My journey to Dancing Rabbit Ecovilage began in January, 2023.  I began by looking online for an onsite visitor or guest program that supported “self-sufficiency,” “off grid living” and “natural building.” In my research I found several extensive programs, but many had a very closed off approach that did not align with my personal values. Then I came across the Dancing Rabbit website. In reviewing the site, it checked off many of the boxes I had regarding confidence in building and living with a lower environmental impact. After submitting my application, I was welcomed and greeted during my interview with a thoughtful and thorough conversation with Emeshe, a DR resident. The date was set, and my bags were packed. The date finally arrived, and I set out on my journey to what I thought was going to be “self-sufficiency,” but once I arrived, I found that to be not the case at all.

From the moment I exited my car, I was immersed in and welcomed with open arms into this intentional community. The program began with a meet and greet with other visitors and a beautiful dinner with many of the Rabbits, as people who live at DR are called. The program unfolded with several workshops and work parties designed to promote interconnection and real-world sustainability.

Over the next several days I began to settle into a great routine of nutritious, filling, delicious meals, and stimulating, thought provoking workshops and fun hands-on learning opportunities that taught real world sustainable skills with work parties. After the first six days I no longer felt like a visitor, but rather like a part of the community. I was able to join in and observe village council governance meetings, take part in daily coffee hour and happy hour with residents, and had the opportunity to connect with many inspiring and talented Rabbits. 

I come from a very structured corporate background and initially came to DR with my shields up. While I have always been forward facing in interfacing with others, I have always found it difficult to open up and make deeper connections with others. Going through many of the workshops on sustainability and goal setting, I found that I was connecting with fellow visitors and Rabbits on a much deeper level than I expected. The shared learning environment and fun work parties sparked deep conversations that awakened something within me. During my time at DR I found that I wasn’t seeking self-sufficiency, but rather inner sustainability.

I came to DR with major neck pain (years of poor posture), not sure if I could last the entire program due my conditioned beliefs and the thought that I should be doing something productive (i.e., income generating). In my first few days a kind and empathic Rabbit told me to open my heart when I walk. This stuck with me. As I walked through the village with my shoulders back and my head held high, the pain in my neck and stress I carried in my body started to release. 

I have never felt such a genuine connection like I felt at DR. By far I found the communal dining experience to be extremely rewarding. Sitting down with strangers eating food that I may not have had before made the meal more delectable and the conversation rewarding. The extreme gratitude I felt from the residents for just coming to DR was empowering. I felt welcomed and wanted. The community openly shared who they were and expressed what brought them together, and more importantly what keeps them together in community.  

I learned more about intentional communities and the core values of sustainability that Dancing Rabbit is founded on. While I am not currently pursuing residency at Dancing Rabbit, I look forward to visiting again.  Since returning home from DR I have continued several things that have had a tremendous positive impact on my life. My journey continues, but with more focus and greater determination. I have embraced a plant-based diet to support a more sustainable way of living. 

I would recommend the DR visitor program to anyone who is looking to live a more peaceful and sustainable life in community with others. I went into this journey concerned with changing climate and looking for ways to build up walls around a life lived alone. I found that I wasn’t looking for a way to live but rather a way to be. I choose to be one with myself, with others and with nature. Thank you, Dancing Rabbit friends, for welcoming me with open arms. You touched me deeply and taught me how to love connecting with others.

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• April 20 - May 4: Dancing Rabbit Visitor Program (6 spots left)
• May 30 - June 2: Natural Building Workshop (4 spots left)
• June 14 - June 21: Permaculture Design Course (13 spots left)

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Roy Robertson is a licensed cosmetologist, entrepreneur, and former award-winning platform artist who pursued career opportunities around the world, from China to Chicago. In late 2020, he returned to his hometown in southern Indiana to lead a simpler life. During his leisure time, he enjoys camping, hiking, and meditating in the serene Shawnee National Forest in neighboring southern Illinois.