Hedgery is the art and craft of building a better, more sustainable way of life for ourselves and those who come after.

The term comes from the idea of “hedging”- that is, to take actions that mitigate risks. It also inherits a bit of the informality of “hedge” crafts. Both of these concepts derive from the traditional use of living boundaries called “hedges” that separate the safety of home from the dangers and unknowns beyond.

While sometimes compared to “homesteading” and “prepping”, Hedgery is philosophically unique in its commitment to right relation and our path of continuous improvement.

Hedgery is both a call to be better humans and a charge to build bonds of trust and friendship outside of our dominant economic, cultural, and political paradigms. It encourages us not only to create better communities, but also to become the kinds of persons we would welcome into those communities with us.

Rather than focusing on doctrine, Hedgery is largely about method. It is about trying to see what is, rather than what we want or expect to see. It is about learning to calmly assess what is, judiciously plan for better, and to help ourselves take action as best we are able.

Hedgery is not about shame, guilt, or beating up ourselves or others. It helps us to keep an open mind, to recognize and accept what is currently reality, and to pursue the best possible outcomes given the situation.

Our world is changing. The pace of that change will continue to accelerate for decades to come. Much of that change is terrifying and dangerous. Many of our human and non-human neighbors will not survive this time of Rebalancing.

With Hedgery as our guide, we plan to do better.