25 May Ecological Networking

“Ecology (from Greek oîkos, “house”; -λογία, -logos, study of) is the interdisciplinary scientific study of the distribution and abundance of organisms and their interactions with their environment.”[1]

An eco-system is a natural unit of interdependent organisms in an area functioning together with the physical environment. These can be divided into many subunits, such as individual species, societies or habitats. All of these systems are best understood as a web or network of relationships. Each organism is an intersection of the myriad of relationships within the larger ecosystem.

Our collective ignorance or misunderstanding of our place within the earth’s ecosystem is leading to disruption of the patterns that support human life. For too long we’ve accepted dualistic modes of thought that have created a false separation between body/mind, man/nature, work/play, etc etc. These pieces are not set opposed but are inextricably connected through a web of relationship.

Only by understanding all of our relationships, can we realign our lives within the system to be mutually beneficial rather than antagonistic. This complex understanding is beyond any one individual but is collectively attainable.

Austin EcoNetwork

The internet is a powerful tool for sharing information and bringing people together to achieve this understanding. In expanding it’s capacity, the Austin EcoNetwork is poised to become an important conduit for Ecological Awareness here in Austin.

My place within the EcoNetwork, will normally focus on the garden, because that’s what I do. I’m always talking about them because they are great places to come together to learn about the process of life and how to design a beneficial environments. They are also beautiful beyond words, so you can expect a variety of garden slideshows (I’m a bit better with the “show” than the “tell.”) However, I’m not ruling out an occasional rant on bermuda grass, philosophy or ecology .

Here’s a start… I’ve been gleaning some tidbits from my readings (Michael Pollan, Fritjof Capra, Stephan Harding) on the shift from dualistic to holistic human consciousness:

– Nature, from resource to relationship
– Science, from measuring to mapping
– Technology, from products to processes

Let me know if y’all think of any more.

I’ll be in touch. Cheers to the new Austin EcoNetwork! May it strengthen our network for the greater good.