Hi all, I’m just getting started engaging with permaculture in this structured way. I live in Los Angeles and have a small home on about 6000 sq ft. And this is where I plan to be for awhile- so while I’m already engaged in gardening, my main interest is in community work and expanding green spaces in urban areas. I have been circling many ideas for awhile, and I want to put my energy fully into one direction.
What I liked about this exercise was how different it felt from a “business plan” and how much more useful it was for me as someone who works hard but doesn’t earn much money. It was quite powerful to actually value the things I do and the person I am! I was a stay-at-home mom for a decade and have four kids. I’ve been side hustling (substitute teaching, pottery) for a few years, post-divorce. In any other work construct, it counts pretty close to zero. But it means my allies are kids, moms and neighbors. That’s perfect for me! My allies are also potters (my main hobby) and gardeners (my…main other hobby lol).
And I felt clarity as some terms were connected on my map. Gratitude, Purpose, Community were yields, needs and allies. So having a bit of a loop in my map gave it a flow and a sense of energy.
I put things like “luxury” and “spark” under needs, which I would worry don’t align with some of my pre-conceived ideas of permaculture. Luxury isn’t necessarily material stuff (although I do like nice things), it’s also about permission to enjoy/savor. And I think it’s important to be true to myself; I don’t fantasize about living off-grid and being fully self-sufficient. I like living in a neighborhood with a bunch of people, I just want it to be more friendly to the people and plants and animals that can thrive there.
Anyway, hi! I’m so happy to be here.
