Introduction

No matter where we live I firmly believe we can create heaven on earth in our local community. Our immediate environment should be able to meet most (if not all) of our needs and should hold us in a promise of security, plenty and healing from cradle to grave.

All modern day housing solutions promote a sense of isolation and competition. We live in close proximity to each other but fail to share any of our joys,woes, fears or success with one another. We shut our doors and often try to face life with just the help of those within our own four walls.

The western world of present has taught us to believe we don't need our community and if we do need any outside assistance we tend to just purchase it from a third party.

Life has become a repetitive existence for many that is lived out in a series of boxes of isolation; from our houses to our cars, from our offices to our shopping malls.

However we can RETROFIT our lives and our housing developments. We can turn our houses of isolation into homes of warmth and sharing as part of vibrant, thriving, life affirming local communities. The chance for change is here. We can turn our lives around and create our very own cities of gold, or even our own little peace of heaven on earth.