---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: David Braden <[email protected]> Date: Sun, Sep 4, 2011 at 12:06 AM Subject: start the collaboration T There is a scientific field exploring the characteristics of what are called complex adaptive systems. The system in which we find ourselves . . . the earth and the living systems on it . . . including the systems humans have built . . . is the most complex adaptive system of which we know. I think we are agreed that human actions have created a downward spiral in the ecosystems on which we rely. I don't think we can depend on science to help us decide how to reverse the downward spiral. That is because science is based on a reductionist methodology in which no findings can be made without testable hypotheses. In this most complex of adaptive systems, there are too many variables to conduct a meaningful experiment. Each action produces reactions throughout the system and an experiment must account for all results. Fortunately for us, it is an adaptive system. It functions by testing multiple responses to stimuli and selecting the response that best fits with the rest of the process. So far, it has evolved 'unconsciously'. The consciousness we humans possess has, so far, been used only to further the goals of individuals and groups . . . unconscious of the effect those choices had on the habitat. I am suggesting that each of us has the power to follow the example of the Urban Farming Guys and begin working at improving the habitat in the locality where we find ourselves. You will know if your actions are creating positive change when you attract the participation of the people, plants and creatures around you . . . each new interaction is a new flow of value. http://theurbanfarmingguys.**com/ <http://theurbanfarmingguys.com/> The way we change the world is for each of us, as individuals, to choose a life of abundance. It is about understanding what we need to thrive and choosing how we will produce it. We do not have to convince anyone else of anything . . . if we demonstrate abundance others will want to know how we do it. None of us have the whole answer. The first step is to understand that it can be done . . . that it is a cooperation between the people, plants and creatures within a locality. With that understanding we can begin to consciously design the future. It is the great adventure of our time. http://www.**organiclandscapedesign.org/**node/133<http://www.organiclandscapedesign.org/node/133> I have now brought this series of posts full circle. We build sustainability into our systems by changing the way we produce what we need. I have tried to share with you some of the framework I use to understand these complex issues . . . a framework that points in the direction of how we can begin to address the systemic deficiencies humans have created because we did not understand how the system functions. http://www.**organiclandscapedesign.org/**node/259<http://www.organiclandscapedesign.org/node/259> I have posted this series of posts on the Organic Landscape Design website and hope that you will share them with people you know who are searching for answers. I also hope to hear from each of you as you experiment with these ideas. http://www.**organiclandscapedesign.org/**content/start-collaboration<http://www.organiclandscapedesign.org/content/start-collaboration> Let's start the collaboration. In Community David Braden -- P2P Foundation: http://p2pfoundation.net - http://blog.p2pfoundation.net Connect: http://p2pfoundation.ning.com; Discuss: http://lists.ourproject.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/p2p-foundation Updates: http://del.icio.us/mbauwens; http://friendfeed.com/mbauwens; http://twitter.com/mbauwens; http://www.facebook.com/mbauwens