Permaculture is a system that creates long-lasting and sustainable solutions. These can be applied to the spiritual path as well. By observing these principles, ethics, and this way of being, we can truly create long-lasting benefits along the individual path. Continue reading as I give in depth analysis of each Permaculture Principle, as it relates to the path.
The 12 Permaculture Principles1. Observe & Interact
2. Catch & Store Energy 3. Obtain a Yeild 4. Apply Self-Regulation & Accept Feedback 5. Use & Value Renewable Resources 6. Produce No Waste 7. Design From Patterns To Details 8. Integrate Rather than Segregate 9. Use Small and Slow Solutions 10. Use & Value Diversity 11. Use edges & Value the Marginal 12. Creatively Use & Respond to Change |
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1. Observe & Interact |
By becoming the observer of one's environment, one has the ability to interact harmoniously within it.
Notice that "observe" is the first word of all principles. To observe is to bring awareness to. By bringing awareness to an object, environment, or habit, we then are able to come from a grounded and centered space to interact appropriately. By failing to first observe, the tendency is to re-act rather than inter-act, which can cause disharmony. Once we have noticed our inner/outer environment, we may attune our frequency to be in resonance with it. |
2. Catch & Store Energy |
By practicing ways to gather and save Chi, one is then able to use and sustain this chi throughout each day.
Humans are like plants, we need sunlight,v water, air and nutrients to keep us functioning. We must find ways to gather this energy by drinking clean water, eating appropriately, conscious breathing, communing with Nature, etc. Once we have received this prana, it will give us nourishment & sustenance throughout each day. This can be used for any activity that may arise in the moment. |
3. Obtain a Yield
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Ensure that one is receiving noticeable benefits from one's spiritual practice
Whatever our spiritual practice is; whether it's meditation, Tai Chi, Yoga, ceremony, singing, dancing, hiking, etc; we want to be growing, learning, and receiving something in exchange for our time. This goes for life purpose, goals, the work that we do, we are given something valuable in return. This will ensure that we are maximizing the use of time as a resource. |
4. Apply Self-Regulation & Accept Feedback |
To ensure that one is living from one's highest alignment, one must practice Self-discipline and be open to the reflections of others.
Self-discipline is a key aspect along the spiritual path. It allows us to live our Truth in all moments. The art of free-will unlocks the abilities of Self-control. Releasing the ego's desires to control, we become the master of our reality & conscious creator of our destiny. Also, remember that every other person is a reflection of Self, so be willing to see yourself in others to notice your tendencies and habits. Be open to the signs all around that are constantly giving us feedback & messages about our life. |
5. Use & Value Renewable Resources
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By utilizing the abundance of the Universe that is available to us, we maximize our ability to regenerate long-lasting effects.
A renewable resource is a resource that continuously replenishes itself, without the need to buy more. The most valuable renewable resource available to humans is the BREATH, which is the foundation of our spiritual practice. We will never need to go out and buy breath, it is a gift that is here for us in every moment. By becoming conscious of it, we can use it in many beneficial ways. The only time we can breathe is Now and the only space we can ever breathe is here. You can't breathe yesterday, or across the street, only here&now. We will never have to buy a gram of air, or a 10-strip of oxygen. When all the acid is gone, and there's no more pot, our breath will still be there for us. |
6. Produce No Waste!
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By consciously working with all of our resources and being mindful of our energy consumption, nothing goes to waste because everything is used appropriately.
Reuse, Renew, Recycle can apply to the spiritual path as well. We can re-use an exercise or technique if it works for us, we can re-new our mind through meditation, we can re-cycle other teachings and modify them to suit our needs. Also, being mindful of time. Though at some level it is an illusion, it is also a valuable resource that never comes back, so using each moment wisely, not wasting time! |
7. Design From Patterns to Details |
By setting intentions rather than expectations, we leave room for the flow of specifics to naturally unfold.
If we work to create consistent habit patterns & practices, then the details can be filled in as we go. For example, if we create a pattern of doing yoga 4 times a week around sunset, then the day/time and specific poses to use can be fully in the flow. When we look at the broad spectrum of what it is we want, from a bird's eye view, then it leaves space for it to happen organically. An intention is something general we wish to manifest or cultivate, whereas expectation is an attachment to a particular way the intention has to happen. Setting intention leads to clarity of mind & action. Having expectations leads to disappointment. This principle reminds us that if we focus "what" we want, the Universe will take care of the "how" it happens. |
8. Integrate Rather Than Segregate
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By incorporating all aspects of Self, rather than Creating separation, one can cultivate healthy relationships between all of one's components.
Spirituality differs from religion, in that spirituality integrates various tools & techniques into one overall expression, rather than subscribing to only one particular belief system. Rather than segregating the Christians from the Muslims because of their differences, we can seek to find common grounds and harmoniously co-exist amongst ourselves. We can utilize many beliefs, practices and traditions to cultivate our own authentic expression. |
9. Use Small and Slow Solutions
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By first taking small steps toward our aspirations, we can eventually make giant leaps toward accomplishing our goals.
On the path of self-realization, we must start off small and grow exponentially larger as we go. For example, a person with zero meditation experience wants to establish a 1-hour daily meditation practice. They probably won't jump right in and meditate for an hour. However, if they begin to meditate for 10 minute each day for a month, then the next month they will likely be able to increase to 20 minutes, until eventually they reach the goal of one hour.An object in motion tends to stay in motion, unless acted on by an opposing force. This means that if we direct our energy in a certain direction, it will continue to build up momentum as long as we stick to it. The spiritual path is a long one, rather than trying to get to enlightenment right away, try small steps in improving your practice. |
10. Use and Value Diversity
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By honoring the uniqueness of all that is, we can utilize everything to cultivate an overall state of wholeness.
The reality of existence is so diverse in it's nature, and so is human consciousness. By using a wide variety of techniques and practices, we can then receive maximum benefits. By embracing darkness, we can use light to it's fullest potential. In cultivating balance within and around, we must value the Divine Feminine and Sacred Masculine. As we realize the diversity in both aspects, we open up to the realm of infinite possibilities. |
11. Use edges & Value the Marginal
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The space between thoughts or boundaries between different energies, is often where the greatest opportunity for magick occurs.
Many styles of meditation teach us to become aware of the space between the inhale and exhale. It is said that inside this space lives the void, or complete oneness. This is a reminder to always push our edges further and further to evolve, while honoring our boundaries and the boundaries of others. Boundaries are important to establish, in that they provide a safe space. Edges are important land marks in that they help to clarify goals and means of achievement. |
12. Creatively Use & Respond to Change
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By carefully observing inevitable change in our inner and outer worlds, one can interact with this natural evolution, and use this change to one's advantage.
Change is inevitable, change is the only constant. In recognizing this, we can work with the cycles of Nature to create the desired outcome. We can reduce rigidity and increase flexibility by embracing change. This is the practice of impermanence the Buddha spoke of. This is the art of "going with the flow," and being open to every moment. |
