Occasionally I share insights into what it is like to live in Park Ecovillage Findhorn (PEF) in Scotland.

This short article originally published in the community’s weekly magazine, Rainbow Bridge, inquires about the kind of legacy PEF is creating as we consider our future through decision making, voting and relating to one another. How do we imagine life unfolding for the next generations?

This is part of the series I call Householder Dharmatalk.

What is a NORC anyway?

A Naturally Occurring Retirement Community. Some places and people fear becoming a NORC. But maybe it has advantages? Does it impact how we decide things (tried and true ways)? Does it influence who we vote for (trusted and respected candidates)? Does it create the life conditions where people with maturity and skills can resolve conflicts or difficult situations (trauma informed, non-violent communications)?

But maybe a NORC has disadvantages? How might it close doors to younger people still working? How might it stop families and children from feeling welcome? How does it prevent those who are diverse, younger, or differently skilled from being and feeling included in decision making?

Is it possible that NORCs don’t even know what they don’t know? What types of stories and storytelling are natural to young people but not to elders? What kinds of entertainment, music or art are neither shy nor retiring and are prohibited in NORCs? When, where and how do younger generations contribute time, money and effort to creating community they love? How can we fire together if we don’t even know how we might not be wired together?

I am just curious where PEF falls on the spectrum of NORCdom? Are we already a NORC? Do we prefer to become a NORC? Do we fear impending NORCdom? Are we looking for antidotes to NORCdom?

Maybe we could talk about it at a conversation cafe? To NORC or not to NORC? – that could be the question?