Introduction
Over twenty years ago I moved to Vermont to live on a piece of land with my former partner. We built our house with materials mainly from our property, using electricity from solar panels, and growing much of our own food. Our decision to go in this direction grew out of the idea that global resourses are limited and we believed that would have many future implications if these resources were used as if they were unlimited. The period of time living off the land provided us with many stories which relate to our present global challenges. These stories come from my past and I have moved on with my life. I now live in a small off the grid dwelling with my partner. Living close to the land presents many challenges and I am so grateful to have a partner to help face these challenges and have her to share ideas with about how to go forward. I believe the stories relate to the inner feelings of many of us and although the specifics are mine, the applications are universal.
We as human beings are enculturated into our society. This has benefits in that one can fit into society. On the other hand this enculturation limits our ability to see the possibilities outside the accepted paradigm. The paradigm concept is important when looking at today's problems. It may not be possible to solve today's issues using enculturated ideas of the past.
Humankind now has many challenges and the number of our challenges is growing daily. To understand what is happening on a global level we must look at why we believe what we do. This is the first step. We cannot as a culture change our beliefs if we do not understand how we came to our beliefs. My hope is that when you read my stories you will think about their meaning and you will take action towards solving our global challenges. As a culture we continually look to our polititions, religious leaders, and the business sector for solutions. What we need to do is to start looking in the mirror and to depend on that person we see reflected back to us for the changes we need going forward.
We as human beings are enculturated into our society. This has benefits in that one can fit into society. On the other hand this enculturation limits our ability to see the possibilities outside the accepted paradigm. The paradigm concept is important when looking at today's problems. It may not be possible to solve today's issues using enculturated ideas of the past.
Humankind now has many challenges and the number of our challenges is growing daily. To understand what is happening on a global level we must look at why we believe what we do. This is the first step. We cannot as a culture change our beliefs if we do not understand how we came to our beliefs. My hope is that when you read my stories you will think about their meaning and you will take action towards solving our global challenges. As a culture we continually look to our polititions, religious leaders, and the business sector for solutions. What we need to do is to start looking in the mirror and to depend on that person we see reflected back to us for the changes we need going forward.