The Lasting Vibes of the Hippie Movement: A Personal Perspective

Have you ever wondered what it was like to be a hippie, or how the freespirit lifestyle lived on long after the movement's peak? From the flower power of the 1960s to today, many still embrace the values of peace, love, and personal freedom. Let's delve into the enduring spirit of the hippie movement, as narrated by Steve Marino.

What was it like to be a hippie?

For some, the term "hippie" evokes vivid images of Stoned ideals, liberal drugs, and radical activism. However, my experience as a hippie was a bit more nuanced. I attended Woodstock and lived through the era but never fully identified as a hippie. I knew many of them, and while some were just amazing, some were also challenging. The hippie generation, with its counterculture roots, didn't last as long as initially thought.

For those who still exist, the hippie spirit lives on. Steve Marino's journey is a testament to this enduring legacy. He started a polyamorous commune before the "Summer of Love" and continued working on various social issues, from activism to domestic violence hotlines. His story reflects the multifaceted nature of the hippie experience.

A Closer Look at The Hippie Life

During the height of the hippie movement, the idea of being a hippie was so much more than just music and drugs. Steve Marino lived a life that transcended the stereotypes. He started a communal living situation while still in high school, three years before "Summer of Love." This wasn't just a casual gathering; it was a committed lifestyle that sought to create a better world through various means:

Activism: They were passionate about social issues, from civil rights to activism against war. They involved themselves in peaceful protests and crisis intervention.Sex Positivity: Hippies celebrated free love, promoting sexual liberation and embracing diverse forms of relationships, including polyamory.Ethical Living: They valued spiritual exploration and non-chemical ways of altering consciousness, such as meditation and learning to change brain patterns through non-invasive methods.Economic Independence: The commune members acquired skills that could generate substantial income, allowing them to spend their time on activism without relying on welfare or unemployment benefits.

For those like Steve, living communally wasn't about rejecting society but about creating a healthier, more compassionate system. Their approach was rooted in empathy, self-sufficiency, and a shared dedication to social justice.

Modern Echoes of the Hippie Spirit

Today, the hippie spirit continues to thrive, albeit in different forms. Steve Marino, like many others, has found new ways to remain active in social causes through contemporary intentional communities. These communities put a premium on psychological health, social healing, and effective activism:

Community Structures: Today's communities often incorporate tools and methods to ensure mental and emotional well-being.Nurturing Spaces: Events and gatherings are designed to be highly inclusive, accepting diverse lifestyles and relationships, fostering a sense of unity and belonging.Social Change: Modern hippies, much like their predecessors, remain deeply involved in social change and social justice, reflecting the core values passed down from the original movement.

More than a past movement, the hippie spirit is a living legacy. It serves as an inspiration for those seeking to create a more just and equitable world. Steve Marino's experiences and the stories of many modern hippies show that the spirit of the hippie movement endures, redefined and reborn with each generation.