Did you know that?
Editor’s Note: DC Service Corps volunteer Grant Diego shares what living in an intentional community has been like so far and details what he has been learning through this experience.
Have you ever felt like you’re constantly absorbing new information, even when you’re just hanging out at home? Well, welcome to the wild and wonderful world of intentional community, where learning isn’t just a hobby, it’s a way of life. Let me tell you, when I first moved into the Casa, I thought I had a pretty good handle on things. I mean, I’d lived with roommates before, how different could it be? Oh boy, was I in for a surprise! From day one, it became clear that this wasn’t just about sharing a space, but also about sharing lives, experiences, and a whole lot of knowledge.
First off, let’s talk about the diversity of people you encounter. It’s like a human buffet of backgrounds, skills, and perspectives. Living in a community teaches you so much about human nature and relationships. You quickly learn that everyone has their quirks, and figuring out how to navigate these differences is an art form in itself. Who knew that deciding on a chore or the cooking schedule rotation could turn into a masterclass in patience and conflict resolution? One of the coolest things about community living is how it challenges your assumptions. You might think you know the “right” way to do something, but then someone comes along with a completely different approach that blows your mind. It’s humbling and exciting all at once.
Living in community often means engaging with big ideas and important issues. Our dinner conversations range from discussing politics, to what’s our favorite song of the day, and my personal favorite, what movie are we watching tonight? Of course, it’s not always smooth sailing.There are days when you just want to retreat to your room and you know what? That’s totally okay. Part of the learning process is understanding your own limits and needs. What I’ve come to realize is that community living is being willing to admit when you don’t know something and being excited to learn. It’s about seeing every interaction and every shared meal as an opportunity to grow and expand your horizons.
So, if you’re considering diving into intentional community, get ready! Just remember, everyone else is on this journey too and we’re all managing our different paths. In a world where information is all around us, what better way to engage with it than through the lived experiences of a diverse and vibrant community? Trust me, you’ll thank me later. Until next time 🙂
Question for Reflection: Who encourages you to consider different perspectives, tackle conflict resolution, or engage with new ideas?
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