Here in Boulder, the intensity of the sun's rays has lessened and the slightly tardy summer monsoon season has rolled in with it's 4:00 showers followed by rainbows and mosquitoes. When I think of my place--my centered universe--and my happiness...I think of what life is right now. I have been helping out on a local farm called Abbondonza (www.eatabbo.org) and spending more than half the week with the fine folks of abbo...the property is prisitine. A 93 year old centennial homestead that has never been treated with chemicals, this 80 acre farm is exploding with delicious veg, personifying the amount of passion and love that has been cultivated into this soil. I truly am blessed. I spend my days gardening in wonderful estate gardens and my evenings at the farm weeding, processing and picking. To me, this is bliss. My hands are deep in moist, espresso-hued living goodness for all the edibles that are soaking it all in and stretching their limbs.
Farming and gardening are theraputic for me. It is important for me to remain connected to the natural world as my life becomes more and more hectic. Sometimes I realize that I am so consumed with all the things I need to do, I don't even notice my immediate surroundings--like I am completely removed from my surroundings. When I recognize this, I try to bring myself into the now--the present moment--by connecting with what it surrounding me. What am I smelling, hearing, seeing? In the garden, I can listen to the birds kawing in the cottonwoods or the train that is laying on the horn. Conversation ebbs and flows, but I can still feel the soil and connect with natural world.
It is an important part of my life to have that connection with the natural world because it makes it easier to live an organic, green life. I know the soil that my food was grown in and the hands that picked it. I know the man who made my peanut-butter and the lady who sold me my flowers. I am connected to all these things they are effortless the incorporate into my lifestyle.
Whatever way works for you, I encourage you to have a connection with nature. Take a walk through the open space, pick berries at your local farm or take a picnic somewhere...but find your thing and share it. You'll find yourself more relaxed and conscious.
Be well.
