Sustainable farmers

In the sustainable  farming world we have conversations around sustainable farming practises.  Those practises are broadening to include farming in a way that is sustainable for the farmer: our bodies, minds, hearts.  These conversations could really happen in any profession but I think especially as we tag our vocation “sustainable” it behooves us to talk about sustainable practises for those of us doing the work.  I’m not interested in showing you a social media feed where we are always run to the ground and working so hard.  Yes, farmers work hard.  The season is gruelling.  But we are attempting to shape a life that holds in tension the work and the rest and the play.  Oh my goodness we don’t often succeed.  

At the end of the harvest season now, my body feels tight and I can feel the need for unfurling, for stretching, for slow movements.  It is also true that at the end of the harvest season, our souls need some extra tending.  We have been so focused and task driven for so many months that it take a bit of re-focusing on our inward journey, and an unfurling of our heart as well.  I’m looking forward to the gift of the next season.