Home on the Range - Pasture at a Regenerative Yak Ranch
When we walk like we are rushing, we print anxiety and sorrow on the earth. We have to walk in a way that we only print peace and serenity on the earth. Be aware of the contact between your feet and the earth. Walk as if you are kissing the earth with your feet. Thich Nhat Hanh
I’ve risen before dawn each morning this week to sit quietly in the darkness and gaze as Venus and Jupiter rose over the mountains. Stillness of body, mind, and spirit for a few moments or more moving only to sip my morning hot beverage. Absent worry about the turmoil, unrest, suffering in all corners of the world, I embrace the smile that comes with these moments of contentment, of presence.
My stillness gives way to mind calling me to think about tasks and projects that need attending. “Now,” says mind. I allow a bit of space for it to speak its reminders and suggestions before gently reminding mind of the day’s first commitment: The Pivot.
Perhaps remembering how we love to play here, mind shifts, and body moves slowly toward the purple pen and journal. Curiosity pops in with her sometimes-mischievous smile wondering what’s had our attention this week that wants to be shared?
I think of Mother Earth and the wise words from Thich Nhat Hanh that I presence on my morning walks. What if every step I took was a grateful kiss of my planet home? I think of soil and the farmers who toil in regenerative practices rather than tilling and chemicalizing the land on which they plant. I think of recent interviews and articles informing me, inspiring, and guiding my choices.
Recognizing that each choice I make to support regenerative efforts is an act of resistance, of saying ‘No!’ to the systems of industrial agriculture that have risen out of separation. Each choice to purchase from local regenerative farmers and ranchers is a declaration on behalf of Gaia and all Life. Each order I place with our regional food hub that aggregates products from many of these farmers and ranchers is a vote for the land, for building nutrient rich soil rather than creating lifeless dirt and the dust that blows when the wind howls across the valley floor. Every connection I make with those in the regenerative movement lends my attention to supporting their efforts and building new systems that embrace Life.
These are my acts of resistance to the old ways and giving voice to calling forth the new.
I think of Thich Nhat Hanh’s words in a new way: When I choose from rushing or from fear of not having enough, I print anxiety and sorrow on the earth and in my body. I want to choose in ways that only print peace and serenity and health for all Beings; to be aware of the contact between my choices and Mother Earth, and all her Beings. Walk and choose as if you are kissing the earth with your feet and all Life with every choice you make.
Our Local Dropoff Spot for Nutritous Local Food - GusGus