Designing Your Life with Permaculture: Use and Value Diversity
A healthy ecosystem is an ecosystem with diversity. Millions of different species combine and live in symbiosis to create a thriving forest. The more species there are, the healthier the ecosystem becomes.
The same applies to human interactions within a community. If we can create a united and inclusive community, that community will thrive. Conversely, if the individuals within a community feel lost and isolated, that community will suffer many consequences. Imagine the difference between a diverse, thriving forest environment and a monoculture farm that grows only one type of plant. Where would you rather live?
In today's edition of the series "Designing Your Life with Permaculture," let us join GreenHub in exploring how to increase diversity in daily life!
Diversity in society
Value diversity. Do not fear, judge, or discriminate against those who are different. Instead, understand that they are contributing values and resources to the community that you do not have. The healthiest system is one where everything works together for the greater benefit of the ecosystem. Just as in a forest, many people think that large, ancient trees contribute the most to the forest, when in reality the forest also depends on bacteria, insects, animals, shrubs, and so on. If any of those species were removed, the larger system would certainly be affected. Therefore, instead of fearing and discriminating against immigrants and those who are different, we should regard it as an opportunity to strengthen our resources and increase diversity in society.
Diversity of hobbies and exercise
Having a diversity of hobbies will bring you more satisfaction than focusing on one specific hobby. The same is true for exercise. If you only cycle or only run, you will not build a well-rounded and healthy body. Although you may have good aerobic capacity, you will lack the flexibility of yoga! It is healthier to diversify your exercises to include strength training, movement, and flexibility. If you keep your body active in many different ways, you will not be limited in what you can do to develop your body in the most comprehensive way.
Diversity of experiences
If you avoid trying new things merely because of preconceptions, then you are limiting your opportunities for growth. People often fall into the trap of comfort – we do not want to try new things because we are too accustomed to the old things we usually do. Opening your mind to try new things offers the chance to discover more things you are good at or truly love. Traveling, reading books, attending seminars, listening to presentations and inspiring talk shows – all are effective ways to encounter new ideas and experiences.
Reference: Designing Your Life with Permaculture, Josh David [online], available at: https://www.permaculture.co.uk/Use-value-diversity
This article belongs to the Permaculture section – sharing methods for designing lifestyles and practicing sustainable agriculture according to Permaculture principles.
