The Essence

  • Community
  • 2 followers

About the Community

  • Forming

What we do

We are a conscious community united in a life of connection, awareness and simplicity.

Through daily meditation and conscious movement practices, we deepen our self-awareness and connection with ourselves. We support each other through daily activities, reflections, and challenges. Together we inquire into the nature of the mind to remember the root cause of our suffering and pain. We create a space where we can be vulnerable and authentic. By sharing our struggles and reactions openly and honestly, we bring clarity to doubts and find peace with who we are and each moment as it is.

We are grounded in slow living, sharing plant-based meals, and living close to nature and to ourselves. Life here is about being rather than doing. Together, we’ve cultivated a sanctuary where you can stay present, be conscious, and build resilience.

We are 5+ members plus a two-year old and a baby who are currently based in Tulum, Mexico, where we focus on building our inner foundation and strengthening our connection through shared living and daily practice. We host life-awareness retreats and welcome those interested in joining our conscious community. As we grow together, we envision settling on a piece of land in the coming years. We are looking to build a space to nurture a conscious way of life for generations to come, and stay awake.

Our Vision

Our Vision: “Sharing the light of awareness with all beings, to support and be supported, now and for generations to come”

Our Mission: Creating a space where awareness, connection, and presence form the foundation of a conscious way of living.

Through daily practice, reflection and guidance, we cultivate clarity and resilience, supporting the journey of self-realization, self-transformation and a life in harmony.

Our Mission

Our Vision: “Sharing the light of awareness with all beings, to support and be supported, now and for generations to come”

Our Mission: Creating a space where awareness, connection, and presence form the foundation of a conscious way of living.

Through daily practice, reflection and guidance, we cultivate clarity and resilience, supporting the journey of self-realization, self-transformation and a life in harmony.

  • Community type
  • Commune
  • Spiritual Retreat Centers
  • Activities
  • Education
  • Services Business

Video

  • 14 Total members
  • Open to new members
  • Open to visitors
  • Open to volunteers
Total
14

How to join

Joining our community is a commitment to a way of life, not just a temporary stay. We are building something long-term, creating a space not only for ourselves but for future generations.

What we expect from our members:

100% vegan lifestyle

No drugs, smoking, or alcohol

Participate in all daily practices and community events

Take initiative and contribute your energy

How to Join

Becoming a part of our community is a highly individual process that looks different for everyone. Please apply to join us through our website and book a call with us to get in contact. Once we meet you, we can find the best way for you to become a part of The Essence Family.

Basic expectations or agreements for members

If you would like to visit us, we welcome you to join us through one of our retreat programs or come as a volunteer. Have a look at our website for more information and use the “apply now” button to get in contact with us and find the best solution to welcome you here.

Primary decision-making authority

  • Single Leader or Founding Couple

One person or partnership has ultimate authority.

Governance structure

  • Founder/Leader-led

Primary authority rests with the community’s founder(s) or designated leader(s).

Economic model

  • Partial Income-Sharing

Members contribute a percentage of income to community funds.

Economic scenarios for this community

  • Members need to pay fees, dues, or similar to live there on a per month or per year basis
  • There is a labor obligation

Additional economic information

Monthly fees/dues: $2000
Labor required: Yes
Members with pre-existing debt: No

Shared resources and amenities that are accessible to everyone in the community

Common House, Vehicle Share, Library, Swimming pond or pool, Outdoor Kitchen, Large Scale Kitchen, Fire pit, Internet

Frequency of communal meals

  • Approximately all meals

Substance use culture

  • Substance use is prohibited in the community

Reviews

Location

  • Quintana Roo, Mexico

Promoted Needs and Offers

Need
Need
Need
  • Communities with Openings
12 months ago

Water Birch Co-op. Urban living in central Denver.

Large, lovely house built in 1900, two blocks from Cheeseman Park in downtown Denver.  5000 square feet. The house was a Buddhist Meditation Center for 20 years before we got it and has lovely, calm vibes. We currently have ten people and have room for one more. We are an intentional community sharing dinners, 3 living rooms, 2 new kitchens and a kitchenette, & 5 baths. Staple food (organic) is bought together. The group is self-regulating as a co-op; it decides together how the house runs. There are chores ;-) Average cost per room is about $1000 ranging from $650 to $1354. Currently available room is $875. We are just finishing renovation of three bedrooms on the third floor  they are $875 each and share our largest, newest bath (shower and separate claw foot tub) and a brand new kitchenette  they all have beautiful windows and lots of light. PLEASE CHECK OUT COMMUNITY LISTINGS FOR MORE INFO. Initial lease for 3-6 months while we and you decide if we are a good fit for each other.  Deposit in the amount of one months rent is required prior to move in.  We do background checks on all members. Utilities are currently $130 per person per month and are all-inclusive.  They will change if costs go up, that amount is insufficient to cover utilities, or more people mean the cost per person goes down.  WiFi is via mesh network from gig-speed fiberoptic service.  Heat is with radiators.  Cooling is evaporative.  We have a storage room in a nearby commercial facility.  And a new large workshop in the garage. Shared food is $125 per month per person; it is a pass-through cost divided evenly among residents; it does NOT include meat or alternative protein nor any alcohol.  We will not be surprised if that needs to go up some soon ($10 or 15). We have two dogs and three cats in the house  that seems like a sufficient quantity of furry friends for now. Our community intentions include: Communication with compassion. Shared space and life. Shared meals. Shared staple foods which are non-GMO and Organic. Group decision making. Safe, inclusive space: queer and trans friendly, anti-racist, non-violent, and feminist. The purchase of the house by the co-op in about five years. The expansion of the co-op, possibly to include other housing types (like separate apartments). Weekly meetings and house committees to manage our community. We are considering implementing Sociocracy as an organizing method. Quiet hours are from 10:00pm to 8:00am. We are looking for community members who: Want to live in a community not just have a place to sleep and eat. Want to live in a beautiful, clean, and organized house and are willing to help make and keep it that way. Residents should expect to spend 16 hours per month towards this goal. Are curious, compassionate, flexible, and open to living with others who will undoubtedly have different ideas about many things. Are interested in pioneering a new co-op. There will be work involved to get there. Are responsible and communicative. Embrace enthusiastically that living in community requires introspection and personal growth. Are not joining the community as a way of running away from something.
Need
11 months ago

Travel to visit intentional communities with Ecovillage Tours ✈️

Ready to actually visit some communities? Take the next step on your journey towards intentional community living. Join an Ecovillage Tour! ✓ All-inclusive guided trips ✓ Visit a variety of communities, cohousings & ecovillages ✓ Meet community founders & residents ✓ Learn group governance, permaculture, eco-living & more ✓ Make lifelong friends within your traveling group ✓ Transformative adventure awaits! About Ecovillage Tours The only transformative travel experience that brings you to regenerative intentional communities. Find your next home, get guidance on how to start a community, or simply have a values-aligned vacation. www.ecovillagetours.com Upcoming Trips  Vermont | Jul 19–26, 2025   Italy | Sept 30–Oct 9, 2025   Hawaii | Jan 4–11, 2026   India | Feb 26–Mar 12, 2026  Bali | Jan 26–Feb 4, 2026  Costa Rica: Central | Jan 17–24, 2026 Southern | Feb 4–15, 2026 Caribbean | Mar 21–30, 2026 Guanacaste | April 12–21, 2026 See all the pricing, lodging, and itinerary information on the webpage for each tour. Or explore them all at www.ecovillagetours.com/upcoming-tours. Spots on trips are limited and fill up quickly. Book your spot today!   Questions? Email us at [email protected] Call us at +1 (734) 245-8745 Or schedule a 30-min Discovery Call with our team.   We look forward to hearing from you! Excited to journey together soon, —Cynthia Ecovillage Tours, Founder Hear what many past tour participants have to say about their experience:   “For anyone thinking of joining or starting an intentional community, or an ecovillage, this is an absolute must.” — Adam Bates, tour participant       “I had an amazing time on the tour!  It gave me an opportunity to experience things that I could have never done on my own.” — Lobsterbird, tour participant       “It is an experience worth paying for. You get to know places and people who are on the real hands on effort for bringing change and make local ecosystems more resilient.” — Eduardo Bryce, tour participant

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