Intentional Communities Explored: My 10-day Quest for Connection

I visited eight diverse communities on my path to finding home

A house built with natural materials at Earthaven Ecovillage in North Carolina. All photos taken by the author.

The sun had barely risen as my husband dropped me off with a smooch at the Denver airport. The crisp morning air fueled musings of a fresh start as I embarked on my 10-day mission: to find a community that would be perfect for us.

I checked in, dropped off my suitcase, and joined the seemingly endless security line. Exchanging glances, grimaces, and a few guffaws with those around me over the absurdity of our parade, all of us were united by a common effort — travel — yet each was on a unique journey.

The clamoring symphony of airport life was on full display — “Single file, one after the other!” a security agent admonished repeatedly, incessantly.

Trying to keep up with the strict instructions along with my fellow travelers, I first tasted the essence of what I would soon come to learn in the lush landscapes of North Carolina: Community is where you find it and where you foster it. And it can be found in the most unlikely places.

Intentional Communities

I’ve lived in a couple of intentional communities in the past — Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage in Missouri and Sunrise Ranch in northern…