For many people it seems that the only way to be happy is to have a successful career, elegantly furnished home and all the latest gadgets. However, does such a high standard of living really bring happiness?
Well, if you ask almost any travel enthusiast, the answer would be a resounding no.
Travelling the world can be a life-changing experience. Spending time in a foreign country – or even just a different community outside the borders of your own town – can make you a better person. Travel gives you perspective and allows you to see yourself, and our world, in a brand new light. In many cases, if you don’t explore the world and remain in the same locale, you might end up wearing blinkers, so to speak. You run the risk of assuming that where you live is how the rest of the world is, but that’s not true in the least. The world is a fascinating and diverse place.
Even within the same country, there are various cultures and societal norms thanks to a wide range of communities. In the simplest terms, a community is a group of people living in the same place, but the reality is well beyond that definition. Communities allow individuals to interact with each other, share experiences, develop relationships and gain perspective.
Many of us think that we travel to see the world and experience other cultures. While that is true to an extent, when we travel, we actually get to learn a lot about ourselves. We uncover our undiscovered talents, the unrefined facets of our personality and often an unbridled zest for life. Visiting other communities can bolster your humanity, increase your knowledge and enrich your life.
Visiting serene communities is an excellent way to explore these possibilities. Though visiting such a destination may be outside of your comfort zone, it’s a great way to really immerse you in a world of experience, education and stimulation. Here’s a look at two serene communities that you might find interesting.
Dancing Rabbit
If you’re looking for something a little off the beaten track, you might consider visiting Dancing Rabbit in north-eastern Missouri. Though still in the pioneering stage, it is an eco-village in every sense of the word. Sprawling over 280 acres, it’s a self-reliant town with approximately 1,000 residents committed to radical environmental sustainability. Dancing Rabbit was founded on the idea of self-sufficiency, economic independence and sustainable living, but without the need to sequester itself from mainstream America. In fact, much of the acreage is protected as wildlife preserve.
Dancing Rabbit welcomes visitors to come and experience this viable example of sustainable living where community members live and work together in a vibrant yet non-exploitive social structure. The people are diverse, all following ecological covenants and sustainability guidelines. Homes are built using alternative techniques, powered with renewable energy from the sun and wind. All vehicles are either electric or biodiesel. The food is sourced locally, much of it homegrown, and always organic. Visitor programmes range from daylong guided tours to three-week in-depth experiences.
Bruderhof
Bruderhof is an intentional Christian community consisting of 23 settlements spanning four continents and five countries including the UK, the US, Australia, Germany, and Paraguay. The community consists of almost 3,000 people that consider themselves a fellowship of families and singles, practising radical discipleship. The community renounces private property, shares everything and is dedicated to a life of service to each other, you, and God.
At first, the idea of visiting Bruderhof may strange to non-Christians, but the community actually encourages visitors and welcomes everyone. The principles on which the community is founded is its attempt to answer the problems of modern society, which often place too much emphasis on wealth and self, frequently leading to inequality, conflict, and isolation.
Spending some time in a Bruderhof settlement might allow you a glimpse into how to live a simpler, less complicated life when you return home. If you are interested in visiting one of the Bruderhof settlements, our site is a great place to start your search. We provide useful information on destinations all over the world along with plenty of travel tips, news, and inspiring ideas for your next holiday.
While serene communities like Bruderhof and Dancing Rabbit aren’t typical holiday destinations, they are definitely worth your time. If you want to learn about alternate lifestyles, experience a unique sense of community, and perhaps even come to understand yourself a little better, visiting a serene community may be exactly what you need.
