than any single member. Community polishes and perfects its members like a stone polisher by constantly rubbing stones together to bring out the hidden gems. Community enables each member to have their needs met far more cheaply than a single member could do. Community provides ongoing practice to make spiritual growth permanent within each member. Community utilizes the strengths of each individual to make a more powerful whole. Community is patient, community is kind, and is not jealous; community does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
I often hear the argument that communes have been tried before and they never worked. Even if true, does that mean we stop trying? But there are communities begun in the 60’s that still exist today. The Kibbutz, although not as strong as in the past, still exist. It can and must be done. There is an urgent cry I feel not just from myself but from the people to help them find peace and happiness in their own lives and in their world. Community, if structured properly can be just that.
So what would it look like? Most of the details can be worked out by the founding members, but here are a few things that might give it a greater chance of survival. Individual space; spiritual but non-religious development; strong meditation program; community areas for socializing, playing, teaching, healing and eating; financial counseling and assistance; strong health and wellness provisions; community decision making; shared ownership with dues and membership fees adjusted for individuals; conscious business development programs; active external community help programs; spiritual based education programs for adults and children in home schooling environment; shared duties and responsibilities; strong social function planning; space for farm animals and gardens and parks; and healthy and delicious food preparation, but not just vegetarian.
For all of this, it would first be necessary to have a good size plot of land that can be developed. Initial residences can be temporary such as small trailers with barn raising techniques used to continue development. Couples and families as well as individuals should have a private place that is their own. Income doesn’t have to be shared (?), but it should be understood that those who have more have a responsibility to share more as well as teach others to manifest as they have learned to. Not everyone can be an entrepreneur, but everyone has some talent they can share with the community. These must be developed and nurtured.
People are overloaded. Unfortunately when that happens, we tend to shut down rather than reduce the load. Either way, there are going to be a lot of people who will be in need of a great deal of energy as they deal with “Internet Withdrawal.” A real solution is to provide a physical community for these people to go to on a permanent basis or a temporary one.
I believe that a community can also be a retreat. In other words, not all residents need be permanent. It must have a permanent core, but it can also provide safe havens for others in need of healing in all areas of their life.
Another reason is the economy. People out of work, over credited and struggling to make ends meet can make use of community to bring their cost of living down while bringing their quality of life up. Shared common areas with social activities can reduce the need for individual ownership of things. New residents may need lots of coaching to get them through the initial learning curve of enjoying a simpler lifestyle.
Chapter 5 Getting Started: What do we need to do to manifest the idea?
Chapter 6 If we build it, they will come. What Does It Look Like?
Let's talk about the look of the community. What do we need to buy/build/create?
Here's some broad stroke ideas
5 Acres Land minimum with pads and water/sewer/electrical support at each (500 pads max)
All pads mentioned are not paved but graveled to help preserve natural integrity of land.
Tent Area with central water support and limited electrical (200 pads max) This would mostly be used for part time guests and retreats.
Central Community Center (Meditation Center, Shops, Kitchen, Day/Night Care, Healing facilities, Library, Chapel, Conference Rooms, Dining Area, Pool and spas, Exercise-Yoga Rooms, etc)
Gated Entrance
Pads could convert to residences
Several Bath and Shower areas around community
Large Maintenance
Farm and Garden Area
Livestock Area
Hi, did you ever hear of the 'garbage warrior'? Michael Reynolds, an architect who builds 'earthships', made up of recycled materials such as aluminium cans, glass and plastic bottles, old rubber tyres etc. All fully self sustainable of water, power generated via solar and wind power. Totally amazing and fantastic and very eco friendly. (Sandra Traynor)
Here are some websites for those who want to check it out.
http://earthship.com/
http://www.greenhomebuilding.com/earthship.htm
Chapter 7: What Are The Most Desired Professions Needed In Community?
What professions/people would be most beneficial to the success of the community? This is a wish list and a visioning list of those professions that would support the success of individual members as well as the community as a whole. Here is a list of those I can think of. Let's flesh these out if you agree and speak to why these are important. Or add others as well.
Meditation Teacher and Facilitator
Nutritionist/Cook
Farmer/Gardener
Livestock Handler/Vet
Spiritual Teachers
Educational Teachers (K-12 and Adult)
Healers (Eastern and Western)
Day/Night Child and Elder Care
Mechanic
Construction Expert
Entrepreneur
Counselors (Legal, Financial, Spiritual, Emotional, Relationship)
Maintenance/Handyperson
Massage Therapist
Chiropractor/Acupuncturist
Yoga-Fitness Expert
Peace Officers/Security
Chapter 8: New World Technologies Used in Community
I have been researching new technologies for The Future New World.
Here are some you may like to see. You may like to add a section for them in your community
Free Zero Point Energy
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5782814493...
Turn Rubbish Into Fuel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWf9nYbm3ac&fea...
Run Cars On Water
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CS7NSkkNHow&fea...
Here is a great Australian site for Zero Point Energy
http://loveforlife.com.au/content/09/02/11/website...
(rexiedexie)
Chapter 9: How will it be funded?
Now the fun part. What ideas do we need to work to raise the initial funds for the building and promotion of the community.
Chapter 10: How will it be maintained? Community Economy with a Heart
Now the really fun part. What radical new ideas in economics can we employ to not only maintain the infrastructure of the community as well as enable members to be individually successful and happy. I'm not looking at making anyone wealthy. As wealth comes in, I want it to benefit all. Can we create a new form of Socialism -- a Spiritual Socialism that not only provides everyone with basic needs but also allows everyone to do what they love and to be happy? This is truly the heart of my goal in doing this.
Again broad stroke ideas
70% of current worth and all future earnings with buy out option
All vehicles and residences become community owned
Provide new business start up loans at no interest, but profits returned as stated above and initial loan amount must be repaid.
Any personal stocks and investments are turned over to community
Non Full Members may join by only paying a Membership Fee and Monthly Dues allowing limited time access.
Outside support by hosting seminars and retreats
Chapter 11: Chop Wood, Carry Water For Everyone. Social Activism
Chapter 12: Can a new Spiritual Socialism work?
Chapter 13: In The Year 2525. How to insure the community thrives and expands?
Chapter 14: Call To Action
- September 24, 2010 12:09 pm
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