Designing Your Life Based on Permaculture Principles (Part 11): Going Beyond Your Limits

The forest edge is where you find the greatest diversity, with the most wildlife and the most flourishing plant growth. It is where pioneer species thrive, their task being to prepare and create a suitable environment for other species to take hold. And a forest is always seeking to expand and grow beyond its current boundaries.

We can apply this principle of "the margin" to every area of our lives. From reaching out to new opportunities, meeting new people and stepping outside our own comfort zone. All of us, at some point, have stepped outside our comfort zone, whether in our work or in social settings. Only when we do this do we grow, learn and develop the most.

Physically

Consider ways to push beyond your own physical limits. You may use whatever method suits you. You could run 5km or 50km. What you should aim for is to push beyond what you believe you are capable of. Once you reach your first goal, your vision will expand and you will want to try greater things. Pushing beyond your limits does not apply only to running; it can also happen while practising yoga, climbing mountains or cycling. Observe and find where the edge of your comfort zone lies, and consider how you can challenge yourself and expand your comfort zone in order to break through beyond your limits.

Socially

Explore ways to expand your social circle. How can you reach out and meet new people? You could take part in volunteer activities with a local group, or get to know neighbours you have never spoken to before. Find creative ways to encourage interaction with new people. When we join new groups of people and make new friends, we become more understanding as we are exposed to new ideas and perspectives, and we also gain a larger network of people we can rely on in difficult times.

Mentally

Try doing the things that frighten you. If an opportunity arises but it seems frightening, do not pass it by. Challenging yourself in this way is an important part of growth. If something frightens you, you should not regard it as an opportunity to fail, but as an opportunity to learn and grow.

As a person

Do not be afraid to be someone who does not fit the mould and differs from the norm. It is people who think differently who bring about real change in the world. If you have different ideas, unusual taste in music, or a distinctive way of dressing, do not be discouraged or afraid. Instead, embrace your differences and be confidently yourself!

Reference: Designing Your Life with Permaculture, Josh David [online], available at: https://www.permaculture.co.uk/Use-edges-value-marginal

This article belongs to the Permaculture section, which shares methods for designing a way of life and practising sustainable agriculture according to the principles of Permaculture.