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permaculture - [permaculture] Considering Wholeness (was Re: Politics-Is it relevent to Permaculture?)

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  • From: Stephen Figgins <stephen@plainscraft.com>
  • To: permaculture <permaculture@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: [permaculture] Considering Wholeness (was Re: Politics-Is it relevent to Permaculture?)
  • Date: Wed, 13 Jun 2007 09:08:00 -0500

Yes, permacultural design principles apply to politics. What don't they apply to? I know many permaculturalists have strong notions about politics, what doesn't work about current policies, how we might have better policies. Looking at patterns and applying systems thinking to these things can reveal many ways to leverage change in our existing systems.

I also recognize that political discussion can divide people. It can degenerate into a series of long tirades and flame wars. I have participated in enough discussions of this nature to have a good idea of the patterns that can emerge when members of a list not devoted specifically to political discussion start posting about politics.

Ken brings up the importance of keeping the whole in mind, the bigger picture. Would all who have participated in these recent discussions take a step back for a moment and look at the whole of this group and what might serve it best? Some of this lists members have said these discussions have not met their needs and that they would rather not have them on this list. That signals the beginning of a destructive pattern that I would rather not see develop any further. Will you please consider how you can change your communication so that it brings us together rather than divides us on the list?

I also know from experience that discussion about whether something is or is not something can divide a list as well. Like whether politics *is* an appropriate conversation for this list or whether it *is* relevant to permaculture. Let's not go there either. That thinking will not bring us together as a whole.

Would those who have spoken about their frustration with these topics also take a step back for a moment and consider the whole? Rather than communicating your opinion about what is, can you state more clearly what you need and how the conversation could shift to better meet those needs?

I come here for insight into applying permacultural design. It helps if what you have to share leads to something practical, something I can apply within permacultural zones closer to home. I have the most influence in those areas. If you want to share a big picture insight, I would like you to also try to share the practical application of that insight in daily life.


-Stephen





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