The story of the hermit disavowing society for some distant forest or cave has been one of fascination for me. At one point and time, I determined to become what I saw as the legendary recluse seeking some inner awakening with constant seated, silent meditations and otherwise belting the Beatles’ “Fool on the Hill” as my anthem. To me, the world had gone astray and it would take us few reaching enlightenment to share profound wisdom that would lead to a collective “aha!” that would irrevocably get the many back to the proper direction.
Last fall, I found myself in the exact opposite end of that reclusive dream as I entered an intentional community as a Life Together fellow. The program’s contemplative and prophetic practices were an easy sell for me but the communal aspect I thought would prove difficult. Intentional community has had its challenges but it has been instrumental in shifting my perspective spiritually.
In the beginning when God had made everything and determined it was good, only one aspect needed an addition. For humans, companionship would be a central part of experiencing life. And so, Adam and Eve were co-stewards of creation. In fact, this same Genesis story illuminates that when life happens alone, problems likely arise. The temptation of Eve happens when she is alone, away from companionship. Jesus, whose life is an example to us, chose with intention to fulfill his mission in fellowship. He chose being with his disciples rather than to practice his ministry alone.
Looking at nature we see that nothing lives in total isolation. A mountain is in communion with its neighbors the wind and the rain. Creation offers numerous examples of co-creation and relationship. Intentional community reflects the Christian principle of fellowship. It offers a chance for us to have our individual personalities and perspectives challenged and tempered by exposure to one another. Certain growth that cannot happen in isolation and a loving compassion that does not happen in absolute solitude. This loving compassion born through community is what the world needs most.
And so, I believe intentional community is a microcosmic example of what we are to do in the larger world. We are to sometimes run the risk of taking offense and having our egos harmed. Not just for our own sake but for the health of the community. Jesus, knowing what Judas would go on to do, still did community with him. Certainly, we cannot all achieve this level of unbridled compassion yet I believe it is something worth striving for. I for one have determination to grow with the intention of doing life together.
Habari gani! My name is Tomoni Mwamunga and I am a first year Micah fellow placed at Community Change Inc. in Downtown Boston. At CCI I work as a workshop facilitator, and social media marketer. My main site projects this year are a four week series in May/June (assuming our current shutdown is lifted by then) and an anti-racism short film for July. I love to cook, read fantasy fiction novels and have been on a gym kick since last fall.