‘Dynamic Groups’ at Lebensgarten EcoVillage in Northern Germany

Crystal Waters Permaculture Village, Dynamic Groups, Dynamic Learning Courses, EcoVillages, Permaculture, Permaculture Teacher Training, Social Permaculture

Robin was delighted to re-visit Lebensgarten after 19 years and be hosted by the amazing 82 year old Declan Kennedy for her ‘Dynamic Groups, Dynamic Learning’ course and then have some gentle time off for a few days, including witnessing a ‘Global Water Dance’ and receiving a visit from Queensland friend Kestral who’s now living in Netherlands.

Lebensgarten is one of the original three EcoVillages that started off the GEN (Global EcoVillage Network) along with Crystal Waters Permaculture Village, (Robin’s home in South East Queensland) and The Farm in Tennessee.

One of the ‘Glue’ aspects of the 32 year old community, established in a cluster of old disused WW II barracks, is Circle Dancing which happens every Saturday and Sunday morning and on weekdays if there are courses or gatherings running. Declan’s leading of the dances during the course was energizing and empowering as well as promoting health of the body and mind. This was a great way to start each day before the Dynamic Groups sessions started.

Also of great note is the use of electric vehicles in Lebensgarten and in Germany in general. Lebensgarten has over eight charging stations for their shared or privately owned cars. Even 19 years ago there were two electric cars owed by the community that everyone could book the use of for their outing or shopping trip. These days it’s such a part of life there. Robin got to have several rides in the Tesla, an amazingly sleek, silent and powerful electric car.

E-mobility is a much used word in Germany and also Europe wide and there are charging stations at regular intervals throughout the road systems. Also, wind generators everywhere. We are yet to catch up in Australia.

You can find out more about Lebensgarten and the PALS (Permaculturepark at Lebensgarten Steyerburg) by clicking here.

About Robin Clayfield

Robin Clayfield is an international teacher, facilitator and author who is passionate about healthy groups, organisations and communities, their structures and governance and most importantly, their facilitation and group dynamics. She presents and consults all around the world to support global health, well-being and whole systems change through using Permaculture, Social Permaculture and ‘Dynamic Groups’ methodology. Robin is a Permaculture Pioneer and Elder who has lived at Crystal Waters Permaculture Eco-Village in SE Queensland, Australia since 1988. Her books and resources include ‘You Can Have Your Permaculture and Eat It Too’, ‘The New Permaculture Principles Card Game’, ‘The Creative Community Governance and Decision Making Resource Kit’ and the ‘Creative Process Wild Cards’. She is also the co-auther (with Skye in 1995) of ‘The Manual for Teaching Permaculture Creatively’ plus several resources and card games for teachers and facilitators.

Check Also

Alsahwa Farm Launch and Open Weekend with Robin’s Intro to Permaculture Design Workshop

A new Retreat style venue and productive farm is being created in Doonan, up near …

© Copyright Robin Clayfield 2024, All Rights Reserved dynamicgroups.com.au