Permaculture Principle #4: Apply Self Regulation and Accept Feedback

This principle brings us back to the very first, allowing us opportunities to continuously observe and interact with our surroundings, especially when mistakes are made. It requires that we expand our perspective and see the reality of what is and take action to resolve it. Nature self-regulates, adapts to change, and finds a way to thrive without a thought. So how can we shift our outlook to coincide with the  reality around us?

Now of course this principle is imperative to both tangible and intangible circumstances. Just as we must apply self regulation and feedback in the gardens, we can do so with ourselves in every day conflicts. Examples of this can range from a crop not making it through the season to having a misunderstanding with a friend. The same questions apply e.g. What is the issue? How have I contributed to this? What is needed to make positive change? How can I prevent this is the future?

One of the key words here is ”apply”. There is no purpose of feedback without applying action to the issue. Take a situation at face value and attempt to depict it by yourself or with a friend. Remember that this is a constructive method of feedback, meant to lift and encourage rather than put down and dishearten. Once feedback has been given, start thinking about what steps are needed to move forward and do better! 

This is all part of growing, not only as a gardener but as a friend, partner, community member, and individual!