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“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.

Why isn’t resting rewarded?  What is it about nourishment that just isn’t sexy? Why don’t we reward self-care and resting in the same way that we reward achievements and productivity? If we consider urban centres in North America (which is my most familiar habitat), the emphasis is set squarely on the doing, the going, the producing and the running around until we fall into bed in utter exhaustion at the end of the day.   Why are we always so busy?  Why do we often find ourselves in a loop of doing?

Why do we need rituals?

I think we are all craving a little bit of deepened connection, magic, and spirituality in our lives.

Many of us don’t identify with a structured religious practice, leaving us to create our own ways of communing with the divine. When we have rituals in place they help us anchor our lives into the divine, helping us to become more present and intentional about the way we move along our day to day, keeping us focused along our path.