Blog
Musings from our community
We owe everything to India. Our brothers and sisters need our help. We cannot immerse ourselves in the powerful practice of yoga, yet turn a blind eye to what’s happening in India right now. Here’s how you can help during India’s COVID-19 Crisis
“Hello, sun in my face. Hello you who made the morning and spread it over the fields…Watch, now, how I
Every pregnancy and pregnant person experiences the birth journey differently. Most individuals are able to continue a regular yoga practice through their first trimester with some slight modifications. Others really benefit from rest in their first trimester. The important thing is to turn to practices that meet your needs as your body, mind and spirit change during this deeply transformative time. Here are some simple guidelines on modifying your practice…
Permaculture gives us a new story. An uplifting story that challenges the dominant narrative in our culture today.
Underlying the ongoing degradation of the planet is the crushing story that humans are at odds with nature. That we are ‘Bad for the Planet.” Permaculture invites us to collectively weave a new narrative. Find out more…
The 12th permaculture principle, Creatively Use & Respond to Change challenges us to allow friction to motivate us toward our own potent potential.
The eleventh permaculture principle, Use Edges & Value the Marginal speaks to the overlooked, under appreciated underdog, which is often the unlikely disguise of abundant potential of rich bounty, seeds and conditions ready to burst forth with life.
Similar to the permaculture principle, Integrate Rather than Segregate, “Use & Value Diversity” applies to yoga, in that the integration of a plethora of sutras, genres, teachings and practices, can collaboratively, refine and define our unique path. Approaching our yoga practice with a holistic lens impacts our entire lifestyle.
“Small and slow systems are easier to maintain than big ones, make better use of local resources, and produce more sustainable outcomes.” David Holmgren
The 9th permaculture principle, “Use small & slow solutions,” relates to the innate essence of a sustainable yoga practice. Consider the tale of the Tortoise & the Hare. Through this depiction, we can assess the symbolism and draw parallels regarding how perseverance and patience pays, and how determination and discipline determines destiny.
The 8th permaculture principle, “Integrate rather than segregate” is a fascinating exploration into integration and cooperation.
As Bill Mollison states: “Permaculture therefore is partly a philosophy and practice of integration and cooperation, a shift in focus from the competition and segregation characteristic…to how “parts interact, how they work together with each other, how dissonance or harmony in life systems or society is achieved.”
Gazing at the big picture can inspire and motivate. The 7th permaculture principle, Design from Patterns to Details, gives a guideline as to how we can create blueprints for our lives.
In permaculture design, we observe and interact with the details of the terrain and our vision for the land or project. When we notice the patterns of energy sector flows, like sun, wind, and wildlife, we can gain a better idea of how to design the details. Similarly, we can notice patterns in geology, biodiversity, ecology, social structures and cultural norms.
Consider how patterns in nature are observed and mimicked.
Produce No Waste is a thought provoking permaculture principle. As a society, we realize the abundance and overuse of plastic is polluting the seas, filling landfills, and being scattered around the earth. In many countries, trash is burned, impacting the quality of air and the ozone layer. We may carry reusable bags to the grocery store and find our own ways to reduce, reuse and recycle, with the valiant aim of producing less waste. In the Western World, we have the luxury of sending items to the recycling bin, trusting that the trash fairies will properly utilize the plastic and paper and turn it into something practical…
Caring for & respecting the earth is non-negotiable in sustaining our essence. Imagine how we would thrive as a collective if we were able to do well with what we do well. When we follow our path and dharma, we can actively draw on both internal and external resources to steward and sustain ourselves and our work.
The 4th permaculture principle, Apply Self Regulation and Accept Feedback, can be applied to our work, relationships and yoga practice. Self regulation means implementing a life of moderation and always involves an honest assessment of the alignment of our values and our actions. Accepting feedback implies a level of teachability, transparency, honesty and humility. Openness to change and growth necessitates a humble heart, and requires an understanding of the realization of our own brilliance and beauty, which is a gift to the world.
"The yield of a system is theoretically unlimited, or, limited only by the information and imagination of the designer.” Bill Mollison
The 3rd permaculture principle, “obtain a yield” refers to a way of life, rather than a single event or haphazard happenstance. It implies being intentional with your input and output, and understand that your energetic endeavors directly affect every outcome.
Exploring the intersection of permaculture and yoga yields unending parallels. Both permaculture and yoga exist as a way of life, an approach to being. Catching, storing and sustaining energy is an emphasis found within both practices. Permaculture encourages the development of systems of recycling, reusing, restoring, revamping and rejuvenating.
"Permaculture is a practice, a way of life, a consciousness based on holistic, sustainable living.” This is a beautiful definition of permaculture that also applies to yoga. And it’s beautiful how the principles of permaculture collide, coincide, compliment and collaborate with the practice of yoga. The 1st permaculture principle, observe & interact, is applicable across a variety of life situations.
