Once Around the Sun: Observe & Interact
Once Around the Sun is a year-long collective experiment in reconnection – to ourselves, each other, and the signature of nature – regardless of land access… because embodied ecosystems live in all types of environments.
This monthly reflection, and prompt pulls the principles off the land and into daily life; where they become tools you can access any time, or mini quests that tap into your inner naturalist (no previous experience required). The intention is to test, and casually document how permaculture principles support positive personal growth, and mental/emotional well-being regardless of the type of environment one inhabits... be it metropolitan NYC or peri-urban NC. Throughout the year there will be opportunities to share your findings and digital artifacts via WildWay socials, and see how other community members interpret, express, and grow through the principles.
The objective is to capture one reflection each week, in the creative form of your choosing – but I encourage you to diversify and mix it up! – like poetry/writing, photos, doodles, mini-vlogs… even notes/voice notes in your phone count!
First and foremost, this is a personal activity designed to demystify, and “practical-ize” permaculture. But it also offers us a chance to walk with each other from our various points on the globe, create from a space of hope, and experience collective growth and healing in the midst of contrast.
Principle 1 : Observe & Interact
Interact with your environment from a perspective of “deep looking & listening”. Observation is a method of learning, and nurturing understanding through intentional attention. When working with land, the time spent observing is how a designer learns how terrain, elements, light, invisible boundaries, and the needs of all known in inhabitants, can be supported and responded to. It is a step taken before action, to see, process and consider more than we can in our peripheral while passing by.
This level of interaction also creates more neural pathways for curiosity, empathy and closeness; as it calls us into the details of other places, creatures, and wild things. And while these attributes are being cultivated in connection with nature, they integrate into other forms of connection - like relationships with others, and self-care.
Prompt(s):
When you notice a flower/flowering “weed” (in a field, lawn, office park planter, or crack in the sidewalk) consider the elements that feed it, the hands, paws or breeze that planted it, their impermanence and what they contribute in their time. How does the color make you feel? Is there a memory attached to scent? Look it up, and see if it has an interesting symbolic meaning or surprising functional use.
Play with flipping perspective! Ponder the experience of the wildlife in your community – even the house spider in the corner is a wild thing in your environment. What’s their lifespan? How do we interfere with their space? Could they inspire a character or story? Do they have a voice? (You know you give critters voices. Quit playin’.)
Quiet your space, and open a window, or step outside and listen to “nothing” for at least 5 minutes. What do you hear? Your own heartbeat? Electric humming, birds, people, wind blowing, traffic? How does your environmental soundscape make you feel? How many different sounds can you notice? Is there something you would add or subtract to shift the audible energy– creating more calm, or a vibrant cacophony?
How does practicing this type of observation affect your perception of what it means to be present (in your environment, with yourself, with others)? How does practicing this type of interaction, retrain your attention, and deepen gratitude?
There is no right or wrong way to capture. Just respond to inspiration when it greets you.
