Recent life changes had left me lacking a clear path forward in my life. I had ideas of where I wanted to go but was having a hard time identifying how to take the next step. I now have a process and tool that helps me clear away undergrowth and continue forward. This is a result of my experience working with Javan to develop my Holistic Life Context.

I had a general idea of what to expect out of my work with Javan due to a three hour seminar he led during the Permaculture Voices II conference in 2015. I found his application of Holistic Management to the personal side of life revolutionary. What I did not foresee was how difficult it would be to develop my personal keyline plow needed to break through my A horizon which was compacted hardpan.

Post a session with Javan
“I realize I haven’t done enough work on learning how I work and it’s been a detriment to my community and myself. I feel like I’m digging through my own soil A horizon and it’s f*cking hard work. Probably some of the hardest work I’ve done. I spent a whole day working on this and my mind is blown. Using this work helped me to stay focused and I was able to say no easily to opportunities. It’s a great win to easily say no and check myself. I love doing this before the busy [land design] season. Feels like I’m getting jacked for making decisions. Thanks again. I’m on the ridge ongoing towards the high point. These hours with you are f*cking awesome.”

While this was the toughest work I have ever done in my life, it was invaluable. I unearthed the importance of balancing self-care with care for others and our natural systems by using a process that helped me identify what I need in life to thrive.

This is just the beginning of a life-long process which will grow with me. I now have a tangible tool that helps me decide whether opportunities which present themselves align with what I want out of life socially, ecologically and financially. We all have well-built tools we rely on for regenerative land management, but do you have a well-built tool for self-management?