Ours is not a better way, ours is merely another way. The first annual Ecovillage Convergence in South Africa took place on 18-20 September 2009. This coming together of kindred spirits had been growing in the hearts of many who share the desire for authentic, earth-based living. The Convergence was intended as a `gathering of tribes` from fellow ecovillages and intentional communities in and around South Africa. The primary focus was to establish a living network through which communities and ecovillages may work together to raise awareness and facilitate the movement towards sustainable earth-based lifestyles around South Africa. The call was put out to all known established and emerging communities, ecovillages and projects countrywide. This intent was synchronistically reinforced when a fellow community planned the same event on the same date!
4 communities form network
The workshop stretched over a weekend and included early morning yoga sessions, meditation, and consciously facilitated sharing sessions. The weekend was imbued with a sense of shared aspirations, free-flowing communication and activity. Friday afternoon welcomed the first 2 representatives, Zuvuya Community from the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, and Xhabbo Emerging Community located just outside Swellendam, while Saturday saw the arrival of Berg en Dal, located in the Klein Karoo. Including Khula Dhamma, these were the first 4 communities to engage in a South African ecovillage network. Over the weekend various aspects of the ecovillage movement were discussed with the main focus on sharing hands-on knowledge and tools used in each community. Ideas, activities and best practices for proper waste management, communication and group decision-making tools, steps to self-sufficiency, earth-stewardship, creating right livelihoods within community structures and service to humanity were discussed at length. These elements form the cornerstones of any conscious earth-based community.
best practices
As each community shared its aspirations, a sense of humility and purpose prevailed. Guiding motivations were an earnest desire to create a better world through the return to our roots, and engaging in practices that bring joy and balance to all aspects of life. Achievements and challenges were openly discussed, as well as ways in which communities can rise above immediate circumstances and secure working models for the rapidly growing movement. The need was acknowledged for communities to create the necessary infrastructure such as skills training, food security and local economic trading systems in order to be able to absorb the sudden influx of interest from people disillusioned with the current state of affairs. The ecovillage movement in South Africa is still small compared with what is unfolding abroad, hence the significance of coming together to support local projects and inform the public about the availability of another way of life free from fear and strain and offering the highest expression of love and divinity.
Author : Estelle Willemse
