Learning Journey: Personal Reflections
Reflections from the Field Victoria Ellis
Arcosanti, an Urban Laboratory
All aspects of spirit, community, and land working together seamlessly
From each of the sites we visited, each had its own dynamics at play; though on different scales with differing perspectives of permaculture, each site had a seamless flow between all the elements of the human experience. From Kate at Deep Dirt’s approach to involving the community by intervening for recyclable materials, and inviting as many hands into her projects as possible; to Native Seed’s approach of bringing the native, sacred seeds back into the rightful hands of the indigenous people, not only for the survival of the plant but for the greater good of the community as well. Avalon Garden’s simple concept of putting the school house near the pond, for increased interaction with nature for the children, along with Wind Song’s communal home perspective, allowing every visitor to feel as though they are right at home, each aspect of the human experience can be interwoven with grace. Permaculture is looking at what works best, while involving all areas equally, and to have had the opportunity to see all of the principles of permaculture at play during our trip, has left a lasting impression.
Understanding the interconnections of the principles of permaculture, and being able to observe each perspective, has granted me greater hope for my own approach to permaculture. There is no one single correct way, and keeping in mind the interconnections of all elements, I am inspired to create my own spin on things, to take what has resonated with me, and keep an open mind to what has yet to strike a cord within. I have grown wiser from my interactions with all of the places, and not only will be applying my learning to my future work of creating a healing homestead, but also to my daily activities and perspectives. There is always a connection between beings, and taking the time to observe and gently interact, there always stands a new correct approach to what works best.
From each of the sites we visited, each had its own dynamics at play; though on different scales with differing perspectives of permaculture, each site had a seamless flow between all the elements of the human experience. From Kate at Deep Dirt’s approach to involving the community by intervening for recyclable materials, and inviting as many hands into her projects as possible; to Native Seed’s approach of bringing the native, sacred seeds back into the rightful hands of the indigenous people, not only for the survival of the plant but for the greater good of the community as well. Avalon Garden’s simple concept of putting the school house near the pond, for increased interaction with nature for the children, along with Wind Song’s communal home perspective, allowing every visitor to feel as though they are right at home, each aspect of the human experience can be interwoven with grace. Permaculture is looking at what works best, while involving all areas equally, and to have had the opportunity to see all of the principles of permaculture at play during our trip, has left a lasting impression.
Understanding the interconnections of the principles of permaculture, and being able to observe each perspective, has granted me greater hope for my own approach to permaculture. There is no one single correct way, and keeping in mind the interconnections of all elements, I am inspired to create my own spin on things, to take what has resonated with me, and keep an open mind to what has yet to strike a cord within. I have grown wiser from my interactions with all of the places, and not only will be applying my learning to my future work of creating a healing homestead, but also to my daily activities and perspectives. There is always a connection between beings, and taking the time to observe and gently interact, there always stands a new correct approach to what works best.
100 Year old Adobe Home at The Canelo Project
The foundations of permaculture are built to last
Having the opportunity to not only tour sites with working permaculture principles, but also the chance to interact with the elements, has deepened my understanding of the longevity of permaculture. We design with future generations in mind; yet being in the dirt, working with applying the principles and designs, while being mindful of how long such a structure stands to exist, I have gained a deeper sense of the magnitude of each action. One simple gabion, stands to protect the banks, the wash, and countless flora and fauna species in its slowed wake, indefinitely. The power such a simple application truly holds, has increased my connection with the future sake of the land. The knowledge that Morgan, at Native Seeds, can only replicate so many growing conditions, and that for the sake of the seed and the community, such species need to be grown by their original tenders, is a perfect exemplification of what makes sense, for the longevity of all involved. Gini Benderly donating her home and land to the preservation and empowerment of our youth at Wind Song, allowing light and love to continue to radiate from within those same walls; shows that good intentions and dedication to the greatest good for all, can and shall always prevail.
Having the deep connection to Gini, although never meeting, alongside the connection to Kate and all that she is doing for this world, has opened my heart wide to all the possibilities, of what I do today, radiating into the future indefinitely. Recognizing that Kate is not only planting trees that she will be able to appreciate in her lifetime, but also ones that future generations will be able to enjoy because of her mindfulness today, all of our actions play a role in shaping our future, and we all have the power to change the future for ourselves and countless others. I have been deeply motivated from these observations in the field, the application of any of the permaculture principles, can drastically alter the future for the better, in addition to our present reality. Anything I dream of becoming actualized will be, and I am armed with a vast array of tools to initiate such bold and transformative changes, for today and forever.
Having the opportunity to not only tour sites with working permaculture principles, but also the chance to interact with the elements, has deepened my understanding of the longevity of permaculture. We design with future generations in mind; yet being in the dirt, working with applying the principles and designs, while being mindful of how long such a structure stands to exist, I have gained a deeper sense of the magnitude of each action. One simple gabion, stands to protect the banks, the wash, and countless flora and fauna species in its slowed wake, indefinitely. The power such a simple application truly holds, has increased my connection with the future sake of the land. The knowledge that Morgan, at Native Seeds, can only replicate so many growing conditions, and that for the sake of the seed and the community, such species need to be grown by their original tenders, is a perfect exemplification of what makes sense, for the longevity of all involved. Gini Benderly donating her home and land to the preservation and empowerment of our youth at Wind Song, allowing light and love to continue to radiate from within those same walls; shows that good intentions and dedication to the greatest good for all, can and shall always prevail.
Having the deep connection to Gini, although never meeting, alongside the connection to Kate and all that she is doing for this world, has opened my heart wide to all the possibilities, of what I do today, radiating into the future indefinitely. Recognizing that Kate is not only planting trees that she will be able to appreciate in her lifetime, but also ones that future generations will be able to enjoy because of her mindfulness today, all of our actions play a role in shaping our future, and we all have the power to change the future for ourselves and countless others. I have been deeply motivated from these observations in the field, the application of any of the permaculture principles, can drastically alter the future for the better, in addition to our present reality. Anything I dream of becoming actualized will be, and I am armed with a vast array of tools to initiate such bold and transformative changes, for today and forever.
Labyrinth at Tree of Life
To transform ourselves, is to transform the world
By recognizing the plundering of the Earth before our very eyes, and a coinciding pillaging of the divine feminine within all beings, in addition to being able to honestly discuss such a travesty, was empowering and deeply motivating. Such an issue is readily apparent to awakened beings, and bringing such light to an integral part of the healing for every part of the human experience, is a necessary part of being a leader of transformative change. Having the ability to observe Kate be bold, honest, and create space for hope, has further ignited the same fire within myself. Acknowledging both aspects of my divinity from a young age, and working towards piercing veils and breaking paradigms of my own, our conversation that day confirmed deep parts in myself, and granted me further inspiration to continue to shed light on such an important interconnection. We can all tap into our own creativity, intuition, and ability to heal, and just as in permaculture, it begins with doing what makes sense. Being able to heal the “busy” and repressed mind, and creating space for any definition of what works to be accepted, we begin to open our consciousness to include all beautiful parts of ourselves, and can begin to do the same within our world. Without such a journey beginning with the healing of self, our environment and relationships around us stand to lie in wait, while the solution we need always lies within. My continuance of all I know to be true, to feel right, and my openness for even more definitions, I rest knowing I am bringing healing to the divine in all.
By recognizing the plundering of the Earth before our very eyes, and a coinciding pillaging of the divine feminine within all beings, in addition to being able to honestly discuss such a travesty, was empowering and deeply motivating. Such an issue is readily apparent to awakened beings, and bringing such light to an integral part of the healing for every part of the human experience, is a necessary part of being a leader of transformative change. Having the ability to observe Kate be bold, honest, and create space for hope, has further ignited the same fire within myself. Acknowledging both aspects of my divinity from a young age, and working towards piercing veils and breaking paradigms of my own, our conversation that day confirmed deep parts in myself, and granted me further inspiration to continue to shed light on such an important interconnection. We can all tap into our own creativity, intuition, and ability to heal, and just as in permaculture, it begins with doing what makes sense. Being able to heal the “busy” and repressed mind, and creating space for any definition of what works to be accepted, we begin to open our consciousness to include all beautiful parts of ourselves, and can begin to do the same within our world. Without such a journey beginning with the healing of self, our environment and relationships around us stand to lie in wait, while the solution we need always lies within. My continuance of all I know to be true, to feel right, and my openness for even more definitions, I rest knowing I am bringing healing to the divine in all.
Field Journey Reflection
Shona Estey-Edwards
Our weeklong field journey gave us a peak into the worlds of many beautiful places and the opportunity to connect with some of the people who have started and continued the visions of those places. We learned and shared with amazing people doing amazing work in a variety of ways and places. I noticed many common threads of connection and believe that the Permaculture ethics of Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share sums up many of those common threads. Even though not every place that we visited was explicitly informed by Permaculture ethics or principles there were many things that aligned with them. If we consider a definition of Permaculture as being “a way of being in intentional relationship with the world and doing things that make sense in/with nature,” then it can be applied and manifested in so many different expressions.
There was an abundance of potent nuggets and wisdom shared with us over the week of the field trip that I will be marinating in and digesting for a long while, but the three learning leverage points that are up for me right now are: the power of contribution through the doing of the work; the importance of transfer of wisdom and inspiration from elders to youth; and taking the time to slow down and observe what is going on in a place so that decisions around what to do in and with a place make the most sense given all the components involved.
The power of contribution through the doing of the work--
We had the opportunity to contribute to work projects at Avalon Organic Gardens and Eco Village in Tumacacori, AZ and with Kate Tirion at the Deep Dirt Farm Institute in Patagonia, AZ. At each of these places we spent time with the people who help to create them learning about the essence and purpose of the place, asking questions, and walking around experiencing and meeting the plants, animals, and humans that call them home. We then learned about the work project and how it tied into the larger system of the place. At Avalon we weeded an expanse of chard and lettuce beds that are soon to be harvested and used within their community and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). With my hands in the Earth and my eyes open to make the quick distinction between what to pull and what to leave I feel into a meditative state of focus and easeful purpose. At Deep Dirt we helped Kate with the building of a gabion in one of the washes on the property. The purpose of the gabion is to help stabilize the system by catching and keeping sediment in the area upstream from it. Kate told us, “there is so much strength in getting people involved,” which is at the core of this learning leverage point. I think that there is an inherent aspect of our humanness that wants to be useful and that wants to contribute to good. Contributing to projects and knowing the why and the how of the positive influence is an empowering and important part of shifting towards sustainable systems. I intend to contribute in as many big and little ways as I can to projects that support in this shift. There is also so much joy in sharing the work with others and I would like to weave in more work projects/parties into my life and teaching.
The importance of transfer of wisdom and inspiration from elders to youth--
An immense amount of rapid change has occurred in the past hundred years or so and our elders have been involved with and have bared witness to that change. We have so much to learn from their stories and interpretations of what was, what is, and what may come to be. In our current culture I notice a vast disconnect of our youth from our elders and I believe that there is a dire need to cultivate the opportunity and the culture of bringing these generations back together; to cultivate a deep appreciation and honoring of our elders and the space for them to share their wisdom with all, but especially with the little ones. I feel deeply lucky and so grateful for the elders who are and who have been mentors in my life and I would like to continue nurturing those relationships as well as building new ones. I am also excited to encourage my peers to explore relationships with elders in their lives and to open to the wealth of possibility and insight that dwells in those realms.
Taking the time to slow down and observe what is going on in a place so that decisions around what to do in and with a place make the most sense given all the components involved--
I believe that there are so many places in my life that would benefit from the simple act of slowing down and observing without the pressure of thinking that I need to make a decision right away and “figure it out.” In making decisions about the design and implementation of development with land and with life things there is usually a big difference between what is desired in the moment and what will contribute to a regenerative and thriving place/life in the future to come, weather that’s a lifetime or hundreds to thousands of years. Giving the space to slow down and to really pay attention to a place or a situation allows for the opportunity of making decisions that are in more alignment with nature and that will have a higher probability of being strong and in balance for a long time into the future.
I am humbled and inspired by the commitment to a way of being that each person presented during the short time that we connected during the visits to their homes and communities. It is a joy and an honor to learn from a diverse swath of places and people. I am infinitely grateful for the work they are doing and their willingness to share their stories and the stories of the places they inhabit.
~Shona
There was an abundance of potent nuggets and wisdom shared with us over the week of the field trip that I will be marinating in and digesting for a long while, but the three learning leverage points that are up for me right now are: the power of contribution through the doing of the work; the importance of transfer of wisdom and inspiration from elders to youth; and taking the time to slow down and observe what is going on in a place so that decisions around what to do in and with a place make the most sense given all the components involved.
The power of contribution through the doing of the work--
We had the opportunity to contribute to work projects at Avalon Organic Gardens and Eco Village in Tumacacori, AZ and with Kate Tirion at the Deep Dirt Farm Institute in Patagonia, AZ. At each of these places we spent time with the people who help to create them learning about the essence and purpose of the place, asking questions, and walking around experiencing and meeting the plants, animals, and humans that call them home. We then learned about the work project and how it tied into the larger system of the place. At Avalon we weeded an expanse of chard and lettuce beds that are soon to be harvested and used within their community and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). With my hands in the Earth and my eyes open to make the quick distinction between what to pull and what to leave I feel into a meditative state of focus and easeful purpose. At Deep Dirt we helped Kate with the building of a gabion in one of the washes on the property. The purpose of the gabion is to help stabilize the system by catching and keeping sediment in the area upstream from it. Kate told us, “there is so much strength in getting people involved,” which is at the core of this learning leverage point. I think that there is an inherent aspect of our humanness that wants to be useful and that wants to contribute to good. Contributing to projects and knowing the why and the how of the positive influence is an empowering and important part of shifting towards sustainable systems. I intend to contribute in as many big and little ways as I can to projects that support in this shift. There is also so much joy in sharing the work with others and I would like to weave in more work projects/parties into my life and teaching.
The importance of transfer of wisdom and inspiration from elders to youth--
An immense amount of rapid change has occurred in the past hundred years or so and our elders have been involved with and have bared witness to that change. We have so much to learn from their stories and interpretations of what was, what is, and what may come to be. In our current culture I notice a vast disconnect of our youth from our elders and I believe that there is a dire need to cultivate the opportunity and the culture of bringing these generations back together; to cultivate a deep appreciation and honoring of our elders and the space for them to share their wisdom with all, but especially with the little ones. I feel deeply lucky and so grateful for the elders who are and who have been mentors in my life and I would like to continue nurturing those relationships as well as building new ones. I am also excited to encourage my peers to explore relationships with elders in their lives and to open to the wealth of possibility and insight that dwells in those realms.
Taking the time to slow down and observe what is going on in a place so that decisions around what to do in and with a place make the most sense given all the components involved--
I believe that there are so many places in my life that would benefit from the simple act of slowing down and observing without the pressure of thinking that I need to make a decision right away and “figure it out.” In making decisions about the design and implementation of development with land and with life things there is usually a big difference between what is desired in the moment and what will contribute to a regenerative and thriving place/life in the future to come, weather that’s a lifetime or hundreds to thousands of years. Giving the space to slow down and to really pay attention to a place or a situation allows for the opportunity of making decisions that are in more alignment with nature and that will have a higher probability of being strong and in balance for a long time into the future.
I am humbled and inspired by the commitment to a way of being that each person presented during the short time that we connected during the visits to their homes and communities. It is a joy and an honor to learn from a diverse swath of places and people. I am infinitely grateful for the work they are doing and their willingness to share their stories and the stories of the places they inhabit.
~Shona
On Life, Femininity, and the Future
Shannon Radke
“There seems to be so much more anger in the world today. I would hope that we could someday realize that skin color makes no difference…; that the gifts of the earth are precious and we must not waste them; that animals are as important to us as we should be to them; and that kids can be the hope of the world. At 86, one does not look too far ahead! But I am totally confident that the kids will do what we older people have to leave undone.” -Virginia Benderly
I have never understood the collection and hoarding of “things.” It seems that so many people, today, are so absolutely inclined to have more, more, more. Yet, there still comes a day when death finds us and no amount of anything can join us in that place.
However, death is never the end. Sometimes, bright ripple effects are left behind from the life we chose to live.
I am amazed that a person would have so much confidence in youth she will never meet. Yet, just the same, I am honored. It is her house in which I, and countless others, have stayed and will continue to do so to build leadership and knowledge. Pictures of children litter her walls and artifacts tell of her life travels. Indeed, she has left more than a property behind; she has left her virtue and eternal love.
If there is one thing I have learned, it is this. When you believe enough in a person and give them the tools and skills needed to fulfill their heart’s passion; the world can only get better. We may not accomplish everything we wish to in a lifetime; but we can share everything we’ve learned and everything we have to better the future of another.
As someone who desires to become an educator, this resonates with me. It is an ideology I plan to implement in my own life and share with those I teach. One does not have to “wait” until a certain part of their life to be qualified to help another. Each of us are teachers. Each of us are students. Each of us have something to share.
However, death is never the end. Sometimes, bright ripple effects are left behind from the life we chose to live.
I am amazed that a person would have so much confidence in youth she will never meet. Yet, just the same, I am honored. It is her house in which I, and countless others, have stayed and will continue to do so to build leadership and knowledge. Pictures of children litter her walls and artifacts tell of her life travels. Indeed, she has left more than a property behind; she has left her virtue and eternal love.
If there is one thing I have learned, it is this. When you believe enough in a person and give them the tools and skills needed to fulfill their heart’s passion; the world can only get better. We may not accomplish everything we wish to in a lifetime; but we can share everything we’ve learned and everything we have to better the future of another.
As someone who desires to become an educator, this resonates with me. It is an ideology I plan to implement in my own life and share with those I teach. One does not have to “wait” until a certain part of their life to be qualified to help another. Each of us are teachers. Each of us are students. Each of us have something to share.
“The assault on femininity has led to the rape of the earth.” -Kate Tirion
A mother’s womb is one of the most incredible and natural wonders. Like the earth in which we live, it is also the woman who represents birth, growth, and renewal. Out of her came all of mankind. And, out of the earth came every tree, shrub, and flower created to shelter, cure, and nourish us. Both nurture and protect. In many ways, they are one and the same.
Yet, strangely, femininity has been mercilessly attacked. It has been stripped from the makeup of men and used as a means by which to dehumanize and demean. When we fail to respect and empower the femininity within each of us, there is no reason to respect or empower the femininity within the earth. We have raped the women of and in the earth. Because of us, the earth is dying. Her forests are stripped away, her earth is mined, and her water is slowly poisoned. With this, comes the inevitable destruction of mankind. We cannot exist without the other. Because of this, there remains hope.
There remains hope for fair and valued treatment of men and women. There remains hope for the conservation and protection of the land in which we live. There remains hope that femininity will once again be valued, modeled, and cherished. Kate Tirion, a woman wise beyond her years, once explained, “darkness cannot hide in light.” Therefore, I urge each of us to shed light in the darkest places. For, change can only occur when it is in the public eye.
I reflect on this because it is worth remembering and sharing. History often repeats itself in varied forms. Throughout, we have witnessed every injustice and atrocity. But wrongs have only been righted when those in neutrality were led out of ignorance. Moving forward, I desire to let my voice be heard about issues otherwise hidden in the dark.
Yet, strangely, femininity has been mercilessly attacked. It has been stripped from the makeup of men and used as a means by which to dehumanize and demean. When we fail to respect and empower the femininity within each of us, there is no reason to respect or empower the femininity within the earth. We have raped the women of and in the earth. Because of us, the earth is dying. Her forests are stripped away, her earth is mined, and her water is slowly poisoned. With this, comes the inevitable destruction of mankind. We cannot exist without the other. Because of this, there remains hope.
There remains hope for fair and valued treatment of men and women. There remains hope for the conservation and protection of the land in which we live. There remains hope that femininity will once again be valued, modeled, and cherished. Kate Tirion, a woman wise beyond her years, once explained, “darkness cannot hide in light.” Therefore, I urge each of us to shed light in the darkest places. For, change can only occur when it is in the public eye.
I reflect on this because it is worth remembering and sharing. History often repeats itself in varied forms. Throughout, we have witnessed every injustice and atrocity. But wrongs have only been righted when those in neutrality were led out of ignorance. Moving forward, I desire to let my voice be heard about issues otherwise hidden in the dark.
“There is no time for anger, [fear, or worry]. There is no time.” -Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Land of the Blue Flower
Why is it that the majority of futuristic books and movies have apocalyptic, murderous societies? Is it simply a warning being sent of what could be? If so, why is this the future that so many envision? When one cultivates on a thought long enough, it becomes reality. Is this really the future that we want so many to subconsciously strive towards?
There is nothing like being read to as an adult, that brings you back to childhood. It is the young with pure and carefree heart, mind, and take on life. What love and joy comes from the innocence of a child. Yet we age, and forget that some things can really stay so simple.
When one cultivates on a good thought, they have no room for the bad. Indeed, there is no time for anger, fear, or worry. There simply isn’t. A day is never increased by focusing on these things, only shortened. A lifetime is never fulfilled by living in the past.
What is a thought that can benefit the future? What is a thought that can benefit today? This is the one we should allow to grow. When one plants this simple “seed,” they are also planting love and joy. Both of which, need our stewardship and gentle care to grow into new realities.
Personally, I plan on reading more children’s novels that are positive in their visions for the future. Then, I plan on sharing them with others. If the children in our schools read more of “The Land of the Blue Flower,” and less of “Lord of the Flies,” the mindset and outlook would be drastically changed.
There is nothing like being read to as an adult, that brings you back to childhood. It is the young with pure and carefree heart, mind, and take on life. What love and joy comes from the innocence of a child. Yet we age, and forget that some things can really stay so simple.
When one cultivates on a good thought, they have no room for the bad. Indeed, there is no time for anger, fear, or worry. There simply isn’t. A day is never increased by focusing on these things, only shortened. A lifetime is never fulfilled by living in the past.
What is a thought that can benefit the future? What is a thought that can benefit today? This is the one we should allow to grow. When one plants this simple “seed,” they are also planting love and joy. Both of which, need our stewardship and gentle care to grow into new realities.
Personally, I plan on reading more children’s novels that are positive in their visions for the future. Then, I plan on sharing them with others. If the children in our schools read more of “The Land of the Blue Flower,” and less of “Lord of the Flies,” the mindset and outlook would be drastically changed.
observations and reflections
-leo
Week 3 Reflections
Throughout this field trip we encountered a wide variety of approaches to farming, sustainability, and permaculture. Each site and individual had their own concept of how human beings can live with the land into the future in order remedy the past destruction and avoid our future demise.
The first leverage point I want to address is that of observation. Everything we come to know and experience begins with observation, in any system. The only way we are aware that the current social, agricultural and industrial systems are flawed and not working effectively or efficiently is by this process of observation. In our own lives, we observe the effects of our own physical/mental systems by the way they play out and manifest in the world. In other words, every aspect of experience is guided by this basic principle of observation. We understand by way of observing/perceiving. If we wish to integrate ourselves into a wholesome, complete and regenerative system with the capacity to thrive into the future, we must begin with observation, from the most clear and open vantage point possible within the inherent subjective limitations of human experience. A suitable metaphor is that of the observation tower. Reaching above the realm of the everyday and touching the vast, unlimited expanse of the sky and cosmos, the observation tower grants one a new perspective, free from the usual daily considerations, in which one can observe on a much larger scale the flow of energy, the cycles and rhythms of their surroundings. In seeking a better future, we must find within ourselves such observation towers which allow us to penetrate the fog of our usual perspective and observe ourselves and our surroundings from a fair and clear viewpoint.
Another crucial leverage point is work. It is the opposite of the observation tower concept. When simply doing work, one is firmly rooted in the ground they are working. Ones perspective is necessarily limited to the immediate, the present. This is the essence of the everyday, the fundamental exchange of energy which is the basis for our continued existence. Living takes work. But work need not be connoted with hardship or toil. Rather, it can be the basis for community, for fun and satisfaction. When meaningful, productive work is included in our daily experience, one sleeps well and is content with their abilities. Through work we discover our limits, and the ways in which we can transcend them. Work exposes us to the eternal aspect of cyclical exchange. As every farmer knows, the work is never done. Yet, through this perpetual nature of work, we discover a purpose, a future to strive for.
The final leverage point which I learned more about during this field trip is that of time. Modern timeframes are contradictory and stressful. On one level, many find their days scheduled down to the minute, and with that a timepiece in their pocket which never lies and allows no room for lenience. No longer is it simply midday, or late evening. It is 12:55, or 7:23. We program artificial bells and whistles which prevent our bodies from operating fully at their natural rhythms and instead force us into an artificially constructed and regulated conception of time. Generally speaking, in fast-paced, competitive Western society we wake every morning at a pre-determined minute and remain true to the clock throughout the day until the moment we sleep.
The real point of interest here is simply that nature does not work that way. Natural cycles and rhythms are elastic and subject to change. Nothing is set in stone except for the stones themselves. It is this elasticity and shifting of the rhythms as we think we know them that will become increasingly variable as the phenomenon of global climate change continues to unfold and potentially accelerate. Thus, if we wish to stay afloat in these changing waters, it would be best to adjust to Nature's time, rather than that of the robots.
I bear all these considerations in mind going forth with my life and work. I have set specific intentions based on the new knowledge presented to me in the realm of these leverage points. First of all, to observe as fairly and objectively as I can, for the benefit of all beings. Secondly, to integrate and intertwine life and work, so that each day I grow and progress. Finally, to consider how I construct my concepts of time, to value and cherish the unique and precious time I have been gifted here on planet Earth, to make the most of it.
Throughout this field trip we encountered a wide variety of approaches to farming, sustainability, and permaculture. Each site and individual had their own concept of how human beings can live with the land into the future in order remedy the past destruction and avoid our future demise.
The first leverage point I want to address is that of observation. Everything we come to know and experience begins with observation, in any system. The only way we are aware that the current social, agricultural and industrial systems are flawed and not working effectively or efficiently is by this process of observation. In our own lives, we observe the effects of our own physical/mental systems by the way they play out and manifest in the world. In other words, every aspect of experience is guided by this basic principle of observation. We understand by way of observing/perceiving. If we wish to integrate ourselves into a wholesome, complete and regenerative system with the capacity to thrive into the future, we must begin with observation, from the most clear and open vantage point possible within the inherent subjective limitations of human experience. A suitable metaphor is that of the observation tower. Reaching above the realm of the everyday and touching the vast, unlimited expanse of the sky and cosmos, the observation tower grants one a new perspective, free from the usual daily considerations, in which one can observe on a much larger scale the flow of energy, the cycles and rhythms of their surroundings. In seeking a better future, we must find within ourselves such observation towers which allow us to penetrate the fog of our usual perspective and observe ourselves and our surroundings from a fair and clear viewpoint.
Another crucial leverage point is work. It is the opposite of the observation tower concept. When simply doing work, one is firmly rooted in the ground they are working. Ones perspective is necessarily limited to the immediate, the present. This is the essence of the everyday, the fundamental exchange of energy which is the basis for our continued existence. Living takes work. But work need not be connoted with hardship or toil. Rather, it can be the basis for community, for fun and satisfaction. When meaningful, productive work is included in our daily experience, one sleeps well and is content with their abilities. Through work we discover our limits, and the ways in which we can transcend them. Work exposes us to the eternal aspect of cyclical exchange. As every farmer knows, the work is never done. Yet, through this perpetual nature of work, we discover a purpose, a future to strive for.
The final leverage point which I learned more about during this field trip is that of time. Modern timeframes are contradictory and stressful. On one level, many find their days scheduled down to the minute, and with that a timepiece in their pocket which never lies and allows no room for lenience. No longer is it simply midday, or late evening. It is 12:55, or 7:23. We program artificial bells and whistles which prevent our bodies from operating fully at their natural rhythms and instead force us into an artificially constructed and regulated conception of time. Generally speaking, in fast-paced, competitive Western society we wake every morning at a pre-determined minute and remain true to the clock throughout the day until the moment we sleep.
The real point of interest here is simply that nature does not work that way. Natural cycles and rhythms are elastic and subject to change. Nothing is set in stone except for the stones themselves. It is this elasticity and shifting of the rhythms as we think we know them that will become increasingly variable as the phenomenon of global climate change continues to unfold and potentially accelerate. Thus, if we wish to stay afloat in these changing waters, it would be best to adjust to Nature's time, rather than that of the robots.
I bear all these considerations in mind going forth with my life and work. I have set specific intentions based on the new knowledge presented to me in the realm of these leverage points. First of all, to observe as fairly and objectively as I can, for the benefit of all beings. Secondly, to integrate and intertwine life and work, so that each day I grow and progress. Finally, to consider how I construct my concepts of time, to value and cherish the unique and precious time I have been gifted here on planet Earth, to make the most of it.
Personal Reflection: 3 Things Angela Marcinik |
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This week was a whirlwind of ideas and examples of people doing things close to their hearts. One of the most stunning things I am taking away from this trip is how many people were making their dreams a reality. They weren’t looking for someone to tell them they could do it they were making it happen for themselves. It is so inspiring to see that. Kate from Deep Dirt Farm bought a 40 acre parcel with nothing on that had extensive erosion damage from overgrazing of cattle and just started communing with the land and regenerating it. By herself, because she wanted to, because she felt called to. Bill and Athena from the Canelo Project just started experimenting with strawbale and adobe building and used what they had nearest them, the clay in their own land and have created a whole life around that.
I also felt like the community of Patagonia was really tight knit and I felt like that enabled them to do much more than they otherwise would be able to do. Most of the places we visited had visitors from local schools and children's groups participating in projects and events on their property. By bringing in the youth they are awakening these ideas of earth care in them which sow the seeds for future generations that care for the land. Deep Dirt Farm’s efforts to bring school groups in to work on building stone dams shows children how easy it can be to have a lasting positive impact on their environment. This relationship benefits both the children and Deep Dirt Farm. Native Seed Search hiring and working with First Nation people help maintain the heritage of multiple First Nation peoples. Avalon’s work in hospice care helps the elderly in their community and the elderlies loved ones through difficult times. The Canelo Projects people helped Windsong build their strawbale structure and a structure at Native Seed Search. We talk a lot about integrated systems and systems mapping and we could see on this trip how everyone in the community was fitting together, helping someone here and being helped in return.
Lastly I really enjoyed learning and doing some restoration ecology on Deep Dirt Farm. Building the gabion not only felt good on the body but it felt good in the soul. It was amazing to see how quickly we could get it done when we were all working together. The restoration she is doing on her property will outlast her and all of us. Her efforts will continue to increase the land for hundreds of years to come. That is a beautiful thing. While we all want to reap rewards from working the land within our lifetimes, being able to also help the land regenerate itself for future generations is an admirable act. I like to imagine that I’ll plant a tree and 200 years from now someone will be sitting underneath grateful for it’s shade or fruit. I even like to imagine that that very person will wonder about the life of that tree. Who cared for it when it was small, who sat beside it as it grew, who wondered what it’s future might be and if their would be someone to sit beneath it as it aged. If we thought about more of our actions this way, what an amazing future we would create.
I also felt like the community of Patagonia was really tight knit and I felt like that enabled them to do much more than they otherwise would be able to do. Most of the places we visited had visitors from local schools and children's groups participating in projects and events on their property. By bringing in the youth they are awakening these ideas of earth care in them which sow the seeds for future generations that care for the land. Deep Dirt Farm’s efforts to bring school groups in to work on building stone dams shows children how easy it can be to have a lasting positive impact on their environment. This relationship benefits both the children and Deep Dirt Farm. Native Seed Search hiring and working with First Nation people help maintain the heritage of multiple First Nation peoples. Avalon’s work in hospice care helps the elderly in their community and the elderlies loved ones through difficult times. The Canelo Projects people helped Windsong build their strawbale structure and a structure at Native Seed Search. We talk a lot about integrated systems and systems mapping and we could see on this trip how everyone in the community was fitting together, helping someone here and being helped in return.
Lastly I really enjoyed learning and doing some restoration ecology on Deep Dirt Farm. Building the gabion not only felt good on the body but it felt good in the soul. It was amazing to see how quickly we could get it done when we were all working together. The restoration she is doing on her property will outlast her and all of us. Her efforts will continue to increase the land for hundreds of years to come. That is a beautiful thing. While we all want to reap rewards from working the land within our lifetimes, being able to also help the land regenerate itself for future generations is an admirable act. I like to imagine that I’ll plant a tree and 200 years from now someone will be sitting underneath grateful for it’s shade or fruit. I even like to imagine that that very person will wonder about the life of that tree. Who cared for it when it was small, who sat beside it as it grew, who wondered what it’s future might be and if their would be someone to sit beneath it as it aged. If we thought about more of our actions this way, what an amazing future we would create.
Michael Aresty
As I move into the business world and out of school, permaculture ethics and principles will certainly come with me. When designing a socially and environmentally beneficial product or service the design ethic will be heavy influenced by permaculture as a guiding hand to be sure I am on the right path. I was deeply inspired by of the people we saw in the Inhabit documentary as it highlighted in many cases the intersection of benefits that permaculture can have in social and environmental spheres. To be able to design a business that uses permaculture to better peoples lives, would be a dream. Something to think about certainly. In life, I am excited to have my own property one day where I can implement and grow as many of the systems I have learned about as possible. I loved the guy in inhabit who took a typical suburban backyard and turned it into a thriving landscape just to show what we can all do even with the little outdoor space many of us have.
Intention
Throughout the week, everywhere we went, we saw places filled to the brim with intention. The intention of both time spent with us, imparting knowledge and wisdom, as well as the intention behind the physical manifestation of each individual or groups values. The happiness and import that everyone we met placed on teaching us some of what they know was humbling. I really got a sense that imparting whatever knowledge they were to us as students was important to them and part of the greater design of what they are trying to accomplish. The way that everyone had sculpted their physical surroundings to reflect their values was also very intentional and this imparted to me how important it is to have intention behind what you do and how you do it when interacting with the world.
Action
The intention of everyone we learned from showed strongest in their actions. We heard some preaching, but everyone was practicing what they preached. By seeing the manifestation of everyones intentions and how they went about their daily lives living by their principles, it imparts to you how important action is. As a student I often study many of the things that the people we met were doing. What this trip showed me were some paths to taking action to actually practice them instead of just knowing about them. The importance for me of taking educational lessons and translating them into real world action is particularly important as I begin to chart my course out of the class room and onto the real world stage.
Collaboration
Collaboration stood out to me as a necessity. No one was able to do everything themselves. Whether it was hundreds of people helping out at Avalon or Arcosanti or Kate once in awhile having groups come in to help her, none of it would have been possible without the passion and commitment of many different people. This is one of the beautiful things about permaculture to me, it is not only something I find important, it is also a community building exercise where you can make friends and family and build something wonderful together. A next step for me will be to try and find a community when I graduate that I can be a part of helping and who can also help me in the implementation of different permaculture systems both socially and physically.
Intention
Throughout the week, everywhere we went, we saw places filled to the brim with intention. The intention of both time spent with us, imparting knowledge and wisdom, as well as the intention behind the physical manifestation of each individual or groups values. The happiness and import that everyone we met placed on teaching us some of what they know was humbling. I really got a sense that imparting whatever knowledge they were to us as students was important to them and part of the greater design of what they are trying to accomplish. The way that everyone had sculpted their physical surroundings to reflect their values was also very intentional and this imparted to me how important it is to have intention behind what you do and how you do it when interacting with the world.
Action
The intention of everyone we learned from showed strongest in their actions. We heard some preaching, but everyone was practicing what they preached. By seeing the manifestation of everyones intentions and how they went about their daily lives living by their principles, it imparts to you how important action is. As a student I often study many of the things that the people we met were doing. What this trip showed me were some paths to taking action to actually practice them instead of just knowing about them. The importance for me of taking educational lessons and translating them into real world action is particularly important as I begin to chart my course out of the class room and onto the real world stage.
Collaboration
Collaboration stood out to me as a necessity. No one was able to do everything themselves. Whether it was hundreds of people helping out at Avalon or Arcosanti or Kate once in awhile having groups come in to help her, none of it would have been possible without the passion and commitment of many different people. This is one of the beautiful things about permaculture to me, it is not only something I find important, it is also a community building exercise where you can make friends and family and build something wonderful together. A next step for me will be to try and find a community when I graduate that I can be a part of helping and who can also help me in the implementation of different permaculture systems both socially and physically.
Nicholas Balik Reflection |
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Openness that diminishes influences from current social paradigms.
One personal leverage point was experienced at the Tree of Life. There was an openness that diminished influences from current social paradigms. There was calmness in the air upon arriving and as soon as I found out that there was a raw foods kitchen I was hook. Making the switch to a vegetarian diet and striving for veganism is one of the more current positive changes I’ve made. I have been fascinated with raw kitchens ever since I learned of their existence. The significance of having the raw kitchen there allows for a similar mindset on approaching earth’s compounding challenges. This helped me reach self-actualization easier. When we reached the rock labyrinth there was stillness in the air that allowed me to think deeply upon myself while also feeling safe in doing so. I felt for the first time in a long while spiritually charged upon entering and leaving the rock labyrinth. I entered with a question and found my answer at the end. My head is now clear and I feel more confident in the current path I am on. I am going to start taking a little more time for personal communications with myself. It was a gift to be able to share this growth amongst others also on their own path.
Patience driving slow progressions and developments for lasting impact upon the universal flow
Kate’s leadership style was very influential upon the group as a whole. An ability to inspire the group and myself in such a short period of time is noteworthy. An understanding of creating something with a design to last for thousands of years and better life long after I’m gone is heartwarming. When facing the world’s challenges it is refreshing to know that an effort on a specific project such as building a gabion can leave lasting impacts. Channeling energy to really make a positive change makes me what to do so much more. I don’t want to attempt to approach problems with insignificant Band-Aid solutions. Efforts for slow and constant movement forward confirm my own self’s approaches towards growing my internal self. I will embrace these notions and apply them more on my own educational endeavors. For many years I’ve been tied to the idea on getting in and out as soon as possible in the educational system so I can get on with my life but there is a purpose for a slow growth. Deeper roots are planted.
Resourcefulness for simple solutions when faced with complexity
The Canelo project opened my eyes towards utilizing the resources around and that minimalistic living is very attainable with a high quality of life. After leaving the Canelo Project site I felt motivated to build my own straw bale home. While at the site I found myself reflecting on ways I have simplified my life for more fulfilment. Currently I am in the process of moving into my truck and want to condense all my possessions into a backpack. When reaching for this goal I will need to think simply when applying a high quality of life for myself. When looking at the structures I am reminded of how complex we make our lives and how little we really need to fulfill our basic needs. I want to simplify my life I so will not be distracted from other social pressures so I can better approach the complex systems of the world. If I want to be as effective at instilling positive change in the world then I will have to have a constant effort on displacement form current paradigms. Simplifying my life will help me feel more joyous and less stressful.
One personal leverage point was experienced at the Tree of Life. There was an openness that diminished influences from current social paradigms. There was calmness in the air upon arriving and as soon as I found out that there was a raw foods kitchen I was hook. Making the switch to a vegetarian diet and striving for veganism is one of the more current positive changes I’ve made. I have been fascinated with raw kitchens ever since I learned of their existence. The significance of having the raw kitchen there allows for a similar mindset on approaching earth’s compounding challenges. This helped me reach self-actualization easier. When we reached the rock labyrinth there was stillness in the air that allowed me to think deeply upon myself while also feeling safe in doing so. I felt for the first time in a long while spiritually charged upon entering and leaving the rock labyrinth. I entered with a question and found my answer at the end. My head is now clear and I feel more confident in the current path I am on. I am going to start taking a little more time for personal communications with myself. It was a gift to be able to share this growth amongst others also on their own path.
Patience driving slow progressions and developments for lasting impact upon the universal flow
Kate’s leadership style was very influential upon the group as a whole. An ability to inspire the group and myself in such a short period of time is noteworthy. An understanding of creating something with a design to last for thousands of years and better life long after I’m gone is heartwarming. When facing the world’s challenges it is refreshing to know that an effort on a specific project such as building a gabion can leave lasting impacts. Channeling energy to really make a positive change makes me what to do so much more. I don’t want to attempt to approach problems with insignificant Band-Aid solutions. Efforts for slow and constant movement forward confirm my own self’s approaches towards growing my internal self. I will embrace these notions and apply them more on my own educational endeavors. For many years I’ve been tied to the idea on getting in and out as soon as possible in the educational system so I can get on with my life but there is a purpose for a slow growth. Deeper roots are planted.
Resourcefulness for simple solutions when faced with complexity
The Canelo project opened my eyes towards utilizing the resources around and that minimalistic living is very attainable with a high quality of life. After leaving the Canelo Project site I felt motivated to build my own straw bale home. While at the site I found myself reflecting on ways I have simplified my life for more fulfilment. Currently I am in the process of moving into my truck and want to condense all my possessions into a backpack. When reaching for this goal I will need to think simply when applying a high quality of life for myself. When looking at the structures I am reminded of how complex we make our lives and how little we really need to fulfill our basic needs. I want to simplify my life I so will not be distracted from other social pressures so I can better approach the complex systems of the world. If I want to be as effective at instilling positive change in the world then I will have to have a constant effort on displacement form current paradigms. Simplifying my life will help me feel more joyous and less stressful.
Erica Masten
I learned a lot about myself on this trip. The leverage points with my life’s journey is living a life that shares the same heart beat as Mother Earth. There is any changes that we would have to make in order to do so and it is possible. They are simple ideas that make sense with living in the world. As a world that is moving together we all need to realize we need to work together. I learned how easy it is to build a home with in three days that is made out of earth. Can you imagine a world where all our houses are made Earth? I am very impressed by these homes and hope to build a Eco village of my own one day. I intend to build this community out of material that makes sense and honors the earth, rather then destroying our great mother earth. I learned a lot about how spiritual and knowledge are the same thing and when used right you can build anything. It all takes knowing who you and not being scared of what you find. Then it goes into action, what are you going to do with that knowledge.
I walked into the labyrinth were I was ready to talk with my self. Asking many questions before walking into this amazing journey of life. I took a deep breathe. My first thought that came to me was please connect me to my ancient elders, the ancient earth and guides. Please let me see the unseen. Staying Humble as I walked in I took a deep Breathe and allowed the mystery to unfolded. I am worthy, I am beautiful, I am that, I am. Echoing in my mind. That is when my really langue of the ancient past came out of my mount out of pure sweet memory. With these words I called to my snake friends. The wind told me it was time. I listened with each step. It felt like a beautiful comfortable pain as the rocks hit my soul of my foot. I had control I felt my head, body, and soul longing to the sky and my feet digging deep into the roots. I connected with telling the universe that I am awaked and ready to be the leader that I am meant to be. I allowed each sell in my body to awaken and light up my skin. Speak to my heart and listen with my mind. I am not alone I have a team a family of many beautiful strong souls and faces. They are my own. I am stronger then I ever have been before I can feel it in my finger tips in my heart, in my mind. Healthy, healthy beautiful mind, body and soul that is my most treasured. I thanked my body for feeling, I thanked my body for seeing, listening, understanding. "I see you"I repeated I looked into the sky and there it was a undefined object that showed it self and then disappeared into the middle of a blue sky with in a spilt second. "I see you, I am awakened I am ready". The wind blew the hugest gust of wind hearing my words. I kept on walking with every step I thanked the most important people in my life. Robert Masten Steven Masten Alicia Masten Stevie Masten. I thanked them for betting them and to hear my call. I called my grandmother, grandfather in heaven and on earth giving them the graduated that they deserve. I called to my uncles and aunts cousin and friends connecting them to my journey praying for them prays to be heard. I called to the love of my life to hear my blossoming internal howl of the love I have for her. Grae Rene Biggs a beautiful women that enlightens me with heat of a beating heart. I love you I whispered into the my next turn. Send her the most beautiful message from me I asked ancient earth. Listen to her prayers. I breathed and I was in the middle of the journey I payed my belly on the ground and let my core rest with nurturing. I see you, I am here, I am ready.
I walked into the labyrinth were I was ready to talk with my self. Asking many questions before walking into this amazing journey of life. I took a deep breathe. My first thought that came to me was please connect me to my ancient elders, the ancient earth and guides. Please let me see the unseen. Staying Humble as I walked in I took a deep Breathe and allowed the mystery to unfolded. I am worthy, I am beautiful, I am that, I am. Echoing in my mind. That is when my really langue of the ancient past came out of my mount out of pure sweet memory. With these words I called to my snake friends. The wind told me it was time. I listened with each step. It felt like a beautiful comfortable pain as the rocks hit my soul of my foot. I had control I felt my head, body, and soul longing to the sky and my feet digging deep into the roots. I connected with telling the universe that I am awaked and ready to be the leader that I am meant to be. I allowed each sell in my body to awaken and light up my skin. Speak to my heart and listen with my mind. I am not alone I have a team a family of many beautiful strong souls and faces. They are my own. I am stronger then I ever have been before I can feel it in my finger tips in my heart, in my mind. Healthy, healthy beautiful mind, body and soul that is my most treasured. I thanked my body for feeling, I thanked my body for seeing, listening, understanding. "I see you"I repeated I looked into the sky and there it was a undefined object that showed it self and then disappeared into the middle of a blue sky with in a spilt second. "I see you, I am awakened I am ready". The wind blew the hugest gust of wind hearing my words. I kept on walking with every step I thanked the most important people in my life. Robert Masten Steven Masten Alicia Masten Stevie Masten. I thanked them for betting them and to hear my call. I called my grandmother, grandfather in heaven and on earth giving them the graduated that they deserve. I called to my uncles and aunts cousin and friends connecting them to my journey praying for them prays to be heard. I called to the love of my life to hear my blossoming internal howl of the love I have for her. Grae Rene Biggs a beautiful women that enlightens me with heat of a beating heart. I love you I whispered into the my next turn. Send her the most beautiful message from me I asked ancient earth. Listen to her prayers. I breathed and I was in the middle of the journey I payed my belly on the ground and let my core rest with nurturing. I see you, I am here, I am ready.
Sierra Reinertson
Going with the timeline of our trip, my first learning leverage point arose while touring Arcosanti. Visiting the foundry reminded me of my childhood; following my mom into the giant concrete building smelling of hot wax and molten metals. But here was an outdoor structure, open to the sky. Continuing on, we saw the ceramic studio, another stab in my memory; and Jeff Stein mentioned a time where people were able to browse their careers. One could stroll down the street, past butchers and bakers and blacksmiths and be able to observe the word and conversations and try out varying ways of life. Far different from todays reality of imagining a perfect career and gaining the background education for it, before even testing it’s true waters. Culture. Where is our culture? It should be on the other side of our private lives, said Stein. With nature on the opposite end. That stuck with me. Private space as the buffer zone between culture and nature; going out one door to a theatre, the other to a deep canyon of grasses. Beyond that idea was the sheer coolness of Paolo Soleri’s designs. Made, with love, to pack people in dense, sustainable manners, as a vision for the future of urban development. The buildings stacked purposes and utilized both vertical and underground spaces with aesthetically appealing, curving structures. His designs inspired me to learn more about natural design and sustainable engineering. Or just read fully one of Paolo Soleri’s books.
The next leverage point for me was visiting the Native Seed Search and listening to the story of the “Native seed guy”. It was exciting to see an example of how indigenous culture and permaculture principles could live together in a thoughtful system; which acknowledged both the importance of conserving genetic diversity, and giving back ancient seeds to the hands from whence they came. Permaculture, seed man acknowledged, is very much a concept for the white and affluent; a “new discovery” of ancient and ongoing traditional knowledge. This encounter made me curious about other avenues that bridge western science and technological savvy with the regenerative practices and wisdom of indigenous communities.
And then, we were at Deep Dirt listening to Kate give feedback to our design; questioning and probing about wind and fire safety and other paths of thought that had not yet been opened. And then I closed my hand and an excruciating pain pulsed through my palm. But the conversation continued, and Kate brought up the essential importance of femininity in the world; how all the world’s problems stem from the rape of the feminine; both in how we’ve approached land, and how we’ve treated other fellow human beings. There arises some need to control, to hold power over to conquer. Which mirrors monopolistic agriculture, republican ideology, and the contents of popular magazines. The machismo. Which directly opposes the idea of working with nature, with allowing slowness, and gentleness, and compassion. Which reflects those ideas of permaculture, of midwifery, of social movements relating to gender fluidity and queerness. The relation of femininity to permaculture was very moving to me. And I wish to explore more how a different sort of power might arise from learning more.
Application. In the future I hope to work in sustainable community development. So it’s important for me to explore the interconnections between environmental sustainability/regeneration, new technology, and social justice issues. These leverage points have provided platforms from I can launch myself when ready; to more deeply explore these issues in the effort to create thriving and loving communities.
The next leverage point for me was visiting the Native Seed Search and listening to the story of the “Native seed guy”. It was exciting to see an example of how indigenous culture and permaculture principles could live together in a thoughtful system; which acknowledged both the importance of conserving genetic diversity, and giving back ancient seeds to the hands from whence they came. Permaculture, seed man acknowledged, is very much a concept for the white and affluent; a “new discovery” of ancient and ongoing traditional knowledge. This encounter made me curious about other avenues that bridge western science and technological savvy with the regenerative practices and wisdom of indigenous communities.
And then, we were at Deep Dirt listening to Kate give feedback to our design; questioning and probing about wind and fire safety and other paths of thought that had not yet been opened. And then I closed my hand and an excruciating pain pulsed through my palm. But the conversation continued, and Kate brought up the essential importance of femininity in the world; how all the world’s problems stem from the rape of the feminine; both in how we’ve approached land, and how we’ve treated other fellow human beings. There arises some need to control, to hold power over to conquer. Which mirrors monopolistic agriculture, republican ideology, and the contents of popular magazines. The machismo. Which directly opposes the idea of working with nature, with allowing slowness, and gentleness, and compassion. Which reflects those ideas of permaculture, of midwifery, of social movements relating to gender fluidity and queerness. The relation of femininity to permaculture was very moving to me. And I wish to explore more how a different sort of power might arise from learning more.
Application. In the future I hope to work in sustainable community development. So it’s important for me to explore the interconnections between environmental sustainability/regeneration, new technology, and social justice issues. These leverage points have provided platforms from I can launch myself when ready; to more deeply explore these issues in the effort to create thriving and loving communities.
~ Madelyn Boge
On our almost week long journey we were let into the homes and communities of many wonderful people, and were allowed to have such enriching experiences. Each place had such great insights into sustainability and permaculture and each place approached it differently, allowing for a wide verity of knowledge to be obtained. Visiting places like Windsong, Avalon ecovillage, Deep Dirt and Native Seed Search, there were many different things that I learned on this amazing trip, but some of the learning leverage points I will take away is action, observation, and the spreading of knowledge.
Action
I was so appreciative of the work that I was able to be a part of at Deep Dirt where we participated in building a gabion for Kate Tirion, the owner. I would sometimes get wrapped up in the many complexities of sustainability, permaculture and collaborative leadership and working was a very grounding experience. More than anything it reminded me that all these grand ideas that we can think of about creating a sustainable system and applying permaculture starts with work. Most people we met took it upon themselves to start building, creating and exploring. What I gathered from this trip in terms of work was how, once someone had an idea, they then applied through work. Bill and Athena from the Canelo Project is a great example of exploring sustainability and permaculture through the building of eco home building workshops on their property. These experiences made me revisit what I had been thought about farming in that everything starts with hard work, hard work can build community and hard work can lead you to your vision.
Observation
With each place we visited there was a number of things one could learn or experience. But what I gravitated towards each time was the power of observation. I found this to be a great way to gather information through my eyes instead of my ears and I was able to capture more. It is important for me to remember to give myself time to observe. Visiting new places is overwhelming in and of itself and I found that through observation I was able to capture, what I believe to be, the true essence of each place. From the movement of the plants and animals to the movement of the people, there is so much to behold. There is much to gather and process and what this trip reminded me with each amazing place we visited was to stop and take a moment to realize where I was and the importance that place had in the world.
Spreading of Knowledge
I believe that the most important leverage point I gathered was how knowledge spread. As a future facilitator it was so inspiring to see knowledge spread through stories, song and work. I believe that something we have lost in our culture, particularly in families and communities is how we spread our wisdom to future generations. Not only did knowledge get spread through words, but in the land and natural systems these people were a part of. To create something in your mind and then show it through farming, gardening, or ‘art of the land’ is a way I never thought of. However, what better way to do so. There is so much to say about our connection to the earth and that connection needs to be expressed to the next generation and beyond.
I cannot say how much I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this trip and have gotten the opportunity to expand my knowledge with sustainability practices. I do not think I can express how grateful I am that people shared their thoughts, dreams and visions with me. There was no short of wisdom shared on this trip and I hope to carry that with me as I learn more.