Free-Range Living

This post attempts to identify some of the factors and 'base conditions' affecting modern cultures, including at times how they might differ from previously.

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Modern living arrangements can seem somewhat limited at times, given the existential climate change problems of the planet --- with modern housing often not lending itself to 'survive and thrive' existential living styles - ?

A semi self-sufficient unit such as here at he 'eco organic micro-holding' (small smallholding) in the UK's midlands can be surprisingly resilient and capable in terms of countering sharp living cost rises, which many are currently facing. An on-going policy of efficient and economic use of scarce resources and aiming to keep costs at reasonable levels, can also help in facing living costs pressures, plus the experience and ability to 'cut one's cloth'.

Successful countering and/or partial countering living cost rises can be surprisingly effective in bolstering the individual's psychological strength and spirits. Seeing a system which some would see 'out of the ark' (but others might perceive as 'timeless') 'come good', as it were, can be quite a satisfying experience ---  

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Individual life, and 'social' life both exist - we are, patently, 'small individuals', and the vast majority of  'small individuals', live in social models called 'societies'. It seems reasonable then, to examine this occurrence of 'dualism' and see how it fits/doesn't fit together, and quite possibly, how it might 'fit together' even more effectively - ?

The early section of this piece looks at the idea of 'free speech' and issues surrounding it, as well as the case for allowing negative factore and events to be considered and coped with. Whether free speech is under pressure and by what is then looked at, along with the benefits of 'open discussion'. Examples from the past hopefully help to illustrate the discussion.

Aspects of society and community are raised with some useful illustrative examples, and then focus is narrowed down to local connumity level with a small case study to help to decribe some community effects  .

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Modern 'automated' life can induce a level of frustration in a person, from the point of view from the automation itself and also that such a process doesn't seem to be that strong in respect for the individual ------ Then, the urge to tell the world to 'go away' might come accross a body ----

Fortunately pleasant and peaceful rural living may well provide 'balsm for the soul', along with the feeling that freerangn' self-reliance can at least keep 'automation' a little at bay ---- although the increasing preponderance of the artificial 'A.I.' world might make the job somewhat tougher --- ?  Small - very small -life here at the UK midlands eco micro-holding (small smallholding) has lately focused on maintenance of site work, with a fair amount of hedgecuting, lopping and general 'sorting' having had to take place.

The 'eco' features here such as the small air-source heat pump, the solar panels and the woodstove have all helped to cope with the UK's high energy costs (100% increase) - good to have at least some 'combat' facility --- The site has too other diversions such as good diversity of wild birds to watch, as well of course the array of home-grown organic produce to pick.

Given the strong focus on material gain these days, more traditional areas such as 'spiritual life' have been on the wane, but there are some signs that the younger generations are valuing 'personal spirituality' somewhat higher --- Maybe due to some of the conditioning methods used, spirituality tended to be 'thrown out with the bathwater' --- ?

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People being essentially bio-diverse, there then must presumably be many ways, styles of living, --- and wealth seeking could be too dimensionally limited, for some at least - ? Two example lifestyles are then given, and differing creative lifestyles are demonstrated.

Active 'anti' measures are reviewed, along with 'lean living', and current results and happenings on the eco micro-holding (small organic smallholding in the UK midlands) are presented. The original role of money was as an exchange mechanism which worked well to better facilitate exchange of goods and services.

Some useful supporting quotes then preceed exploration of whether money brings happiness to people, and the piece ends with musings for the next season and what immediately lies ahead.

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Freerangin' on : 'Dream State ----- Real State' is an approx 12 page piece investigating and exploring the area of 'realism' in life, given that there's the view that some - many? - may live more in a 'dream state' than at a reality level.

  (---- not to underestimate that the realities for some can undoubtedly be pretty hard going, and that some, including this writer, can need supportive and directive mentoring, to successfully negotiate the at times tricky waters of 'reality' --- )

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Modern life pressures for 'ordinary folk' may mean that self-sufficient-style lifestyles could make something of a come-back - ? Folk may need to be aware that modern 'on-the make' commercial practice, driven by the drive for big profits, has got the individual in its sights. The 'free market' business-sector 'philosophy' without the restraining condition of 'maintaining many sellers and many buyers in the market place' appears to have produced large predatory commercial organisations viewing the small powerless businesses and individuals as prey, as an example amply demonstrates.

The micro small semi self-sufficent lifestyle here at the organic micro-holding (small smallholding) in the UK midlands has given some counter protective shelter from any modern rapacious commercial trends, with this year's growing season results satisfactory to good, in what's been a sunny hot summer so far. Wood stocks as usual have been building through spring and summer and the cottage's solar panels and air-source heat pump, both now over ten years old, appear to be still in good shape.

There are reports in the broad sheet papers that there's a growing use in the UK of solar panels together with battery packs, to in some cases give zero domestic energy costs - it will be interesting to see whether more semi self-sufficient systems make a come-back - ?

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 Freerangin' on --- Living Multi-Dimensionally   Pt 1

THis is a longer piece exploring 'expanded dimension living', the potential barriers to it and ways to travel in such dimensions. Part 1, this piece sets the scene and looks at restrictions and possible means to byepass them : Part 2 )following) aims to focus more on ways individuals can practice self-management to enhance multi-dimensional living

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Freerangin on ---- Living Multi-Dimensionally Pt 2

Pt 2 is a longer-piece following on from P 1. Pt 1 covers the topic in a more overview/generalised form, whereas Pt. 2 looks at steps and measures the individual might take themselves to counter any perceived dimensional limitations originating from mainstream culture, or elsewhere, plus further dimensions which could be relevant.

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(Occasional blog)

At the risk of being tasked of taking a 'negative' approach, it does seem that modern life has in the UK thrown up a considerable number of challenges and difficulties for 'good ol' ordinary and honest folk', whilst the 'wealthy and powerful' have been having it quite good, resulting in the questioning of some as to whether there's been a general trend moving away from democracies towards plutocracies - the 'upper echelons ' few holding the reins of power - ? The distribution of wealth, for instance, is said to have narrowed considerably.

The role of money may have changed somewhat in stronger self-orientated times, and staff management styles reverted more to more authoritarian modes which can have contributed to more constrained conditions for those of the 'freerange' bent - ? The changing role of money is examined, along with relevant business modes.

The semi self-sufficiency style of life here at the organic micro-holding (small smallholding) in the UK heartlands has mitigated against the life problems due to the considerable cost of living rises here over the last couple of years, helping on several fronts. This year's growing efforts have been hampered at times by quite cold spring and summer air temperatures, along with 'natural' pest attacks in the form of carerpillar attacks on the brassica plants - 'caterplillar carnage' has had to have been the order of the day otherwise there'd be no production. Crops of potatoes, onions, broad beans, peas , celery and runner beans have been variable - no two growing seasons are ever the same.

Energy costs have been kept to reasonable levels by using more wood stored on site, and bringing into use other supplies, such as smokeless fuels, also stored here and purchased previously at lower prices. Some cottage painting has occurred, along with general improvements here and there.

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