Mountains and Waters Alliance

Our reason for existing is to heal the mind of separation, which is the cause of the violence of our time. This intention applies both to ourselves, personally and collectively, and to the civilization in which we are embedded: it’s a form of activism. To this end we learn how to live with each other, apprentice ourselves to earth, woods, and waters, learn from indigenous communities, and act in solidarity with environmental, justice, regenerative agriculture, and other groups that are life-sustaining. Joanna Macy’s three aspects of action apply here: protection or resistance (e.g. pipeline resistance), creating the new world (by living in a different way), and consciousness change. As a residential community, we are in formation, and joining members will definitely influence how we live. There is a founder, Shodo Spring, who is a Zen teacher, permaculturist, and activist, and two other residents arrived more recently. There is a advisory council, and many people have passed through as visitors, volunteers, interns, retreatants, and supporters. We are looking for co-creators, peers, ready to invest their dreams and their lives here. Of course that process begins with conversations and visits. The land is 17 rolling acres with creeks and bluffs, next to the Cannon River in Rice County, MN. It is in restricted zoning, “Wild and Scenic”, which limits us but protects us from development. We can have 6 people living here; if the neighbors moved out we could have another 6; if society collapses we could have any number but there will be other problems then. Currently we have space for 4, and with construction will have space for 6. At this moment in time (spring 2023) we are in transition to more work with the land, implementing old dreams. We’re accepting short-term full-time workers as well as looking for long-term residents. Living here is about sacred intention and giving. It also includes joy, community, laughter, and love. Look at our website to learn more about what this means in ideals; talk with us to find out whether this might be your place. It’s a plus for us if you have more than one of these interests: permaculture and foraging, sustainable living, meditation and/or spiritual practice, environmental/political awareness. It’s essential to be willing to engage with the community, participate in house meetings, contribute some work and some rent, and be willing to support each other’s health needs. The term “ecovillage” is often thought to mean several households sharing an environmental ethic and work. We do not have multiple households; due to zoning we have one shared residence.