Our Plan B
It makes sense to have a backup system covering the significant areas of our lives for the simple reason that all systems eventually die or break down. The scientific term entropy refers to a fact we all know which is that everything eventually dissipates or dies. Entropy means transformation, change. As change is inevitable, the systems we are using will some day will break down. As we are moving into a time of accelerated breakdown and change of human systems, the entropy of those systems accelerated and is becoming easier and easier to see
We generally take for granted the systems we use in our everyday lives. In fact we aren't usually even aware of how these systems work. For example, each of us is completely dependent upon clean water yet we casually (i.e. mindlessly) believe that we will always be able to walk up to a faucet, turn it on and instantly get as much clean water as we need or want. Until the day comes when we turn on the faucet and nothing comes out, we won't be attending to the provision of this very important resource. By then, of course, it is a little late.
When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in 2005, many people abruptly realized that they totally depended upon the government and the economic hierarchy to invisibly meet all of their needs. When both the government and the economic system failed to meet needs, thousands of people were without food, water, shelter, medical care, and clothing as well as access to waste disposal, transportation and many other things. This recent event here in the US is just one wake up call of many for all of us to develop a backup plan. There will be emergencies, both individual and societal. Those emergencies will be short term ones as well as long term ones. The disruption each type of emergency creates needs to be planned for, as much as is possible.
We as a family have been gradually building our Plan B for several years now. The first step is information gathering. Below is a set of links to various resources which can assist you in thinking about and developing a Plan B for you and your family. Rather than taking a doomsday approach (which can cause a certain resistance to developing a Plan B or even thinking about one), we prefer to think of this as preparing for unknown adventures in living. As a matter of fact, fresh perspectives and new areas for skill building will emerge as you make plans which will greatly enhance your non-emergency life as well as bring you aid and comfort during future disruptions.
Here are some basic survival categories that are essential to human life. Examine each system you are using now in all major areas. Evaluate its efficiency, its true effect on you and your family, and its vulnerability to disruption Then come up with a backup plan in case that system breaks down. Even better, start making a plan to implement new and more effective systems to serve you and your family anyway, regardless of the possibility of systemic breakdown. Think of this as strategic planning. Take advantage of your planning time to come up with systems that are more life affirming and family-time enhancing than some of the systems you currently rely upon. Approached in this way, this kind of strategic planning is fun. It builds character, adds skills and knowledge, encourages a sense of mastery, and can strengthen family ties.
Spirituality. - Some might say that they can live without actively pursuing a relationship with the divinity within them. We don't think so. By connecting with the divinity that resides within, we can live harmoniously, intuitively, and in connection with the natural world in all ways. A long time spiritual discipline can also provide sorely needed perspective and strength during trying times.
Water - Our needs for water include drinking, cooking, bathing, washing dishes and clothes, waste disposal (if you don't have an alternate system for this yet) as well as water for any livestock or gardens. A multi-pronged and interlocking approach to procuring, saving and dispensing water is the most effective. It will take time to put this together, but what a feeling of security we can have when we know that we will have water even if the power goes out.
Food -
Energy - Most of us live within systems largely based in electricity. Many of us depend upon electricity for water access, refrigeration, heat, air-conditioning, how we cook our food, lights, communication and all other power uses at home. When the electricity goes off, we are left with nothing. Explore ways to work with energy sources other than electricity from the power grid.
If you would like to support the Pockets of the Future Project, prayers, encouragement and donations are always welcome.
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