Permaculture Guild

I reveal my intentions to the world and suddenly doors open. I could be looking for a car of a particular make, year and color, but no, I'm looking for a permaculture community. And wouldn't you know, I get an e-mail that a permaculture guild is forming right here in Anchorage, and they are looking for people to help form it. I jump in, head first. The people sitting around the table are a diverse group. Many are just curious about permaculture, a few have studied it extensively. But there is a palatable excitement in the room. They want workshops, a demonstration garden, and possibly a Permaculture Design Certification (PDC) course right here in Anchorage. I want to hold workshops, and create a demonstration garden, and help teach a PDC!

We meet next at my house. I make pumpkin cookies and soy chai, and my neighbor, Patrick brings chips and salsa. The group is smaller and more focused, and still very diverse. Allison wants to create a statewide network, Patrick wants to work at the neighborhood level. Libby is connected to and interested in politics. Terri still wants to organize a PDC. We decide that we can all head up our special projects, form subgroups, and support each other. It will be an informal group, with everyone finding their own niche, their own way to contribute to the common goals of learning about, practicing, and promoting permaculture. There is no hierarchy, we are all leaders.

I am amazed at the fluidity with which we come to these conclusions. But maybe that has something to do with permaculture. It helps us to see things in in different ways. Think outside the box. Make designs that are functional and encourage creativity instead of stifle it. I go to sleep and dream of the possibilities that have opened up to me because I opened up myself to the world.