You should probably join a cult.
An exploration of alternative living and how we can all live better, together.
Over the past few years, it seems like you can’t escape #content about cults. From Netflix documentaries like “Wild, Wild Country” and “Raël” to podcasts such as “Escaping NXIVM”, the world seems fascinated by cults…or maybe it’s just me?
Something tells me, though, I’m not alone. Admit it. I know I’m not the only one forwarding those memes that joke about joining (or starting) a cult. Heck, I’m pretty sure most of us would accept an invitation to our best friend's compound if they had one (who doesn’t like Kool Aid and secluded getaway communes?).
So this has me thinking: why are we so drawn to cults in the first place?
The Human Quest for Connection: A Closer Look
To answer this question, I think what most cults get right is offering a clear critique of mainstream society's drift towards individualism and materialism, while also extolling a community-centric lifestyle promising belonging, value, and purpose.
With this in mind, I would argue that the allure of cults, isn't in their sensationalism (though certainly that helps bring in viewers and listeners), but in their ability to speak to our basic human need to belong.
The Need To Belong
Every one of us has needs that those around us fulfill. This is what it means to be a social animal. We need security and stability, someone to talk to, a sense that we’re contributing to our community. In short, we need to belong. Of course, if you’ve been reading my blog, you know my stick: Belonging is good, and failing to find belonging can be deadly.
Alternatives to Cult Life
Okay. So we need to find belonging and mainstream society doesn’t seem to be cutting it for most people. So joining a cult seems to sort of makes sense. But perhaps before you run off in search of a guru, it is advisable to consider less extreme options. Below are a few social innovations that I think might be worth normalizing in our society to help us better meet our need to belong (without having to pay your cultist dues):
Cohousing is a community-centric way of living where you have your own private home, yet share common facilities like kitchens, gardens, and recreational spaces with your neighbors. It's all about collaboration, from cooking meals together to making decisions as a community.
For those passionate about reducing their carbon footprint, eco-villages are a dream come true. These communities are all about sustainable living, incorporating eco-friendly building practices, renewable energy, and organic farming. Living in an eco-village means embracing a lifestyle that's in harmony with nature, sharing a commitment to preserving our planet for future generations.
In housing cooperatives, residents own shares in a corporation that owns the property, giving everyone a say in how things are run. It's a model that not only fosters community but also aims to make housing more affordable and equitable.
Intentional communities are for those who seek to live among people who share their values, whether they're centered around religion, sustainability, or social justice. These communities are built on the idea of sharing—resources, responsibilities, and lives—in pursuit of a common goal. It's about choosing your neighbors based on shared ideals and creating a supportive network.
Community Land Trusts (CLTs) offer a unique approach to keeping housing affordable. By separating the ownership of land and houses, CLTs help ensure that homes remain accessible to those with lower incomes. Residents own their homes but lease the land, protecting the community from market pressures and speculation.
In an age where living costs are soaring, shared houses and coliving spaces offer a breath of fresh air. These arrangements are perfect for those looking for affordability without sacrificing community. With private bedrooms and shared common areas, it's a way to enjoy the company of others while maintaining your personal space.
Senior cohousing tailors the cohousing model to meet the needs of those 55 and older. It's about creating a supportive environment for aging, where residents can live independently yet have a close-knit community to lean on. These communities often feature designs and amenities suited for older adults, emphasizing accessibility and mutual support.
Each of these models presents a unique way to rethink traditional housing, offering paths toward more connected, sustainable, and fulfilling ways of living.
Embracing Community Life
However, embracing the principles of communal life doesn't mean you have to pack up and move into an eco-village or cohousing community (many of these options are financially out of reach for most of us anyway). In fact, there are many ways to weave the threads of community, sustainability, and shared living into your current lifestyle. Consider the potential of apartment buildings designed with inviting common areas and spaces specifically for residents to gather and connect. Imagine neighborhoods enhanced with parks, benches, and green spaces that invite interaction and leisure, or the creation of 'third spaces'—those welcoming public places outside of home and work where people can come together. By prioritizing walkable communities and robust public transit, we make it easier for residents to connect with each other and their surroundings. These are all steps towards fostering community cohesion and a sense of belonging within our modern mainstream living arrangements. The key is not necessarily a drastic change in where we live, but in how we live—making small adjustments to our environments to encourage connection, sustainability, and mutual support.
Building Collective Efficacy
To truly cultivate the connections and sense of community we yearn for, it's crucial that we also rethink our governance structures. Embracing direct democracy, where decisions are made collectively by those most affected, can empower individuals and communities alike. It's about more than just voting; it involves active participation in our local communities, from attending town hall meetings to participating in community projects. Challenging corporate governance structures, such as restrictive strata boards, is also key. These entities often limit individual and communal agency, stifling the very essence of community decision-making. By advocating for more inclusive governance models that prioritize community input and self-determination, we can foster environments where capital—both social and economic—and cohesion flourish. In doing so, we build the robust, interconnected communities we seek, grounded in shared values and collective action. This shift towards participatory governance and community involvement isn't just about changing policies; it's about nurturing a culture of collaboration and mutual support, creating the foundation for the meaningful connections that enrich our lives.
