The greatest change we need to make is from consumption to production, even if on a small scale, in our own gardens. If only 10% of us do this, there is enough for everyone. -Bill Mollison
Permaculture gives us a toolkit for moving from a culture of fear and
scarcity to one of love and abundance. -Toby Hemenway
Lately, I’ve been immersing myself in the world of permaculture and regenerative landscaping. This new interest was precipitated by a large project we’re currently undertaking. As I explore how ecosystems function naturally—reducing energy waste, building soil harmony, nourishing every creature, and making wise use of water resources—I find myself noticing the subtle interactions between plants, animals, and the environment all around me. Nature offers a blueprint for creating sustainable systems, not just for the land, but in our own lives, as well.
Reflecting on these interconnected ecosystems, it becomes clear that the harmony between different elements—whether in the soil or in our lives—is essential for long-term sustainability. Just as plants rely on each other to thrive, I believe we, too, must nurture balance within ourselves and with others, creating a foundation for prosperity.
In my own garden and in life, I see parallels. There’s a constant exchange of energy, an ebb and flow of growth, which makes everything stronger. But like any thriving ecosystem, there’s also a need for clearing out what no longer serves to make room for what will. The world, it seems, is revealing its own toxic sludge. Issues we can no longer ignore are rising to the surface. I recognize that just as the world has cycles of growth and decay, we too must embrace the process of renewal. Facing these truths, no matter how uncomfortable, is where true transformation begins. It’s a messy, sometimes painful process, but it’s essential for growth.
I hear frog-song in my yard again, signaling the arrival of spring. It’s a reminder that life is unfolding right alongside the inevitable crumbling. We can be reborn again and again, even as we experience moments of instability or loss. It’s like watching frogs expand and contract: a natural rhythm, a teacher if we pause to listen.
There’s tenderness in not knowing what will happen next. In those uncertain moments, we find our way back to trust—trust in ourselves, in the process, and in the steady rhythm of life. Even in the middle of what feels like one giant wobble, there’s an invitation to surrender.
I realize that none of us can manage this perfectly. We fumble. We make mistakes. And that’s okay. In fact, it’s more than okay—it’s part of the journey. Perfection was never our task. What matters is that we offer ourselves and one another grace, mercy, and love, even amid stumbling.
It’s in this space of imperfection where dreaming begins. Dreaming of a future where possibility finds a permanent place in our hearts, replacing hopelessness, or something adjacent to hopelessness, we may have once felt. It’s about imagining a world where we listen deeply and respond with compassion—where every action is rooted in care, both for ourselves and for the world around us.
I stop for a moment and listen to the familiar sound of seagulls overhead. My dog’s spirited presence reminds me that this (she!) is enough. A sip of coffee, a deep breath, and the quiet demands of my body—a request for water, a stretch for my right hip. As I pack for an upcoming trip, I trust that it will unfold just as it’s meant to, regardless of what comes. With trust, I realize that life, much like an ecosystem, is messy and full of surprises. Yet just like my soon-to-be garden where every element will serve a purpose, we too continue moving forward with resolve, seeking and finding balance, creating space to grow.
Mary Daniel is a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach dedicated to the pursuit of good health for everyone. Through her business, Your One Precious Life, she partners with clients and communities and in the spirit of collaboration, paves the way for health transformations.
Interested in a free health consultation? Visit: www.youronepreciouslife.com or email mary@youronepreciouslife.com.
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