Observe and Interact

Today we embark on a two week discussion on the Principles of Permaculture. This should be a good primer for anyone planning on taking a PDC or just interested in adding resiliency and weal to their life. We will start with the first principle, Observe and Interact, and work our way through the other eleven one day at a time. When we are done I will likely add a discussion on the three ethics and then have a day of q+a. Please feel free to add to the discussion, it is after all a large part of the first principle.
Observe and Interact
Life moves very fast. In the scale of time we are but a blip. Somehow in that blip humankind has managed to cause irreversible damage to the life systems that the Earth so efficiently manages.
Man is quick to turn a blind eye to the natural forces that create resiliency in nature. When we slow down, giving our senses time to absorb our surroundings something magical happens. We begin to see patterns and relationships everywhere. The more we observe, the more we begin to form an understanding of the natural world and how we can interact with the world in a positive, caressing manor. A life of abundance surrounds us, yet we shall not drink from its' well. We shall add to it and take only what is necessary for our well being and returning any surplus back to the system.
Many errors in our designed systems can be avoided if we look for guidance from the natural landscape. Our homes can run much more efficiently if we use care in incorporating the structure into the landscape rather than thinking only about road access. Many issues associated with infrastructure can be avoided if natural contours are used in the design. Food systems become a healing oasis, a place where soil is massaged and fed rather than abused and finally lost.
None of these ideas are new. The writing was on the wall the whole time, we just needed to open our eyes to it.
Observation can come in many forms. Watching, listening, reading, smell and touch. You must use all of your senses. In fact if you are reading this now you are practicing the principle. There is no end to the amount of information you can learn by simple observation.
Interaction is where many of the other principles come to life. It is what we do with the knowledge and how we cope with success, failure and the energy that surrounds us that determines our benefit to the system. As we integrate ourselves into a nurturing lifestyle these interactions become much more seemless and take less energy to perpetuate. We see life as a perenial bounty rather than an annual struggle. Some interactions may at first look like mistakes, but are often only stepping stones on our path of observation. No one gets it right the first time.
It is also important to share our observations with each other,  as it helps to build relationships of understanding and empathy. As you will see, permaculture is much more than gardens and eco villages. It is an all encompassing design for life and everything that life involves.
Thank you for joining me on this experience and please interact in the comments section!