As I depart Istanbul after 2 weeks of the Permaculture Design Course (PDC) that taught me all about sustainability, energy efficient systems and total lifestyle design amongst people that I proudly call my tribe, I enter a bus full of consumers whose sole purpose for visiting this city was to shop till they dropped.
Within an hour of the bus’ departure, a woman lit a cigarette. I demanded that she put it out (and thankfully others supported my request) and was told that this is a Pontian bus, that smoking is allowed and furthermore that they can’t help themselves, since they have been smoking for a long time. In other words, it is impossible and inconceivable that they change!
Trying to find space to sit amongst all their purchases, think amongst their Pontian screeching and breathe amongst their inconsiderate smoking, I was suddenly confronted with the ignorance that made me want to learn about permaculture in the first place…and the stark reminder that we still have a long way to go.
Most importantly, however, this experience pointed to one important fact: that we need to stick together, work together and co-create our ideal world.
Permaculture entered my realm in June this year when I visited Sydney and joined an introductory course with my best friend who was involved in developing a community garden. Needless to say I was shaken to the core, but I didn’t want to make any sudden moves…nor miss out on summer in Greece. So, I let the notion of permaculture swing with me on my hammock to see what would happen. And I found that not only did it not go away, it kept seeping in and nourishing my soul like swales nourish the ground, until I ended up taking the PDC in Istanbul.
I came to the course thinking about properties to which I have access in Greece and within a few days all I kept thinking about was my mum’s olive grove in Australia. And while I was fantasising and even dreaming of the designs that I want to implement on our farm in Australia, I couldn’t help but think about how it would be great to get some experience first working with other people’s farms and the importance of creating with like-hearted souls.
On my second to last day in Istanbul, I was in discussions about a position on a farm in the South of Spain and setting up PRIs globally and suddenly I remembered my long-forgotten fantasy of working in the Spanish country side…my life is moving towards my dreams and I like it!
And once the bus reached the Turkish-Greek border at midnight, I was transferred into the back seat of a tiny sports car where I squeezed into the middle of two young men who wanted to know all I could tell them about this “alternative” lifestyle. Once again, I felt like I was back on track – I was educating people about other options!
It’s easy to forget our priorities and dreams when standing alone amidst ignorance and ego-operated souls, family who berate you consistently for not conforming and a bus full of particular Pontians.
Perhaps the best thing we can do straight after a PDC is ride the momentum before we get sucked into the coma-inducing lifestyle that they tell us is reality, team up with people with whom we resonate (our tribe) and go go go until we generate the critical mass that shows that we are on the right path – not because we say so, but because we are creating what we have always wanted: a world of people who totally adore each other, support each other and share a vision of a totally sustainable and beautiful paradise: the way it was always meant to be!
Here’s to tribes!
Tribal T