Costa Rica is pulling me in. For many years I was seeking a place to live where I could feel at home. It wasn’t so much a matter of climate but of finding a place where I am both fully nourished and fully received. Eight years ago, Stella and I moved to Asheville, North Carolina, hoping that it would be such a place. It could have been, but being fully received is more than finding people you resonate with. Lands and waters have their own spirits. Sometimes you arrive somewhere and every road is blocked, nothing comes easily, you meet the right people at the wrong time, or the wrong people at the right time, end up in the wrong house, and there’s a hole in the bottom of your ice cream cone. But sometimes you arrive somewhere and every door opens for you. That’s how it has been for us in our month-long visit to La Ecovilla (LEV) in Costa Rica.
Hi Charles! I just found your article, and well, we will be neighbors! My husband and I also discovered the sense of "THIS IS LIFE AND REAL WELLBEING" when we visited LEV on 2021 and also took a leap of faith last year. I wonder if you happen to have a link to the recording of this webinar? Curious about the questions and concerns addressed here. Thank you!
Hello Charles, I've gotten slightly excited about this whole thing and I'm in contact with an agent of LEV, to whom I wrote that my highest priority was to understand and discuss some governance questions with Marcelo as it pertains to the very large area of common spaces. As you point out in your original post, a large part of what makes life a better for everyone is the possibility of expanding "The commons", and by nourishing our needs for community connection and hopefully also lower costs for everyone, at least to some degree.
In the context of: "What may be born within the infrastructure the founding team is creating depends on those who come." I find it important to understand how much the legal structure of the Condominium (Ley de Condominios) , which is a choice that is made by the developers might impact this sense of possibility. More specifically: let's say a group of residents was interested in revamping those old amphitheaters to create a space for the performing arts for example, how would that work a) in the case that it were exclusively for the benefit of the community and b) is there room for groups of residents to use defined areas of the shared space for income-generating, if they wished to have "village income" which could then go to reduce the condo fees. I'm imagining in detail here, but I think the question is relevant: unless you've lived in a place with vast expanses of land, it's hard to imagine the amount of natural space that 150 hectares represents (I roughly discounted the private space from the total 200 hectares). It is really huge. If the topography is hilly, and if it's wooded, the sense of space is further increased.
So I put this out there for your collective pondering :) I'm not sure but I think this is the crux of the question:
Since condo law operates on MAJORITY VOTE, this system can potentially create 49% of residents left in discontent. So I'd like to know if there is space for consent based decision-making in the governance structure. I feel that this is where connections can grow deeper in community and also that is is closer in spirit to that more beautiful world we seek.
Nothing is set in stone yet (or ever). I haven't yet talked in depth about community governance, but Marcleo mentioned they are looking at some form of sociocracy. One reason I made this post in the first place is in hopes of people entering the community and affecting its operations, governance, and social and environmental sensibilities in a positive direction.
I was just on a you tube video of an American immigrant in Costa Rica, and there were lots of Ticos on there talking about how all the American and European immigrants have ruined their country. What harmony, what beauty, what bliss to live well at the expense of others well being. Enjoy your Omela. I have lost all respect. You are a hypocrite, and I have no interest in hearing you say what sells, not what you live. But my disappointment is my fault for ever believing you had integrity in the first place.
Yes, that kind of thing is also happening in Costa Rica, and of course in many other places. However, the project I am involved in is something very different. The founding team are acutely aware of the issues you raise, and are committed to doing things a different way. Their founder is not from North America; he is Argentinian by birth but has lived most of his adult life in Costa Rica. The project is deeply tied to local businesses, farmers, ecologists, and people.
That said, it is not perfect. The question for me is, What is a doable next step from where we are now?
As for my hypocrisy and lack of integrity, I am sorry to say that I have always been a hypocrite. Even in this very moment, I am using a computer made with minerals extracted with great pain from the earth. I am driving a car that is made through exploiting people and beings all over the earth through a global supply chain. I could go on and on. I am not a particularly saintly person. I am sorry to have given you the impression that I was a person of high integrity. I am quite average.
I disagree with your self assessment, much like I disagree with my wife, who thinks she is not beautiful, which so reveals how beautiful she really is. Thank you for sharing yourself with us. Dennis. Boston MA
Well thanks for replying,really wasn't expecting that. I was extremely triggered when I wrote that,because I am in the same situation as many of the poor in Costa Rica,and have been my whole life. I have had to move again and again,due to people with money moving into the area where I am at, and not having the means to afford it anymore. It doesn't matter how well intentioned the people with the money are,it affects those without it the same. At this point, until something happens to force us to start over, without money, without haves and have nots, a beautiful world cannot truly be born. That's what I see at least. We will continue to be separated until that time. Loving wishes to you and your family, I hope you find that which you seek.
Ok, that's really good news then. And I hear you loud and clear about the need for co-creating with a positive outlook. It's difficult for me, and I can't imagine how disappointed you must be to invite so-called like-minded people to join in this effort to co-create something beautiful, something never done before that will necessarily be a learning and growing experience - only to find that many hearts are overpowered by judgement, envy and even sheer spite.
Anyone here keeping track of how many times “judgement” has been leveled at another...as though it’s a fact, and not a judgement itself? Check yourselves, holier-than-thou peeps.
Is Halcyon Day's comment on here correct about you receiving commission from sales of lots at Ecovilla? If so, is there a reason why you didn't disclose that in your article?
Charles, we were so inspired by your email that we are going to visit Ecovilla and San Mateo next month during our trip to Costa Rica. We are looking for recommendations on things to see / experience / people to connect with in the area. Would love any ideas you may share. We are so curious to visit! Perhaps we will see you at Ecovilla! If you have thoughts, feel free to email me at lindsayewolff@gmail.com or of course comment here.
I value Charles' work immensely and have been a follower of his for many years. Regardless of my personal opinion about the choice Charles is making to move to La Ecovilla, I do respect his clarion call to followers. If La Ecovilla is for Charles, "the more beautiful world", I can see why he would want to mobilize others into action. What I do not understand is why Charles has not disclosed that he receives a commission for every lot that is sold at La Ecovilla when new buyers quote his name? I had a video call recently with one of the La Ecovilla sales reps who shared that they are "gifting" Charles with a commission because of the sheer traction his article has gained and the resultant sales it has driven. It doesn't bother me that Charles makes a commission - we all have to get paid somehow. But by not sharing this small, albeit significant piece of information, we, as his loyal community, are refused the right to a level of transparency I believe we all deserve. Surely, as an addendum to this article, Charles could have written a line stating that he receives a commission from La Ecovilla? Or he could have posted something in the comments section? Given the furor over the article (see all 400+ comments below), I'm surprised it wasn't the FIRST thing Charles wanted to make clear. It strikes me as utterly bizzare and quite frankly: icky. Suffice it to say, after doing a bit of research myself and having had a conversation with one of the sales reps at La Ecovilla, I can say that this type of privileged, colonially-inspired gated community - sorry "ecovillage" - is not for me. To each his or her own, Charles, but be honest!
Lev in Hebrew means ‘heart’ and in Russian means ‘lion’. Almost two years ago I gave my son this name in hopes (and gnosis) that he would live in this world with the ferocity and softness of a lion’s heart 💚
I have been living in Costa Rica for years. I believed the media campaign about Costa Rica’s “exemplary environmental record.” Perhaps at one time that was true, but now it is a horrible greenwashing campaign. If you live here and are able to get a peek behind the scenes, you will see that the development is out of control, the population is sickened with the heaviest pesticide use per capita in the world, the water is polluted and horribly mismanaged, the red tide has been devastating, the wild places are being destroyed while goverment officials are bought off as a “cost of doing business.” If you have an app that translates, stick this report entitled “Hasta la Última Gota” in your translator and let people know! This may help to keep the best parts of Costa Rica from becoming a disaster zone like Tulum. https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:c31ef79b-8fdb-3062-a5bc-c6f50ab71b03
Hi Charles and Stella. Not sure if you’ll see this comment or if I’m too late to the party. I rarely comment and this one feels important. I want you to know that I really resonate with your description of things falling into place and the idea of flying by the seat of your pants being relatively the same as following your intuition. I moved to Maine, more or less on a whim, from an increasingly suburban area of Georgia almost 2 1/2 years ago and had the exact same experience you’ve described about going to Costa Rica. I like to joke that I moved here because I took a wrong turn on my way home from a trip to North Carolina, but that’s pretty much the truth. I left home for a 5 day trip to Asheville and ended up visiting Maine for a month, and had already began letting the decision to move permeate into me about 2 weeks in. Everything just lined up. The land feels so right. There is so much life here. The connections I made were so alive. With people and with other beings. And there were unexpected turns. In fact, most of the plans I made for my first year here completely fell apart. And more beautiful things came to fruition in their wake. I do not regret any of it, even when it had been painful and scary and unclear, I knew in my heart I am supposed to be here. Words cannot describe, I simply have a knowing. Thank you for sharing your most recent aliveness with us. I suspect that things will continue not to be exactly as we think they will turn out, for your family and mine. And that’s okay. I hope you can hold on to the important and beautiful aspects of this leg of your journey. Blessings and peace upon you and your community. Whatever form that takes.
The early ones also get to dominate the democratic vote, apparently. And depending on how wide your public reach is and how many fans you have, well...you could be afforded quite a handsome opportunity, no?
Hallo and thankyou for wanting to communicate...mmmm...my comment on your move to costa rica was perhaps unkind - at this time of great turmoil to be able to move to an idyllic haven is so very appealing ...since then i have reflected was my reaction driven by envy?! However thisTime demands that we acknowledge how white skinned folk have always had more freedom more purchase more ability to go where we want and take over...sublimating indigeneous cultures and taking land ...an intrinsic entitlement ....even if we are beautiful people with a beautiful vision for our world we take to these places the self righteous consciousness of the white invader...but truely charles i do get it i am in my own way seeking to find an idyllic retreat where i can create my little beautiful world .... but so many sisters and brothers are fleeing living hell i am not sure i can close my eyes ears heart and luxuriate in heaven even if i could find it....i believed in your vision when i read Beautiful World many years ago ...and these last years it has become harder to keep the faith ...however keep the faith we must! Pandora shut the lid on Hope ...Love is the answer xx
Charles: You emailed me today that you replied to your comment on "To Happen Everywhere it Must Happen Somewhere."
Here's what I tried to respond by email but couldn't: "No, you never replied to my comments (which were in answer to a Christine - giving her advice on how to use astrology to learn how a place can affect your life).
I'm living in a D- area according to a locational astrologer in 2013.
I'm living on low SS since, during 30 years of very severe depression and anxiety, I was fired or let go from 38 jobs (including the times I had to quit).
In 2004 I hit a health bottom - was told I had 2 years to Dialysis. Within 6 months of that, I'd researched into Europe to learn I had to eat all organic whole foods, plus I attended a day-long workshop with Jon Kabat-Zinn, after which I began to meditate 30-45 minutes. Over 1 1/2 years I had 9 mystical experiences (and lost 60 lbs. effortlessly).
All of that is what entirely put my life onto a better path.
Living in a HUD-run apt. complex in a city of 50,000 in the western suburbs of Chicago is not what I would have chosen for myself if I'd had a mentally/emotionally healthier life.
However, I can see now at age 78 that I was meant to be here and do activism here, which I've recently stopped (except for promoting Regenerative Agriculture - esp. with Zach Bush).
And now I'm studying to be certified to be a Life Coach. Since 2004 I've acquired many useful skills and knowledge that will help me do this, plus the compassion I can bring to those whose lives were ruined by the Pandemic. (I won't charge a lot.)
So, for a life's mission and purpose, a D- place, can lead us thru a lot of pain and then lessons - which can ultimately lead to evolving us into the person we are meant to be.
Being fully received and nourished — to feel "at home" — is something I've experienced profoundly and articulated to others on many occasions about my own sense of place in the world. It has led me to magical spots all around the Earth and to my current home. It is exactly as Charles describes — when it's right, everything magically and effortlessly opens for you. You are seen and heard without needing to show or tell. It's a tacit sense of community and belonging. And it has the life-enhancing effect of feeling directed by supportive Universal forces. Bolstered by the luminance of life. Guided by Spirit.
Congratulations on finding your "spot." For now. And I only wish for others this super-simple and wholly potent bit of experience so few get to practice: "Love where you live." That alone will transform you're entire life. If you don't love where you live, change it. Find somewhere you do. Life is too short not to LOVE where you spend your time. With love as your guide you are sure to find the somewhere that will love you in return.
Anne Paulus you raise a very good point about governance. I think majority-rule is what most "westerners" are familiar with and it feels normal. You take a vote - the side with the most votes wins. It's democratic! (However, it is not inclusive, engaging or equitable. So yes 49% of people can be disappointed. But it's our default. It's what we know.)
Many of us have been involved with groups that have tried to remedy those limitations by using consensus. Which is generally adopted in the absence of much training and results in one person being able to put a halt to something the rest of the group wants. So there is the potential for 99% of people to be unhappy.
Then, as you point out, there is consent decision-making. Sociocracy aka dynamic governance. I think of it as "consensus lite". haha. It is built on engagement and inclusivity. It's not "just" a way of making decisions. It is a way or organizing with circles instead of committees. And having communication BETWEEN circles is built in to the structure. And there are mechanisms for getting community input built in. So decisions aren't made in isolation then imposed on others. And circles are limited to about 8 members so most meetings can be done in 90 minutes or less.
I'm not familiar with condo law in CR but if it is similar to the US then, yes, they will require the bylaws to specify a hierarchical governing body (President, VP, Treasurer, Secretary). But that doesn't mean the day-to-day functioning is dictated by the board. If laws are similar to the US then the board only has to meet annually and essentially be responsible for the budget.
This article landed in my inbox at just the right time.
I've talked to a Julianne, watched the webinar and booked a flight to San Jose. I would love to connect with others who are pursuing the idea.
I was involved with a co-housing project that fell through because of funding. I learned that the majority of co-housing projects never get built. So it's a relief to finding a community that has already successfully demonstrated that they can manage the immense amount of work, details, paperwork, organization that is required yet still be able to join into a newly forming part of the community.
Hi Marina and hi Jac, Wow, you guys are quick! When are you arriving? I'll leave you my phone number here and feel free to write me. I have some room in my house if you need! Excited to meet you in any case. I use Telegram or WhatsApp +506 8865 7319.
You're right, that's not a fact but rather an evaluation of how it's received, so what would you call it, a feeling? The point is that it's not carrying a positive outlook on the person nor is it gently pushing them towards a different outlook. That's just how I personally want to be treated and I would bet that you too. There's no evolution on any level except through LOVE. What do you think?
As far as the name calling (holier than thou peeps), I have no desire to communicate on that level. Non-violent communication is essential. Thank you for your comment.
What would I call it? I call it shocking that you summarize the critics here as “overpowered by judgement, envy and even pure spite.” If that’s not a judgement I don’t know what is. But whatever. Now I’m judging your comment based on a microscopic amount of information I can possibly have about you. My point is that if you wrap it up like that, you’re dismissing a lot of potentially important information...just because it’s not positive and not gentle. Heaven forbid anyone ever say anything aggressive or negative!! But aggression & negativity have their place, I’m sure you can agree. I mean, I might consider you negative toward what I perceive as fair criticism.
And actually no. I’m not really the kind of person who requires someone to tiptoe around my emotions. I’m not fragile. People can say what they want and if I don’t like it I don’t have to listen. I’m not into the idea that we need to police people’s communication style. It’s completely impossible anyway.
However, I do apologize for name-calling. I was hasty with my wording...meaning to point at the behaviour, not to make people (or you) only about their behaviour. I am sorry for that.
You're right my friend, it's never a good idea to lump everything together and not all comments were judgmental...There was an amazing panoply of reactions!
First I want to say that it's a shame this conversation is just in writing. I've come to the conclusion that when we use the written word to interact rather than to inform, especially in texting, often we take so much away from the richness of communication that it often leads down a path altogether different that the one we expected, to our great dismay. So when engaging in this kind of interesting interaction, I really try to do it in person because I feel we are cheating ourselves when we equate texting to personal interaction. After all, 80 or 90 percent of our communication is purported to be through body language, tone of voice, eye contact. In any case, here we'll do with what we have!
I think we can agree there's a big difference between criticism and judgment.
I personally welcome any criticism - but the intention behind it is very relevant.
Criticism can be the mirror that allows one to see their reflection, which in turn gives the opportunity to change the course of one's behavior. But we humans cannot receive what comes as an attack, it just won't get to our heart, where everything constructive happens.. we will block it and resort to defensive retaliation if it's laden with aggression.
I've come to the realization (after many years of suffering the consequences) that aggression NEVER achieves the desired outcome and in the majority of cases, it destroys something that one didn't want to destroy, leaving one with a sense of impoverishment and sorrow. So in a sense, it's a missed opportunity to help the other person grow in some way.
Does that make sense? There's the whole case of setting limits with people and sometimes this must be done forcefully. But forcefulness is again different from aggression in its intention.
Yes. Makes sense. And I agree with all you’ve offered here, except for the part where you seem to interpret aggression as an indication of attack. Being aggressive doesn’t necessarily mean an attack. And what comes as an attack to one person may not come as an attack to another. These are assumptions being made that many people automatically see as justification for policing another’s communication. But if no one knows each other well, then how can anyone really tell if a comment really is aggressive or attacking in its intentions? (I mean, beyond outright threats)
It may seem like I’m getting into the weeds with this, but I assure you it’s very important, at least to me it is. Some people simply communicate more aggressively. It doesn’t make them wrong if it’s honest. Self-censoring for the purpose of not coming across as an attack helps no one. It creates less honest/real communication while supporting and encouraging victimhood behaviour. We’re seeing plenty of this both in online communications as well as in real life. And no one wins. Victim wars wage on.
I can’t say that I find it overly problematic to discuss this material in written form. The origin of our discussion is based on Charles’ written material, after all. If it’s good enough for him, it’s good enough for me. Of course there are limitations with how effective one can be...but that’s the way of the world. It only really becomes problematic when people start getting all sensitive about these little words and don’t know how to manage themselves without falling into the victim/perpetrator/rescuer behaviour triangle.
Hey everyone, I brought the concerns raised in these comments to Marcelo, the main co-founder of the project. Here is the recording of the webinar in which he addresses some of them (see below). https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/7YtYG89tUK8OYY61-3InAjfs_ANs1hqKFV6my6bVfYn7Pcbtyh-7xvuIroZ8uVKQ.EfmtfCMgRKxMBeM3He invited me to be on a webinar with him on Thursday, where he will take some time to address them. He says it is much more locally integrated and practical in its social and environmental commitments than people assume. But I will raise the questions in the webinar. It will be on Thursday, 1pm EST. I will post the link when I get it. Obviously, I won't be able to raise ALL of the concerns posted here, and I want to give him the space to espouse his vision and not just answer criticism, but he is willing to engage and I think these questions are important. OK Here is the link https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sDpyWntPTIao3DlOnlWlew?utm_campaign=Lauching%20Campaign&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=245833077&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_QZ1V8TEYDuxWXV0dXuwQDZU97V9YhC8R07_pTpQ2Q2jnF_N1l7yqsDOhv8F93l0yiJB78VbBCmi3W6XKR8rAsHZFokg&utm_content=245833077&utm_source=hs_email
Hi Charles! I just found your article, and well, we will be neighbors! My husband and I also discovered the sense of "THIS IS LIFE AND REAL WELLBEING" when we visited LEV on 2021 and also took a leap of faith last year. I wonder if you happen to have a link to the recording of this webinar? Curious about the questions and concerns addressed here. Thank you!
Here it is: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/7YtYG89tUK8OYY61-3InAjfs_ANs1hqKFV6my6bVfYn7Pcbtyh-7xvuIroZ8uVKQ.EfmtfCMgRKxMBeM3
Hello Charles, I've gotten slightly excited about this whole thing and I'm in contact with an agent of LEV, to whom I wrote that my highest priority was to understand and discuss some governance questions with Marcelo as it pertains to the very large area of common spaces. As you point out in your original post, a large part of what makes life a better for everyone is the possibility of expanding "The commons", and by nourishing our needs for community connection and hopefully also lower costs for everyone, at least to some degree.
In the context of: "What may be born within the infrastructure the founding team is creating depends on those who come." I find it important to understand how much the legal structure of the Condominium (Ley de Condominios) , which is a choice that is made by the developers might impact this sense of possibility. More specifically: let's say a group of residents was interested in revamping those old amphitheaters to create a space for the performing arts for example, how would that work a) in the case that it were exclusively for the benefit of the community and b) is there room for groups of residents to use defined areas of the shared space for income-generating, if they wished to have "village income" which could then go to reduce the condo fees. I'm imagining in detail here, but I think the question is relevant: unless you've lived in a place with vast expanses of land, it's hard to imagine the amount of natural space that 150 hectares represents (I roughly discounted the private space from the total 200 hectares). It is really huge. If the topography is hilly, and if it's wooded, the sense of space is further increased.
So I put this out there for your collective pondering :) I'm not sure but I think this is the crux of the question:
Since condo law operates on MAJORITY VOTE, this system can potentially create 49% of residents left in discontent. So I'd like to know if there is space for consent based decision-making in the governance structure. I feel that this is where connections can grow deeper in community and also that is is closer in spirit to that more beautiful world we seek.
Cheers!
Nothing is set in stone yet (or ever). I haven't yet talked in depth about community governance, but Marcleo mentioned they are looking at some form of sociocracy. One reason I made this post in the first place is in hopes of people entering the community and affecting its operations, governance, and social and environmental sensibilities in a positive direction.
I was just on a you tube video of an American immigrant in Costa Rica, and there were lots of Ticos on there talking about how all the American and European immigrants have ruined their country. What harmony, what beauty, what bliss to live well at the expense of others well being. Enjoy your Omela. I have lost all respect. You are a hypocrite, and I have no interest in hearing you say what sells, not what you live. But my disappointment is my fault for ever believing you had integrity in the first place.
Yes, that kind of thing is also happening in Costa Rica, and of course in many other places. However, the project I am involved in is something very different. The founding team are acutely aware of the issues you raise, and are committed to doing things a different way. Their founder is not from North America; he is Argentinian by birth but has lived most of his adult life in Costa Rica. The project is deeply tied to local businesses, farmers, ecologists, and people.
That said, it is not perfect. The question for me is, What is a doable next step from where we are now?
As for my hypocrisy and lack of integrity, I am sorry to say that I have always been a hypocrite. Even in this very moment, I am using a computer made with minerals extracted with great pain from the earth. I am driving a car that is made through exploiting people and beings all over the earth through a global supply chain. I could go on and on. I am not a particularly saintly person. I am sorry to have given you the impression that I was a person of high integrity. I am quite average.
I disagree with your self assessment, much like I disagree with my wife, who thinks she is not beautiful, which so reveals how beautiful she really is. Thank you for sharing yourself with us. Dennis. Boston MA
Well thanks for replying,really wasn't expecting that. I was extremely triggered when I wrote that,because I am in the same situation as many of the poor in Costa Rica,and have been my whole life. I have had to move again and again,due to people with money moving into the area where I am at, and not having the means to afford it anymore. It doesn't matter how well intentioned the people with the money are,it affects those without it the same. At this point, until something happens to force us to start over, without money, without haves and have nots, a beautiful world cannot truly be born. That's what I see at least. We will continue to be separated until that time. Loving wishes to you and your family, I hope you find that which you seek.
These guys are ridiculous. It's a new form of gentrification... But this time he doesn't notice it?
Ok, that's really good news then. And I hear you loud and clear about the need for co-creating with a positive outlook. It's difficult for me, and I can't imagine how disappointed you must be to invite so-called like-minded people to join in this effort to co-create something beautiful, something never done before that will necessarily be a learning and growing experience - only to find that many hearts are overpowered by judgement, envy and even sheer spite.
Anyone here keeping track of how many times “judgement” has been leveled at another...as though it’s a fact, and not a judgement itself? Check yourselves, holier-than-thou peeps.
Hello Charles,
Is Halcyon Day's comment on here correct about you receiving commission from sales of lots at Ecovilla? If so, is there a reason why you didn't disclose that in your article?
Charles, we were so inspired by your email that we are going to visit Ecovilla and San Mateo next month during our trip to Costa Rica. We are looking for recommendations on things to see / experience / people to connect with in the area. Would love any ideas you may share. We are so curious to visit! Perhaps we will see you at Ecovilla! If you have thoughts, feel free to email me at lindsayewolff@gmail.com or of course comment here.
I value Charles' work immensely and have been a follower of his for many years. Regardless of my personal opinion about the choice Charles is making to move to La Ecovilla, I do respect his clarion call to followers. If La Ecovilla is for Charles, "the more beautiful world", I can see why he would want to mobilize others into action. What I do not understand is why Charles has not disclosed that he receives a commission for every lot that is sold at La Ecovilla when new buyers quote his name? I had a video call recently with one of the La Ecovilla sales reps who shared that they are "gifting" Charles with a commission because of the sheer traction his article has gained and the resultant sales it has driven. It doesn't bother me that Charles makes a commission - we all have to get paid somehow. But by not sharing this small, albeit significant piece of information, we, as his loyal community, are refused the right to a level of transparency I believe we all deserve. Surely, as an addendum to this article, Charles could have written a line stating that he receives a commission from La Ecovilla? Or he could have posted something in the comments section? Given the furor over the article (see all 400+ comments below), I'm surprised it wasn't the FIRST thing Charles wanted to make clear. It strikes me as utterly bizzare and quite frankly: icky. Suffice it to say, after doing a bit of research myself and having had a conversation with one of the sales reps at La Ecovilla, I can say that this type of privileged, colonially-inspired gated community - sorry "ecovillage" - is not for me. To each his or her own, Charles, but be honest!
Is this true Charles?
Lev in Hebrew means ‘heart’ and in Russian means ‘lion’. Almost two years ago I gave my son this name in hopes (and gnosis) that he would live in this world with the ferocity and softness of a lion’s heart 💚
Now LEV the land is calling 🎶
I have been living in Costa Rica for years. I believed the media campaign about Costa Rica’s “exemplary environmental record.” Perhaps at one time that was true, but now it is a horrible greenwashing campaign. If you live here and are able to get a peek behind the scenes, you will see that the development is out of control, the population is sickened with the heaviest pesticide use per capita in the world, the water is polluted and horribly mismanaged, the red tide has been devastating, the wild places are being destroyed while goverment officials are bought off as a “cost of doing business.” If you have an app that translates, stick this report entitled “Hasta la Última Gota” in your translator and let people know! This may help to keep the best parts of Costa Rica from becoming a disaster zone like Tulum. https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:c31ef79b-8fdb-3062-a5bc-c6f50ab71b03
Hi Charles and Stella. Not sure if you’ll see this comment or if I’m too late to the party. I rarely comment and this one feels important. I want you to know that I really resonate with your description of things falling into place and the idea of flying by the seat of your pants being relatively the same as following your intuition. I moved to Maine, more or less on a whim, from an increasingly suburban area of Georgia almost 2 1/2 years ago and had the exact same experience you’ve described about going to Costa Rica. I like to joke that I moved here because I took a wrong turn on my way home from a trip to North Carolina, but that’s pretty much the truth. I left home for a 5 day trip to Asheville and ended up visiting Maine for a month, and had already began letting the decision to move permeate into me about 2 weeks in. Everything just lined up. The land feels so right. There is so much life here. The connections I made were so alive. With people and with other beings. And there were unexpected turns. In fact, most of the plans I made for my first year here completely fell apart. And more beautiful things came to fruition in their wake. I do not regret any of it, even when it had been painful and scary and unclear, I knew in my heart I am supposed to be here. Words cannot describe, I simply have a knowing. Thank you for sharing your most recent aliveness with us. I suspect that things will continue not to be exactly as we think they will turn out, for your family and mine. And that’s okay. I hope you can hold on to the important and beautiful aspects of this leg of your journey. Blessings and peace upon you and your community. Whatever form that takes.
I don't know who has the money to get up and go there.
And what job will you do there to pay the bills?
Maybe this is more for the people who have a big nest egg cause I don't even own a house and y'all acting like this is doable?
It feels like a global gentrification. Of course the early ones get a good price, the later ones pay the "valuation".
The early ones also get to dominate the democratic vote, apparently. And depending on how wide your public reach is and how many fans you have, well...you could be afforded quite a handsome opportunity, no?
Same. Old. Same. Old.
Hallo and thankyou for wanting to communicate...mmmm...my comment on your move to costa rica was perhaps unkind - at this time of great turmoil to be able to move to an idyllic haven is so very appealing ...since then i have reflected was my reaction driven by envy?! However thisTime demands that we acknowledge how white skinned folk have always had more freedom more purchase more ability to go where we want and take over...sublimating indigeneous cultures and taking land ...an intrinsic entitlement ....even if we are beautiful people with a beautiful vision for our world we take to these places the self righteous consciousness of the white invader...but truely charles i do get it i am in my own way seeking to find an idyllic retreat where i can create my little beautiful world .... but so many sisters and brothers are fleeing living hell i am not sure i can close my eyes ears heart and luxuriate in heaven even if i could find it....i believed in your vision when i read Beautiful World many years ago ...and these last years it has become harder to keep the faith ...however keep the faith we must! Pandora shut the lid on Hope ...Love is the answer xx
Charles: You emailed me today that you replied to your comment on "To Happen Everywhere it Must Happen Somewhere."
Here's what I tried to respond by email but couldn't: "No, you never replied to my comments (which were in answer to a Christine - giving her advice on how to use astrology to learn how a place can affect your life).
I'm living in a D- area according to a locational astrologer in 2013.
I'm living on low SS since, during 30 years of very severe depression and anxiety, I was fired or let go from 38 jobs (including the times I had to quit).
In 2004 I hit a health bottom - was told I had 2 years to Dialysis. Within 6 months of that, I'd researched into Europe to learn I had to eat all organic whole foods, plus I attended a day-long workshop with Jon Kabat-Zinn, after which I began to meditate 30-45 minutes. Over 1 1/2 years I had 9 mystical experiences (and lost 60 lbs. effortlessly).
All of that is what entirely put my life onto a better path.
Living in a HUD-run apt. complex in a city of 50,000 in the western suburbs of Chicago is not what I would have chosen for myself if I'd had a mentally/emotionally healthier life.
However, I can see now at age 78 that I was meant to be here and do activism here, which I've recently stopped (except for promoting Regenerative Agriculture - esp. with Zach Bush).
And now I'm studying to be certified to be a Life Coach. Since 2004 I've acquired many useful skills and knowledge that will help me do this, plus the compassion I can bring to those whose lives were ruined by the Pandemic. (I won't charge a lot.)
So, for a life's mission and purpose, a D- place, can lead us thru a lot of pain and then lessons - which can ultimately lead to evolving us into the person we are meant to be.
Love from Sally
Myself and my family need this. Alas we have no financial means.
I spent a short year in Costa Rica when I was growing up, and to this day I yearn to return. It resonated with me.
I speak Spanish, I want out of the system, I have five young kids already home schooled. Unschooled. It would be perfect. But we have no means.
I wish there were a model could work for us. Sending loving energy.
Being fully received and nourished — to feel "at home" — is something I've experienced profoundly and articulated to others on many occasions about my own sense of place in the world. It has led me to magical spots all around the Earth and to my current home. It is exactly as Charles describes — when it's right, everything magically and effortlessly opens for you. You are seen and heard without needing to show or tell. It's a tacit sense of community and belonging. And it has the life-enhancing effect of feeling directed by supportive Universal forces. Bolstered by the luminance of life. Guided by Spirit.
Congratulations on finding your "spot." For now. And I only wish for others this super-simple and wholly potent bit of experience so few get to practice: "Love where you live." That alone will transform you're entire life. If you don't love where you live, change it. Find somewhere you do. Life is too short not to LOVE where you spend your time. With love as your guide you are sure to find the somewhere that will love you in return.
Anne Paulus you raise a very good point about governance. I think majority-rule is what most "westerners" are familiar with and it feels normal. You take a vote - the side with the most votes wins. It's democratic! (However, it is not inclusive, engaging or equitable. So yes 49% of people can be disappointed. But it's our default. It's what we know.)
Many of us have been involved with groups that have tried to remedy those limitations by using consensus. Which is generally adopted in the absence of much training and results in one person being able to put a halt to something the rest of the group wants. So there is the potential for 99% of people to be unhappy.
Then, as you point out, there is consent decision-making. Sociocracy aka dynamic governance. I think of it as "consensus lite". haha. It is built on engagement and inclusivity. It's not "just" a way of making decisions. It is a way or organizing with circles instead of committees. And having communication BETWEEN circles is built in to the structure. And there are mechanisms for getting community input built in. So decisions aren't made in isolation then imposed on others. And circles are limited to about 8 members so most meetings can be done in 90 minutes or less.
I'm not familiar with condo law in CR but if it is similar to the US then, yes, they will require the bylaws to specify a hierarchical governing body (President, VP, Treasurer, Secretary). But that doesn't mean the day-to-day functioning is dictated by the board. If laws are similar to the US then the board only has to meet annually and essentially be responsible for the budget.
Was the webinar recorded for those who missed it? Thanks.
This article landed in my inbox at just the right time.
I've talked to a Julianne, watched the webinar and booked a flight to San Jose. I would love to connect with others who are pursuing the idea.
I was involved with a co-housing project that fell through because of funding. I learned that the majority of co-housing projects never get built. So it's a relief to finding a community that has already successfully demonstrated that they can manage the immense amount of work, details, paperwork, organization that is required yet still be able to join into a newly forming part of the community.
Hi Marina and hi Jac, Wow, you guys are quick! When are you arriving? I'll leave you my phone number here and feel free to write me. I have some room in my house if you need! Excited to meet you in any case. I use Telegram or WhatsApp +506 8865 7319.
Anne, thanks for reaching out. In reading through the comments earlier your voice in particular resonated with me. I will try you on WhatsApp
We are headed there next week!
Jac feel free to touch base.. Looking forward! +506 8865 7319.
You're right, that's not a fact but rather an evaluation of how it's received, so what would you call it, a feeling? The point is that it's not carrying a positive outlook on the person nor is it gently pushing them towards a different outlook. That's just how I personally want to be treated and I would bet that you too. There's no evolution on any level except through LOVE. What do you think?
As far as the name calling (holier than thou peeps), I have no desire to communicate on that level. Non-violent communication is essential. Thank you for your comment.
What would I call it? I call it shocking that you summarize the critics here as “overpowered by judgement, envy and even pure spite.” If that’s not a judgement I don’t know what is. But whatever. Now I’m judging your comment based on a microscopic amount of information I can possibly have about you. My point is that if you wrap it up like that, you’re dismissing a lot of potentially important information...just because it’s not positive and not gentle. Heaven forbid anyone ever say anything aggressive or negative!! But aggression & negativity have their place, I’m sure you can agree. I mean, I might consider you negative toward what I perceive as fair criticism.
And actually no. I’m not really the kind of person who requires someone to tiptoe around my emotions. I’m not fragile. People can say what they want and if I don’t like it I don’t have to listen. I’m not into the idea that we need to police people’s communication style. It’s completely impossible anyway.
However, I do apologize for name-calling. I was hasty with my wording...meaning to point at the behaviour, not to make people (or you) only about their behaviour. I am sorry for that.
You're right my friend, it's never a good idea to lump everything together and not all comments were judgmental...There was an amazing panoply of reactions!
First I want to say that it's a shame this conversation is just in writing. I've come to the conclusion that when we use the written word to interact rather than to inform, especially in texting, often we take so much away from the richness of communication that it often leads down a path altogether different that the one we expected, to our great dismay. So when engaging in this kind of interesting interaction, I really try to do it in person because I feel we are cheating ourselves when we equate texting to personal interaction. After all, 80 or 90 percent of our communication is purported to be through body language, tone of voice, eye contact. In any case, here we'll do with what we have!
I think we can agree there's a big difference between criticism and judgment.
I personally welcome any criticism - but the intention behind it is very relevant.
Criticism can be the mirror that allows one to see their reflection, which in turn gives the opportunity to change the course of one's behavior. But we humans cannot receive what comes as an attack, it just won't get to our heart, where everything constructive happens.. we will block it and resort to defensive retaliation if it's laden with aggression.
I've come to the realization (after many years of suffering the consequences) that aggression NEVER achieves the desired outcome and in the majority of cases, it destroys something that one didn't want to destroy, leaving one with a sense of impoverishment and sorrow. So in a sense, it's a missed opportunity to help the other person grow in some way.
Does that make sense? There's the whole case of setting limits with people and sometimes this must be done forcefully. But forcefulness is again different from aggression in its intention.
I'll leave it here for now. Cheers!
Yes. Makes sense. And I agree with all you’ve offered here, except for the part where you seem to interpret aggression as an indication of attack. Being aggressive doesn’t necessarily mean an attack. And what comes as an attack to one person may not come as an attack to another. These are assumptions being made that many people automatically see as justification for policing another’s communication. But if no one knows each other well, then how can anyone really tell if a comment really is aggressive or attacking in its intentions? (I mean, beyond outright threats)
It may seem like I’m getting into the weeds with this, but I assure you it’s very important, at least to me it is. Some people simply communicate more aggressively. It doesn’t make them wrong if it’s honest. Self-censoring for the purpose of not coming across as an attack helps no one. It creates less honest/real communication while supporting and encouraging victimhood behaviour. We’re seeing plenty of this both in online communications as well as in real life. And no one wins. Victim wars wage on.
I can’t say that I find it overly problematic to discuss this material in written form. The origin of our discussion is based on Charles’ written material, after all. If it’s good enough for him, it’s good enough for me. Of course there are limitations with how effective one can be...but that’s the way of the world. It only really becomes problematic when people start getting all sensitive about these little words and don’t know how to manage themselves without falling into the victim/perpetrator/rescuer behaviour triangle.
George Carlin went into that stuff. It's the people who lack feelings and thoughts who set the rules of "civility".
If you're stating an honest opinion and explain how its a valid point, censoring ends up turning your message into a "sound bite"
Perhaps the problem is the audience...