Bearing witness to what is

There is a permaculture principle called Observe & Interact, that like most permaculture principles, seems at first, simple, obvious, and perhaps perfunctory. But to truly observe with honesty, is a radical act that requires one to suspend preconceptions, rote prescriptions, and built in prejudices to stand as a witness to what is. It is precisely at this intersection that interaction with our environment can begin from a place of collaboration and respect, rather than dictation and control.

Over the years, we’ve heard many folks lament the over-developed and polluted landscape of New Jersey. A legacy of clear cutting, chemical agriculture, industrial manufacturing, suburban sprawl, and superfund sites has left the state in varying degrees of environmental degradation. We urge our students and clients not to turn away, but to be present with circumstance, and reorient to engage with the healing process. It’s no small ask, and from personal experience, often requires difficult awareness and personal sacrifice.

All across this nation we are reaching a critical mass of folks unwilling to turn away from what is. As a collective, we are observing the legacy of enslavement in this country that has shaped a world of structural white supremacy within our institutions and cultural landscape, and like so many people of color are painfully aware of, it can be incredibly challenging, and require tremendous courage, just to bear witness to it. But it is precisely from this vantage point of acknowledging what is, that we can collectively reorient to engage with the healing process.

There are no quick fixes to healing landscapes marred by hundreds of years of abuse. And there are likely no quick fixes for systemic racism and the historic subjugation of black, brown, and indigenous people in this country. So it becomes a process and a practice in which we keep returning to this principle of engagement. As we honestly observe and bear witness, from this place of painful knowing, may we orient our interactions toward healing.
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Organizations to Support & Links to Resources

Black Farmer Fund - www.blackfarmerfund.org

Northeast Farmers of Color Land Trust - nefoclandtrust.org

Farm School NYC - www.farmschoolnyc.org

Black Urban Growers - www.blackurbangrowers.org

#blacklivesmatter #permaculture #earthcarepeoplecarefairshare