Village Progress8thOctober
In the village someone will always be frustrated with someone else. There are times when we have conflicts, concerns and problems we need to work out. Unfortunately, to often I notice people approach others in a bluster...
This is what's wrong
This is how you're wrong.
This is how its ALL wrong!
And even worse, I've seen folks say, "This is how you're a bad person." What are you even supposed to do with that? Its clear that their mind is already made up.
In the Trackers village we try to hold true to the philosophy, "Everyone is doing the best with the information they have."* What it means is that individuals working in a world of loneliness and disparate connections have their own set of experiences, pressures and reasons for making the choices they do. Now I'm not advocating for robotic PC or non-violent speak. Surly and indignant people can be quite the spice of life, let's not curb their bawdy color. My own village is deeply endured to one giant grumpy Norwegian sailor of ours (though he's actually a cuddly Teddy bear). No, I'm talking about focusing on what works. That even when you don't agree with someone it never hurts to ask why they went about doing what they did.
When it comes time to "fix" things, I found a basic turn of phrase tends to bring down all of the huff and hullabaloo of who's "right and wrong".
I've been having challenges but I'm excited to help figure out how we can make it work even better for the both of us.
To often people dwell and drone about what's not working out for them. That's not a real conversation. If all you have is critical feedback for a friend or colleague, why not move on and find a better fit? It creates a-lot of stress on both parties to constantly be telling someone they're flawed. Investing in people requires a passion and appreciation to find creative solutions that not only make your life easier, but it also simplifies theirs. Its vital that we get over ourselves and start thinking about helping to make everyone's life more elegant, (there's enough of complicated and crass going around).
The same applies to you folks assailed by critics (heh, we're all guilty of both). Instead of getting defensive, just ask, "How can you help me figure out a better way." If they insist on pining for you to be their perfect idea of human, they may need to find Shangri-La somewhere else. Yet, if they rally and run with that request, the "new" information that they really needed was that you're excited to listen to their hopes and dreams. And its these people excited to tackle the challenges of livelihood and love who will truly care for the heart of your Village.
*thanks to Diana Larsen www.futureworksconsulting.com and Willem Larsen www.whereareyourkeys.wordpress.com for this wonderful meme.
Featured programs...
Sewing & Patterning with Re-purposed Fabric Oct 20
Canning Basics Oct 21
Preventing Colds: Cedar & Oregon Grape Tincture Oct 22
Pickling and Brining Basics Oct 27
Simple Plant Dyes Oct 27
Upcoming Taster Days...
Tasters for Our Immersion Programs Our immersion tasters are designed to help you learn more about our full-time and part-time study in outdoor leadership, traditional skills and personal and cultural relationships to the natural world. Our curriculum leads to livelihood connected to the land and the seasons with courses that work towards a graduate degree or personal and professional development.
Wilderness Immersion: Taster Umiak Boat Ride on the River October 25 In our traditional skin on frame boats we set out on an intrepid journey to explore the waterways of Portland.
Permaculture Immersion Taster Winter Design November 1 Featuring Toby Hemenway (author of Gaia’s Garden) and designer Leonard Barrett (www.barrettecological.com) this action-packed day offer activities and talks that exploring creation of small-scale, energy-efficient systems.
Please Note While these days are offered free, since we are limited on space we wish to reserve this taster day for people seriously considering the 3 or 9 month immersion program.
Accredited programs...
Master Degree Program Looking to get your masters degree while studying as an urban hunter-gatherer in Portland? Join our Graduate Studies TEAM.
