Permaculture Root Practices:

Root practices are a way to approach design.  They are also good practice for problem-solving.
Here are the three root practices in permaculture:

(1) THOUGHTFUL AND PROTRACTED OBSERVATION

Observation that takes place over an extended period of time with thoughtful intention to our interaction with elemental forces, patterns and cycles of the natural world.

(2) START SMALL THEN EXPAND

Avoid unrecoverable regrettable major errors by testing and small scale implementation first. Implement in phases and with the understandings of your actions. being aware of scale and scope of a project. Remember that every action causes a reaction.

(3) WHOLE SYSTEMS THINKING

Everything is connected to everything else in some way, shape or form.

Credit: Above based upon a Permaculture Document compiled by Benjamin Fahrer