Permaculture

There are volumes of material published on what Permaculture is so there is little need to go into detail here with lengthy technical explanations. But for those less familiar with the term, the word links “permanent” and “culture” (or “agriculture”). In its totality, permaculture is an interdisciplinary earth science that seeks to understand the fullness of nature and improve upon the various approaches and multiple pitfalls of human settlement and habitation on planet earth. All systems necessary for life are addressed in the breadth of its study and practice. Permaculture offers a complete alternative to the incomplete, stunted, monolithic understanding of the current long crisis that besets the biosphere of the planet. It is a way forward because it is millions of ways, not merely a set of platitudes for NGO’s to quote at fundraisers. In this practice, protracted observation of natural systems, critical thinking and recognition of human feeling replaces thoughtless action and apathetic impatience.

That being said, it was already abundantly clear in the 1970’s and early 1980’s (the genesis of the Permaculture movement) that there is little need to gather further evidence to act. Thankfully, 40 years later much has been done to help the ongoing crisis yet lamentably, much energy has been wasted on egoic political debate and profligate distractions, rather than ethical action towards solutions. The solutions exist, what’s lacking is the will of the collective. However, there is promise in almost every bio-region across the planet, where one can find grassroots (and sometimes larger) efforts to enact ecological and sustainable solutions to the challenges, working towards something “permanent”. The people and movements may not even know of the term “permaculture” but they fall under the “ethical umbrella” all the same. There are FAR more of these movements worldwide (*in the order of millions*) than is commonly recognized in mainstream society. Though it is not always visible, the Ways of Permaculture are prevailing and growing.

It is safe to say that Earthsong itself exists, and our whole way of life is lived, in accordance with the three founding ethics of Permaculture, paraphrased here for brevity and clarity:

1. Earth Care
2. People Care
3. Fair Share (of surplus)

“Care” is an appropriate synonym for “Love”and to live with love is to live with heart. To live with heart is to live in honest truth with oneself and others. Living in honest truth may be a challenge enough and a lifelong journey on its own, but from these ideas, a benevolent direction in life that complements wellness can be established. These ethics self-regulate and allow for a flexible yet grounded approach to all of life’s circumstances. The ethics are not dogmatic doctrines that prefer a certain type of belief system, or religion even though they may echo many relevant, ancient spiritual world cultures. Rather, they offer an idea of how one can interact with their own reality, and receive back the reciprocity of energy that is inherent to the totality of life. There is not much that can improve on the simplicity of these ethics as we build a world melding the wisdom and practicality of the past with appropriate technology of the present and future; We, The Permies, take notice of those who never forgot their way as well as those wishing to re-discover the way, and we understand the axiomatic principles of harmonious habitation on this planet.

Practically speaking, in Permaculture there does exist a focus on food cultivation. Wholesome, natural food has obvious benefits, and so at Earthsong there is a focus on working to efficiently increase the yield and variety of the land. Food forests and edible/medicinal landscapes are present and growing more abundant as we move forward.

Voluntary simplicity, thrift, conservation of energy, self-improvement, reducing consumption & re-using are all practiced as a means of continuing the refinement of the process oriented approach to life (rather than rigid goal oriented) that is evident here. Of course goals are important and serve a purpose as well at Earthsong, but the predominant approach is more tilted to the former, while keeping the ethics close to the heart.

Earthsong steward Ryan is a Certified Permaculture Designer earning his 72hr PDC in Costa Rica in 2010 after several years of self study and attending shorter permaculture workshops in 2008-2009. From 2010 to present there has been a continuous practice of living and working with the three ethics. He is putting his experience to work in the growth and sustenance of Earthsong’s two locations in Hawai’i and Panama. He is also willing to share his knowledge with all who are sincerely interested in learning and supporting.