Gracias a la madre tierra y…buen provecho
The relationship between humankind and nature has been shifting relentlessly, and it has become far more disconnected than before. Through industrial agricultural practices that are mostly used to feed ourselves, soils and nature are being drastically affected.
In most cases, the relationship between humans and the environment has been one of survival and resilience. However, we are now beginning to understand that we must relate in a completely different manner if we want to thrive as a species and preserve our limited resources.
Several practices haven been proposed to achieve a more sustainable approach and to increase efficiency in our production of goods. Shifting diets are now more common, where individuals are more informed about what goes into making the food we consume and are more familiar about the impacts and consequences. Entire businesses and enterprises have been certified as organic and sustainable, aiming to show that there is an alternative to industrial production and that changing our habits is not impossible. Many other concepts such as urban gardens have been integrated in the city, which means that the use of space and the need to truly integrate nature into our daily lives is becoming more prominent.
Even though these are all innovative ideas and concepts, there has been a prevailing movement that has shifted how humans approach and manage land: permaculture. Originated in the 1970s in Australia, the practice of permaculture aims to integrate sustainability and the regeneration of the environment at various levels, such as social, economic, and environmental. It holds the environment as the core element and has prioritized it over solely producing food to feed ourselves. It has created a connection to each component of nature and has aimed to grow with it.
The most crucial aspect about permaculture and what proves to be successful about the practice is that it adapts each community and ecosystem to its own challenges, benefits, and limitations. When it comes to sustainability practices, the idea of “one size fits all” hasn’t proved to be successful in every case. Hence, using local resources and traditional knowledge to work with land and create meaningful bonds proves to be crucial.
One trait that makes permaculture unique and thrive is the clear distinction between ‘sustainable’ and ‘regenerative.’ Often, sustainable refers to maintaining what already exists, however, it does not restore the ecosystem from loss. Permaculture focuses on regeneration by caring for land and connecting to the ecosystem through ecological and innovative practices that aim to propel the positive functioning of the ecosystem.
In 2016 I had the opportunity to work in a community in Costa Rica called Rancho Mastatal. The core mission of Rancho is to lead a fulfilling life through the lens of permaculture. Every activity designed at Rancho, from agricultural to food-based, natural building, or purely educational workshops, aims to create a viable web of local economies and healthy, sustainable products and services. Rancho Mastatal is deeply connected to the ecosystem and the surrounding communities, where the financial livelihoods of this permaculture community both contribute to and are dependent upon the local economies.
The Rancho Mastatal community was first founded in November 2001, and it has been an ongoing work since then. They have been transforming the ecosystem through ecological and sustainable projects that promote the regeneration and healthy development of the ecosystem.
While permaculture has proven to be successful and beneficial for the ecosystem, some challenges arise due to its specificity. The model of permaculture and its focus on regeneration and deep connections to the environment finds it hard to thrive in a bigger, global landscape. Permaculture is a thorough process that should be carried out mindfully. Its main aim might be the same as many other sustainability project, however the way it is delivered clearly defines its benefits: through a rooted connection to the environment and the community working with it. Permaculture is more than a solution to environmental challenges; it is teamwork and connections. It is a change in lifestyle; a movement.
Permaculture, beyond promoting a more sustainable and healthy environment should remind us of where we come from and how we can improve our relationship with our environment and the ways in which we produce our food.
In Rancho Mastatal, besides having fresh homemade food everyday, we would always thank the Earth for allowing us to consume a meal together, coming from the ground. Before every meal, we would sit around a big wooden table, hold each other’s hands, connect our hearts as a community and as a family, and share the highlights of our days and say words of appreciation for the members of the community. We would conclude this moment of consciousness and mindfulness by saying “Gracias a la Madre Tierra Y…. BUEN PROVECHO!” All together, we were able to integrate Mother Earth into our daily life practices and share a happy simple moment together.
Little acts of gratitude that feel mundane and natural were seen as special and unique. Shifting our view of life, our relationship with others and the earth allows us to receive our days in a more wholesome way; once we shift our attitude then our practices will follow. Maybe permaculture has its limits due to its specificity and outreach capacity, but maybe that’s also what makes it so special and successful. By connecting the little things through small steps, we are truly able to produce positive outcomes.
By Daniela Mallarino
Please note that opinions expressed are the author’s own. They do not necessarily reflect the views and values of The Blank Page
