Nature creates life in predictable patterns of place and time. The study of permaculture teaches us about patterns in nature as they occur in space and how we can imitate them to achieve healthy, sustainable communities. In my class, Abundant Gardening, Abundant Life, I review many of these permaculture ideas and show students on-sight examples in our garden designs, plantings, and maintenance.
The second element of the class teaches students to imitate natural timing patterns by understanding and following lunar energy patterns. Farmers since the beginning of farming have followed lunar rhythms to maximize their yields. Only recently has this wisdom been ignored and, consequently, our connection to natural creation has weakened.
Finally, this class attempts to bridge the narrow gap between following natural patterns in our garden and then in the rest of our lives. If nature creates life in semi-predicable ways and we are elements of nature, wouldn’t we benefit by following these patterns in more than just our effort to create a beautiful garden? With the forces of nature backing us, what else might we wish to create? Balanced, loving relationships; fulfilling work; productive communities; a peaceful world. That’s a good start. Nature demands our fulfillment and gives us pathways to achieve it. By becoming students of nature, we may just become a thriving, sustainable ecosystem.
I will host the next Abundant Gardening, Abundant Life class on May 20th at 11 am at my Albuquerque home in the south valley. If you are interested in joining us, RSVP 505-242-4803. Class fees are $20 and class will last about two hours.
Tags: connecting with nature, gardening as meditation, gardening with the moon, lunar gardening, permaculture gardening, spiritual gardening, urban farming
