Communal
Studies

“My journey to study communities began in the monasteries of Greece and India, but my enduring interest has led to study the history of communal living, modern spiritual communities, and the impact of all the different forms of collaborative living on society—as well as co-found the Lavra in California.”

Previous Talks & Publications

  • “The Long Lost Lavra: Model for modern intentional communities” Published in Social Sciences Directory 2: 3 (August 2013) 1-20.

  • “OneTaste of Community: Orgasmic Meditation as Community and Corporation” Presented at the International Communal Studies Association Virtual Conference, January 14, 2024.

  • “WeLive in a NXIVM World: New Communal Models for the New Economy” Presented at the International Communal Studies Association Conference, Audonicon Conference Center in Skanderborg, Denmark, July 15, 2022.

  • “Bonding in Community” Presented at International Communal Studies Association Conference, Tri Form Camphill Community, New York, July 19 2019

  • “Beauty for Ashes: Reimagining Community After Devastation and Disappointment” Presented at the Communal Studies Association, Zoar, Ohio on October 7 2017.

  • “The Architecture of Peace: Space and Intentional Communities” Pesented at International Communal Studies Association meeting, Tamara, Portugal, July 2016

  • “Dirty Bodies, Ascetic Texts, and the Micromanagement of Daily Practices” Paper presented at the American Academy of Religion Annual Conference.  Nov. 2006.