The Graze V.146: People Care, Earth Care, Fair Share

Dear Friends:

I spent some time this week talking with a new friend about permaculture - a design practice that uses natural patterns and principles to create resilient community. Permaculture in agriculture embraces practices such as swales, compost, companion planting, and regenerative farming. The principles of permaculture are inspired by the science of indigenous peoples, observing patterns of sun, wind and wildlife through the landscape.

There are many principles of permaculture that resonate with ways that we are working together to build community in this space at Mission Farm. Our focus on connection, conservation and justice mirror the ethics behind permaculture of People Care, Earth Care and Fair Share.

Here are a few examples of permaculture perspectives we are living into on this land. (They are also helpful in the way we live as individuals on this earth!):

1. Observe and Interact. We often speak of listening to the land. Of looking for ways that Spirit is emerging in this space at Mission Farm. This is important information as we make decisions about how we shape this land and for the ways we interact with one another.

2. Catch and Store Energy. We think about the energy of the sun and water as we make decisions about our landscape. We also pay attention to the energy running through the people who participate at Mission Farm. How can we harness our collective energy to achieve our shared goals?

3. Produce no waste. Living gently on the earth and leaving no trace is a value we hold on this land. We work to avoid wasted effort and we value everything that is produced.

4. Use and Value Diversity. Diversity is one characteristic that is basic to any sustainable system. It is true in our meadow and also true in our human community.

How do we each live in ways that benefit life in all its forms? How might we build a community and live into patterns that function to bring life and love to this world?

I am so grateful to be on this journey with you.

Love and peace to you,

Lisa+