Grads in Action: Denise Glueck
Our Grad in Action this issue is Denise Glueck from St. Petersburg, Florida. Denise is the founder of Yoga Moves Me. Her style is eclectic, drawing from many traditions and 30 years of practice. Embracing the therapeutic approach to yoga, Denise weaves the principles of balance and alignment with mindfulness, by giving detailed descriptions to help reeducate the body and mind. Denise is a certified Yoga Ayurvedic Specialist through the Himalayan Institute. She is also a devoted permaculturist!
This month, we got to sit down with Denise and discover how she found out about permaculture and why she is so devoted to the practice of it.
What drew you to permaculture?
Many years ago, when I was involved in the Waldorf community, one of the members practiced permaculture. At the time, I was raising a family studying a lot of Rudolf Steiner’s work and running a Yoga/massage business, so I filed it to the back of my mind.
Fast forward about 5 years ago, I had a yoga student who had created an edible landscape in St Pete. She began sharing and one day over lunch we decided to start a group called “High frequency living”. One of our first field trip was to Echo Farm in Fort Meyers. I was hooked and hungry to know more and grow more. She never really mentioned permaculture, but she introduced me to Rob Greenfield and David the Good. In 2019, I was visiting England and went to Arundel Castle. Obsessed with gardens I went to the Castle Garden, which were stunningly beautiful, and all the food was grown for the Castle Café and residents. I read a sign that said, “These gardens are inspired by Permaculture Principles.” (I still have the picture).
There it was! I knew this was my path. Covid and the closing of my studio meant I was home more. I continued to garden but I decided I needed more professional guidance. I Googled “Permaculture near me” and Grow Permaculture popped up and I noticed a class was starting in January, perfect. I jumped on board. It certainly helped that I could get expert knowledge and guidance online.
So, to answer the question: I love nature, and I am a seeker of knowledge and philosophy always looking for alternative ways of being. Not just education, Waldorf. Not just health and fitness, Ayurveda, and Yoga. Not just gardening, Permaculture.
One huge thing that drew me to permaculture was combating climate change and reduction of pollution, waste and consumption. I am someone who has to take action rather than sit around complaining. I choose to be the change I wish to see in the world. Which is also why I started my plastic free products, Baca Bars.
Do you consider permaculture to be a lifestyle, a practice, a philosophy or what?
I think of permaculture as a philosophy. It is more than a way of life, because it has a set of beautifully thought-out principles and ethics. It’s a deep, rich, fundamental study of our very existence in relationship to the earth and community. It unites me deeply with source, the cycle of life and the abundance, resilience, and quietude of nature.
My best explanation is Permaculture is to gardening as Yoga is to Pilates. And my favorite quote is “Permaculture is a revolution disguised as gardening.”
What do you like most about Grow Permaculture?
Initially, it was about the convenience of the online program and location of the farm. Koreen is an absolute wealth of knowledge, and the course material was well presented and easily accessible. I loved all the presenters too; I got so much out of each one. I also like the fact that I feel connected to a community of like-minded people.
Tell us about your Baca Bars.
My Baca Bars are all homemade and packaged by me. I spent months researching formulations, ingredients, and packaging. I originally made them for myself and my family for Christmas. My daughter designed the logo I designed the labels. When my grandson was 2, he started calling me Baca. Now my whole family and their friends call me Baca. Baca bars were born... I feel so good about using these products and I have reduced single use plastics by about 80%.
Want to become a Permaculture success? Checkout our online and in person permaculture courses under the direction of Koreen Brennan, below!
Nov 4-5 Earthskill weekend
Learn a wide range of earthskills from a variety of presenters and other participants on our beautiful permaculture farm. Attend one or both days - free camping. This is an opportunity to meet local talent, learn some skills, and create community around common interests. Special mushroom class will be given on Sat afternoon - take home your own mushroom growing kit! For more information.
Grow Permaculture Curriculum and Courses
Are you ready to take your next step in Permaculture? If so, we’ve got you covered from novice to all-star. Our our courses are under the direct supervision of Koreen Brennan, educator, diplomate, and PINA board member.
Do you want to level up your skills in permaculture? Take the professional Permaculture Design Course. We have both online and in person versions. Our courses are under the direct supervision of Koreen Brennan, designer, farmer, educator, diplomate, and board member for Permaculture Institute of North America.
Online Permaculture Design Course
The internationally recognized Grow Permaculture Online Permaculture Design Course comes with hands-on practical and mentoring. Now more than ever, people have attention on creating more choices and resilience in their lives. We want healthy food, a clean environment, happiness and security for us, our children, and future generations. This course offers practical steps to achieving these things in your own life, regardless of your circumstances. You can get started right away! Learn more!!
In-Person Permaculture Design Course
This is Grow Permaculture’s internationally recognized In-Person Permaculture Design Course. This course will be held in St Petersburg, FL, and at our farm in Brooksville, giving people an opportunity to see permaculture in action on both the farm while also studying in an urban environment. Learn more!
Check out our full lineup of Grow Permaculture courses!
Love this! Congratulations on this outreach. You are an inspiration, midwifing a plethora of budding inspirations. Hope to connect soon.
Please put the word out to GP grads that 49th St. Makers and Growers Market has a call out for venders. It's a transformative 1st Sunday pop up, friends festival i.e. market place... right now 15 vendors and several indoor workshops. also I am gearing up for a creative offering / expansion at my Urban Garden, commercial location in Gulfport in April 2024. Would love to include you in the generation phase.. cheers!!