There are patterns common to all living things. These have been
developed into a set of principles. I’ve gathered some from
permaculture, some from biomimicry, and others I have simply
observed myself in nature, when walking in forests, woodlands,
gardens, moors, seashores, mountains and grasslands. These
patterns and principles are all around us, hiding in plain sight.
These are the 42 natural principles that I set out in my book Think like a Tree: The natural principles guide to life.
The principles can be used in many different ways – for example,
as:
• a guide to living a happy, healthy and fulfilled life
• an everyday reference to keep you on track
• a roadmap for going where you want to go
• a source of tools to help solve problems
• a way to make choices and decisions
• uplifting inspiration to know that you are not alone in life’s
ups and downs
• a way of seeing yourself in the context of the wonder of
life on our unique planet.
They can also be used as part of a design cycle/action plan such as the Think like a Tree design cycle.
Group 1 Principles – Observation
Observe and interact
Be part of the natural world
Follow nature’s patterns
Engage with the present
Learn from what’s gone before
View the big picture then the detail
Listen to your internal ecosystem
Group 2 Principles – Purpose
Live with purpose
Don’t stop growing
Learn self-regulation
Catch and use energy effectively
Find slow and small solutions
Value your uniqueness
Use your edge
Group 3 Principles – Surroundings
Create ideal conditions to thrive
Find your niche
Invest in your wellbeing
Plan for each need to be well supported
Feed your roots
Waste nothing, recycle everything
Value local, biological and renewable resources
Group 4 Principles – Connection
Know that everything is connected
Value diversity
Cultivate co-operative relationships
Integrate don’t segregate
Pick your battles
Accept feedback
Share the abundance
Group 5 Principles – Resilience
Develop resilience
Know that life is a struggle
Bend with the wind
Creatively respond to change
Seek and offer support
Learn to heal yourself
Tune in to natural cycles
Group 6 Principles – Future
Invest in the future
Know that death is part of life
Create conditions conducive to life
Replicate and build on strategies that work
Be a good ancestor
Know that your actions can change the world
Love life!
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