Conscious Communities: 9 Guiding Principles from Mindfulness Communities Around the World

Communal living expert David Viafora pinpoints the nine principles in any community that can create the conditions for joy and solidity

Research over the last few decades, both in the US and abroad, shows us that the fabric of community life is unraveling as our social resources deteriorate, the climate crisis grows, and the population continues to rise. Is there another way to live? Where can we look to for guidance?

In this perceptive and inspiring book, David Viafora, a former Buddhist monk, argues that we can reverse these trends where it counts the most--in our own lives and neighborhoods. Creating or joining an eco-minded mindfulness community may not be everyone, but everyone can benefit from the insight that comes from those communities. The nine principles Viafora uncovers include Vision, Service, and Appreciation--they are broad and easily applicable to our existing social structures.

Those who have stronger and more intimate relationships with family, friends, and community are happier and healthier, and they live longer. The happiest and most resilient people are not without conflict, but they lean into their closest relationships, especially when facing tough life challenges. Once we wake up to the fact that community has a pivotal influence on the health of our bodies, minds, and world, we can begin to build more trustworthy, supportive connections and meaningful lives.

Between 2003 and 2007, David studied closely with Thich Nhat Hanh as an aspirant and novice monk in Plum Village and Deer Park Monastery, before finding his niche in community lay life. In the past two decades, since his early twenties, he has founded over half a dozen local Sanghas, several of which are still thriving today. Over the last six years, David has dedicated his life to building communities, visioning and organizing mindfulness retreats, and mentoring young adult facilitators across North America and Europe. David’s deepest belief is that compassionately engaged communities are the key to the healing and transformation people deeply long for, on an individual and global scale. Pushing the envelope of compassionate communities, he is changing the world one breath, one community, and one book at a time. He lives in the MorningSun mindfulness community in New Hampshire.