Written by Paul Messer
In August 2025, we held the first-ever Art of Harvesting in Asia in Vietnam. During which, we explored harvesting from different frameworks and patterns, notably the Breath Pattern, Fourfold practice, and different levels of harvesting. We experimented with many forms of harvesting, from art and poetry to emerging AI prompts.
The pattern of framework, practice and harvesting repeated, enriching the community, and I’m happy to share the behind-the-scenes and some of the nuances for practices. For those interested in learning more about the practice, I would love to hear from you: paul@percolab.com
Here’s the harvest that reflects the playfulness, forms used, and the depth of practice in this community.
HARVESTING IS…
A cyclical process
of opening and closing
an action verb
where we listen and make meaning
where we explore insights expected and unexpected
and take care of relationships
we take courage to name and see systems
an expression of learning
not just short-term but for generations to come
as a celebration
making sure we leave something behind for others
so we can see the growth process
and grow a little more each day.
and it is outputs and outcomes
and so much more…
Some reflections
What’s stayed with me from this training is the Breath pattern and Harvesting. We embodied it through a simple 4-count process: Breathe IN, 2,3,4, HOLD, 2,3,4, OUT 2,3,4.
Too much air in (or too many ideas), we can’t move, we stagnate. If we hold too much air in (or too much space for emergence), we panic; breathe too much air out, and we feel the desire for new oxygen (new ideas). Harvesting allows us to see where we are in this pattern and what’s needed. Here’s a simple guide:
Divergence (breath IN)
It’s important that we open up, let in, let come, and not try to filter ideas and thoughts.
Emergence (Hold)
How can we hold the space to bring clarity together? How can we cluster, filter, and see patterns?
Convergence (BREATH OUT)
How can we be clear, bold, and courageous in the actions to take?
A good harvesting strategy holds us in this pattern, let’s breathe together.
To go further:
- Art of Hosting and Harvesting Work that Matters training in Montréal, may 4-6 2026
