Five Filters Analytical Process

As human beings, we make decisions based on our values. But what are our values exactly? And how do we weigh them against each other in order to make decisions that are most in line with what's important - with the future we want to create? At the same time, how can we really determine whether we’re learning anything, getting anywhere, or if our past decisions have made any sense at all?

Recognizing the importance of practicing land stewardship with an evaluation method based in our core values, we have developed the “Five Filters Analytical Process”, a fancy name for a common sense technique. In working through this process, we ask questions relevant to each of five filters (ecological, social, economic, spiritual, and magical). Although this can be a subtle and complex enquiry, a few basic questions can be asked quite simply. The following are examples drawn from a much more extensive list.

• Ecological Filter: Are we causing harm to the non-human beings in this place or elsewhere? Is there tangible enrichment of the lives of other beings?
• Social Filter: Do our actions contribute to community harmony or to its opposites --- divisiveness, animosity, and territoriality?
• Economic Filter: Do our practices here tend to build economic stability for this community (human and non-human) or does they pose undue hardships or financial risks that are likely to destabilize the local economy? Do they reflect ecological economics rather than market economics?
• Spiritual Filter: Can we notice an increase in kindness, compassion, and awareness among the humans affected by our decisions? Alternatively, do we see an increase in covetousness, aggression, and ignorance?
• Magical Filter:  Do the human beings here seem to be more connected to the peacefulness, as well as the hair-on-end zing, of this place, experiencing each tree and rock as alive and distinct, or do they tend to be isolated, dulled out and cut off from that “direct knowing” or “non-conceptual” experience?

The Five Filters Analytical Process is constantly evolving as we try to figure out how best to evaluate our current activity, and make decisions about our future. We welcome everyone to join us in refining this practice.

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