The most obvious example of “obtain a yield” is to grow food.  You do work planting, growing, maintaining, and harvesting a garden to get a yeild.  Amazing food that you can eat and then store the excess to eat through the winter.  Simple, right?

We can make it a little more complicated by preparing hugelkulture beds to grow a food forest in.  A food forest is full of perennial vegetables that may take longer to provide a yield.  While you are waiting for your perennials to take off, grow annuals in between the perennials.  I set up hugelkultures and plan to use them as a food forest.  I will plant fruit trees in the beds and grown annual vegetables in between the tiny trees.  The beans and flowers will even function as companion plants for the little saplings.  Once the trees shade out the garden, I will have to make new annual beds.

Another thought I have about “obtain a yield” is doing functional art.  I like to add something creative or possibly even artistic to the projects I do.  I don’t really do paintings or things just to look at.  This tis in nicely with things like natural building.  The idea of a natural house is such a work of art in itself, but you can add you own personal touch anywhere you choose.  No need to add paintings to the wall, the wall can be a 3D work of art.  Natural homes are also wonderfully functional.  Cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter, enegry efficient, and built for the homeowners specific needs.

Leraning has got to be the most beneficial yield in the long run.  Everything you read, watch or do adds to you knowledge bank and it is one more thing that you can do.  Every mistake you make is another lesson in your knowledge bank of thing maybe to not do or things that need improvement.  The more knowledge and skills you have, the less money you need to spend of things like a mortgage or a grocery bill.  Five years ago, I didn’t know anything about living off grid.  I’ve been doing it now for four years, and we’re finally getting the hang of it.  Lots and lots of lessons learned.  HUGE knowledge yeild.  And growing every day.

More thoughts on obtain a yield:

Temperate Climate Permaculture

Permaculture Principles

Think of it as an Adventure

Check out all the principles here.