Hello, I just wanted to start a conversation about what our community thinks is the greatest threat to our current lives. I personally believe it is the current issues with resource depletion. Not only does this affect trade and commerce, but over the past year we've really seen it hit the pockets or ordinary working-class Americans. Electricity is more expensive, heating is more expensive, and the prices at the grocery store are astronomical. What is anyone doing about this? At NRS, we are preparing for a future that is uncertain. We need to work together to plant gardens, learn wild crafting, raise livestock, and understand what really counts as a need versus a want. Let me know what you think! - Christopher Michael
top of page
THE COMMONS
We wanted to have a place where everyone could come and discuss various topics. This is a space to learn and grow, so please be polite and have fun.
bottom of page
Sounds great, Chris and I are going to discuss it, and we'll get back to you shortly. We want everyone to have a voice, and I know we can learn a lot from your experience.
- CM
Christopher, I believe writing a guest post would be enjoyable. Maybe let me know if there’s something particular you would like me to share or reflect upon in order to narrow the focus; or just what strikes my fancy? — Br Tom.
Brother Tom,
Thanks for your in-depth reply. I really enjoyed where you said, “By being living examples we will be living demonstrations for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear.” I couldn’t agree more that we must show the world that living simply does not mean you have to live in squalor, quite the contrary.
I like that technology has given us the opportunity to learn so many things in such a short amount of time, but I certainly see us moving back toward smaller communities that rely more on the hard work of the people who live there and less on technological advancements. It will be tough for the late adapters, but those willing to participate will come around. Chris and I truly started this adventure at the start of COVID. By January 2020 we were getting emergency food and by May we made the move to our new location. It was a lot of work, but well worth it.
Our ultimate goal is to build a community around us and invite others (who meet certain standards) to join us so we can rely on everyone’s expertise.
Thanks again for all your knowledge and wisdom present in all your posts. We’d love to hear more about your story, and if you’d be willing maybe you could post a guest article sometime of everything you’ve learned. I know that’s a tall order given your years of experience, but I think it would bring such great insight to our network.
Best,
CM
Ultimately, for true happiness and security and overall well being, we cannot live only unto ourselves. Sadly our technology of machines and things, our fossil fuels that do the work of 100s of slaves, and the poor of the world we outsource our production to, has given us a delusion that we can indeed live as a man on an island. This delusion is a false reality, has made our society sick, and is already coming to an end. Eventually, the best positioned among us will not only have productive skills, tools, and knowledge, but will have cultivated a network of like minded folks where they live. Or, maybe they need to relocate to a new area that is better suited for the new realities that are developing.
At some point our community in the digital virtual world must translate and transfer to the real world. Not only have we lost our skills of physical work and productive skills, but we are quickly losing our abilities at social skills and social unity. We must find and build our own communities of like minded people where we are! By like minded I don’t mean the same race, politics, religion, education/IQ, class, etc. but people who are self-aware of themselves and of the world/realities of our time and what that could mean for the future. Maybe all they know now is that things seem really wrong, broken, going in the wrong direction. But, are they “good people” at heart? Are they responsible and accountable for themselves and their family? Do they have a strong work ethic and care about quality and results? Are they kind-hearted, giving, helpful or just always on the take? Do they share their knowledge and time, and are they teachable; or, are they haughty and stingy? Do they have a sense of right and wrong? Are they accountable when they hurt others? Do they recognize injustice done to others and willing to help, defend, support such a person or persons?
It‘s great when people store up things and knowledge and skills, and none are perfect; but, if they are also selfish, prideful, out for the take, and seem nice but are unloving, you basically have a Judas in your mist and that not only cost the group energy but is dangerous. Choose wisely! Peace and Blessings — Br Tom.
Yes, undergirding our troubles are resource depletion and it will continue to crumble the world as we understand it, and the future we thought we had.
The more practical skills and knowledge we learn the more reliant we can be for ourselves and others. By being living examples we will be living demonstrations for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear. By creating value in ourselves that can apply to our present and future needs, others will take value in us and need us. This doesn’t just have to be utilitarian, but can be knowledge, arts, healthcare, religious. We are body and soul! The needs of the mind and soul are just as important as the body, especially in hard, critical, chaotic times. Without an adaptable mind and a healthy soul, they body will not last too long! Peace and Blessings — Br Tom.
Test!