A Formula for Life

I am very excited to publish the Life Design Formula that allows for us to design or redesign systems in life-affirming ways. Following this method we can create consciously allowing for all to thrive within them.

This is a very exciting post for me. Initially it was conceived during the grand conjunction that happened just December past but has been years in the formulation. This energy helped me to understand the root of many of the issues I was trying to overcome within my life designs.

After spending time developing systems using existing Permaculture methods, tools and systems I found some gaps that just hadn't been accounted for through the existing tools I had. After considering the aspects that worked or didn't work in these systems they fell into very specific categories of conflict, that I couldn't seem to resolve without a certain awareness. It was an awareness I had developed but couldn't quite explain or teach to others.

Now I have been able to develop this ten step formula of consideration to help solve problems within system, to actively make sure they are being developed, evaluated and maintained using natural system thinking.

1. Nothing is, Something Without Agreement; Something Without Agreement is Nothing.                                                                                                      When considering our individual view point we know all is perceived in a unique way. We are all entitled to our opinion, our view. The collective however relies upon an agreement to find consensus. If one has issue, is it a problem if no one else agrees? This is where we consider if the issue we are facing is a problem with the system or an individual perception of it.
2. Agenda is Everything, Everything has Gender; Everything has an agenda, Gender is Everything.
   We exist in a universe of duality. Feminine and Masculine exist in all things and all things are subject to the agenda of their gender. It is important we are aware of these dynamics, their positive and negative traits and consider these as part of a design. Be clear about what roles are required within each part of the agenda and the gender the roles represent. Each aspect of gender brings something to be considered within the system.
3. To Fix, Be Fluid; To be Fluid, be Fixed.
   As Einstein said, you can not solve a problem with the same awareness that crated it (or something similar). If you want to fix something you must be fluid in your consideration of the solution. If you want to create fluidity within a system you have to have fixed points to contain the flow.
4. Use Old Structures in a New Form; In a New Structure, Use Old Forms.
   Rather than reinvent the wheel it is important to value what already exists. In order to create new ways of working or being we must respect the old ways. Things we have exist for a reason and it is unreasonable to think their inception was baseless. When creating brand new forms of being too much chaos is created without respect for the tradition that they are forming from. It is only when we are in respect of all that is and all that can be, does new form take structure or old structure take new form.
   
5. Use Existing Patterns to Change the Details; To Change the Patterns use Existing Details.
   Within all that exist are patterns and cycles we are all subject to. Without them total chaos would reign and nothing could exist in the mess of everything. If we are aiming to change a pattern we must focus on changing the details. If we want to change the details we must change the pattern of behaviour.
6. Balance in Everything; Everything in Balance.
   If we want any system to be healthy and whole it requires balance. Balance is not just a back and forth motion it is also up and down and around and around. All good design is based upon this understanding of balance. Balance exists in everything and everything must exist in balance with everything else. Too much of one and not enough of the other will end in disaster and just as much damage can be done by one element in and of itself functioning out of balance. Balance is created through the mutual balance of the individuals and the whole.
7. School the Scholars to Educate the Educators; Educate the Educators to School the Scholars.
   Directly relating to the sharing and constant evolution of our knowledge and understanding we need to respect the lesson as it is taught and learned and be open to learning from those that do not know the lesson. In order to have educated educators we must teach them to learn from that they are teaching. When teaching anything we must do in a way that allows the student to learn new ways of teaching the same concept. Learning is an evolution process and must be a constant in motion.
8. To Look Forward, Go Back; Go Back to Look Forward.
   In order to have hope for our future we must be able to see and respect what went well in the past, know it is possible to create something that works. In oder to go back and repair something we must look forward and have hope it can be resolved. Both optimism and nostalgia must co-exist in creation to make systems that work.
9. Personal Responsibility is Collective Compassion; Collective Compassion is Personal Responsibility.
   For the whole to exist the individuals parts must be healthy and whole within themselves. For the individual to be heathy and whole the whole must respect the health of the individual. It is symbiosis in action. It is not for us as an individuals to dictate the direction of the collective and it is not for the collective to dictate how an individual must be. It is though autonomy and acting in free will for the good of self and the collective that the collective can serve the self.
10. At the End of a Cycle, Start Again; Start Again at the End of a Cycle.*
    This related to observing the natural cycles of life and the patterns we follow within them. Being conscious of when a cycle starts and ends and using that critical point wisely. When we see an error in our design is made often we want to stop it and start again straight away (and if it is causing harm it is always best to force a cycle end) but there is wisdom to be gained from allowing a cycle to complete before we start a new one. Also related to allowing things to end and let them go is releasing old attachments and be prepared to begin a new cycle with the openness of allowing new things to emerge.
    
    

This formula can be used to redesign any system wether it be a communal such a business, community group, legal structure and on a personal level to redesign your life or relationships.

In fact this formulas could drastically help us to redesign our political, educational or health systems for example to keep them affirming all aspects of life. Bringing about a new awareness of how we can coexist and create new ways of living, using the systems we have, the knowledge we have gained, while being open to new possibilities.

I have included below an example of how the formula was used to redesign Blackhill Club Community Garden. The previous design was failing considering the new circumstances and a new approach was required to help us redesign and keep the project alive.

* Step ten was added after I made this initial video. I will remake one as I receive feedback so for now the video explores nine steps and the blog explores ten.

I am happy to release this formula into the creative commons for the use of all, however I retain right to credit and all credit should be attributed to Snowdrops, Sunsets at www.snowdropssunsets.com.