“The Farm” is a spiritual community that thrives off its citizens. Each resident of the thousand-acre community has something to contribute to the community that allows to it grow/sustain itself. Recently I’ve been accepted to Naropa University in Boulder, CO for a degree in Transpersonal Ecopsychology (Transpersonal huh?! Mind, body, soul, nature connection). During my phone interview with the University, it had been suggested to me to visit “The Farm” in Summertown, Tennessee after telling her my dreams of starting a spiritual tiny home village that was a sustainable community.
“The Farm” was an enlightening experience. It was interesting to see how the community operated as its own town in a sense (and not to mention, the vibes were chill for us tiny home enthusiast/earthy crunchy people). As we drove through the community, looking at various components of the spiritual haven, we were in awe. The rolling Tennessee hills and eco-friendly buildings made it an unforgettable place. Perhaps the ecovillage, though, was the most interesting. The ecovillage consisted of homes using green roofs, straw insulation, and bamboo siding. Walking through the garden, amongst the ecobuildings, was quite the spectacle. As we continued through “The Farm” we were amazed at the magic, happiness, and resourcefulness that was used to make the community thrive.
Authors Note: “I have been interested in seeing alternative methods of living that give back to the environment, resourcefully utilize the environment, or preserve the environment. The experience at “The Farm” allowed me to diagnose potential challenges in creating a community/retreat center that consisted of green-living, eco-living, and community-living. I’m looking for any potential feedback that individuals may have in regards to green roofs, eco-living, spiritual communities, “commune” life, or minimalist life. The goal of efforts is to have a spiritual retreat based community that uses tiny-living, ecovillages, and has a positive atmosphere.”