"6th principle - Use the interfaces and enhance the edges"
OR combine the best of both worlds
💡 EXPLANATION OF THE PERMACULTURE OPERATING PRINCIPLE
In the last article we explored a permaculture principle that calls for “integrating rather than separating” elements in nature, in order to sustain life on Earth.
Nevertheless, this permaculture principle—which refers to interfaces and edges (i.e., boundaries between two systems)—seems to emphasize the concept of boundaries rather than integration. One might therefore wonder whether permaculture philosophy contradicts itself.
Not so fast!
While borders and interfaces define spaces, they also connect and unite them through reciprocal exchanges and interactions.
"Let's take the example of a sunset. It is universally acknowledged as beautiful. The sun on its own or the horizon on its own is far less so: it is the interaction of these two elements that allows nature to express its full potential."
- Solène Pignet, *The Sustainable Entrepreneur's Guide*, p. 63
Quite simply, the dynamic interplay between earth, water, and the sun gives rise to life.
🔍 ILLUSTRATION OF THE PRINCIPLE AS APPLIED TO A TRANSFORMATION MISSION
Today, I’d like to highlight my partners’ stories rather than talk about my own experiences.
Mélibée, a committed company, recently explained how it applies this aspect of permaculture in its daily activities. Agathe and Solenn, its two co-founders, decided to create synergies between their private and public lives.
In the world of work, they help organizations become more responsible, particularly by leveraging B Corp and the FSSD frameworks. In their personal time, they find fulfillment in free dance, meditation, yoga, and other forms of inner exploration.
One day, they brought both worlds together. They created a retreat for their business partners to explore their inner ecology. The results?
Deeper and broader relationships were fostered among the participants.
Professionals shifted their focus between "taking care of oneself" and "taking care of the world."
A reduced sense of eco-anxiety among participants thanks to the "Work That Reconnects," which was central to this retreat.
Mélibée and I have also applied this principle of “valuing edges” together. For the past few years, I have been supporting them as a member of their board of mentors.
Our discussions, our respective areas of expertise, and the help of a friend have led us to a new eye-opening experience in life: a mission to support the Valenciennes Hospital Center in helping its thousands of employees collaboratively develop their five-year plan focused on sustainability issues.
🐝 TIPS TO GET MOVING
Do you want to leverage your strengths to maximize the positive impact of your projects?
Three steps seem essential to me:
Identify, accept, and embrace your uniqueness.
Take a look at your limitations and connect with people and activities that complement them.
Consider how your positioning, your activities, and your choices can create new opportunities.
Specifically, I suggest you ask yourself three questions:
What makes me different?
You can list several aspects of your background, personality, interests, and activities.
Who or what could help me achieve my goals?
Here, think about what you don't usually associate with your activities but could actually complement them. This could involve the overlap between different skills, projects, or partners.
In this project, what might be the most positive ripple effects?
“Usingthe edges and valuing the margin invites us to open ourselves up to what we have not organized or created ourselves, to welcome the surprise.”
IF YOU FOUND THIS POST INSIGHTFUL, PLEASE LIKE IT AND SHARE IT WITH MEMBERS OF YOUR NETWORK WHO MIGHT BENEFIT FROM IT.
IT'S THE BEST WAY TO SUPPORT ME.
As a reminder, I am writing a series on the parallels between the 12 operational principles of permaculture and the conditions for sustainable transformations of organizational systems. Here is the first post, the second one, the third one, the 4th one and the 5th. Today we’ll discuss the 6th principle. If you’re a professional changemaker committed to promoting a better society, these principles and insights should help you maximize your impact and inner serenity.
Hello, Changemakers!
I am Nina, an impact maker coach who specializes in leadership and sustainable transformation.
I have spent the past 10 years leading sustainable change at a Fortune 500 company in a multicultural environment. Through my work, I aim to inspire professionals in organizations to rethink business and make them proud to contribute, in their own way, to a more sustainable, people-centered, and nature-friendly world.
If you'd like support to move forward on your journey with greater impact and ease, contact me!
