Extending My 8/17 Comment

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Bill Bradbury on August 18, 2011 at 3:35pm

David, that is a beautifully idealistic dream that I would love to share, but I can't force my clients to share it as well. The ones who already do, they don't have the $$$$, and the ones who do, even though they vote liberal and really are trying, they are living the supply-side dream. There ain't no waking them 'til they're ready.

Permalink Reply by David Eggleton on August 18, 2011 at 4:57pm

Thanks, Bill.  Nice to hear from you.  I understand the difficulties.  So many believe all will again be as it was, if not better.  I do not, for which reason I consider permaculture ethics and principles a realism, not an idealism.  To rely on what's most reliable is uncommon good sense!

I certainly agree that you cannot force anything.  I hope I didn't imply that one can.  You can offer, invite, await and repeat.  It does make sense to consider, strategize and prepare at least some for the time when people will do more for themselves and with the neighbors with whom they're connected.

Maybe there are resources in the community/region to which you can simply direct the most open-minded and curious for guided first steps, of an intentional sort, under the sky.  Do any of the ski resorts host any environmental education efforts?

Permalink Reply by David Eggleton on August 19, 2011 at 6:30am

"You can offer, invite, await and repeat."

Testing and reporting about different offer/invitation tones and phrasings is the near-term need we all share.  One angle involves assertion of a distinction between standard of living and quality of life.  Another calls attention to the thin ice of contemporary life; so much that we count on is controlled and supplied from a great distance, by enormous systems that are vulnerable in the same ways.

Permalink Reply by Bill Bradbury on August 19, 2011 at 7:05am

David, well said, I for one have a hard time with the repeat portion. A more humble, repetitive approach would definitely have a greater impact on those around me.

Permalink Reply by David Eggleton on August 19, 2011 at 8:09am

Hey, we're co-creating!  Patience rooted in humility is key for not wearing out welcomes and may also enhance credibility as people recognize that we're not screaming FIRE! but steadily talking sensibly about reliable, integrated systems owned and operated locally.

Permalink Reply by David Eggleton on August 19, 2011 at 8:18am

Let those two angles serve as the beginning of a brainstorm.  What will you add?