We were challenged in one “circle time” (when the group
gathers in a circle to learn and discuss) to recall something we noticed … but
not just on the surface. Noticing to the
point of thinking or studying or delving into some aspect of it deeper.
I didn’t share with the group at the time because the
conversations seemed to spiral into plans of the day … but what I was thinking
about was the patterns in nature. Just
earlier, I was contemplating the balanced growth of the trees we were clearing
and cleaning with branches sprouting opposite in one way and then the next pair
up at 90 degrees. As I sat there, I thought about the thin-leafed swirls in a
flowering plant, the thorns on some of the vines, the buds of the berries, the
patterns of leaves, even the interesting elements of the weeds we pulled … all
different, all very patterned, and all with specific purposes.
It made me wonder if we could learn from them. What makes the tree strong? Could it be applied to life principles? How about the need for protection? What do the swirls do? Are some things in existence simply for the
joy of aesthetics? I’m sure all is valid … but I have a sneaking suspicion that
if we could know every reason for every element, there would be a purpose to it
that goes beyond beauty.
But before my thoughts ramble too long, I should also try
and remember a few other “noticings.” One was a personal shift today. Until this afternoon, I felt a little like I
didn’t have much to offer other than my help (not that it isn’t significant,
but I’m not an expert in permaculture, etc.).
Then, this afternoon as we split up into design teams to generate some
ideas for the structure to protect the garden plantings, I started to have
ideas.
IDEAS! It felt good to have ideas – ones that were not in
context of job or family or personal goals.
Every team was strong and had good ideas. But contributing to a design team that ended
up receiving the most stones (votes) was truly exciting. HOWEVER – I don’t say that in a way to make
it sound like we did anything extra special.
Truly, some designs were so similar that they could have been easily
merged. And each design has great
strengths that we may find to be more relevant as the actual project
starts. BUT – coming from a relatively
dry place (or so it seems to me sometimes), I felt a little like those who
dream again. I started to feel
alive! IDEAS! Good ideas. They make me
smile.
But before I wrap it up completely, there’s one other
significant “noticing” that plays into the picture. As we worked in the days and hours before, it
was quite an unusual feeling to be away from normal life (i.e. rushing from one
thing to the next, in front of computers, in meetings, in cars, always over
capacity). Even the sound of spades and
forks and rakes in the dirt was like meditation. Birds calling in the forests, male deer
calling in the fields, branches and stems brushing together, footsteps in the
dirt … all brought an organic peace that quietly seemed to reassure my soul without
me even knowing it. It’s a lovely
feeling.
