Growing freedom is manifesting in the new mass movement of allotment holders and people turning their oil-hungry lawns into edible gardens.
Freedom and choice is what happens when you decide to grow…whether it’s in a window box or on a half acre smallholding, or more.
The mindset of producing food in growing, foraging, making and storing induces a sense of liberation, as well as a feeling of well-being and harmony with the Earth.
Freedom of choice begins to manifest before your very eyes, for free.
Food: organic or not; how much and what kind; for storing or for selling; food to share, food to give; the choices go on…and as this happens, personal knowledge grows immensely!
Storing and making and baking and cooking and creating…
Growing food , whether it be you actually doing it or simply enabling others to grow by buying surplus, locally produced food is of great benefit to the new scheme of things…cutting down on air miles, pollution and supporting local economies.
Wow. Interesting that we have had similar experiences.
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Your life so far has emulated my own, spinner, teacher, disenchanted teacher…reconnecting to the land and becoming vegan.
Everything is possible.
Colx
I think of the Earth as a mother, too.
I have only done a little vegetable and herb gardening in the past and I really don’t know that much about plants — but I am willing to learn. We used to have sheep (I was a handspinner) and goats (for milk), but when I went back to university, the animals were sold and the land has been fallow for several years. Recently I made a career change and left teaching. The job stress had become enormous. I felt the need to get back to the land and make a connection again. Since I am now a vegan, I don’t have a desire to keep pasture animals anymore. I want to turn my attention to the land.
Thank you so much for these very encouraging words: “all that is possible for anyone to do.” I am going to put these words somewhere where I will see them every day — as a reminder that permaculture at Wool Glen is not something that is outside my reach.
Sky
Choice and freedom are splendid words and we are firtunate to be able to use and appreciate them !
Right on! Local food, backyard farming, etc., is one of the best ways to reconnect with the Earth, build community, and transition to the new, Earth-centered culture. It’s so exciting!!
I hope that one day you will consider writing a book about Bealtaine Cottage. What an amazing journey you have had! When I look at my six acres, which in the past has been used mostly to pasture animals, I think “How do I even begin to follow my permaculture dream?” Did you ever feel overwhelmed when you first began working with the land?
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I honestly never felt overwhelmed, not even once. I simply fell in love with the land and felt incredible empathy with its dilapidated state. I regard the Earth as a mother who is so very generous toward us, but at times needs help and support and much love.
How does one begin? In a little spot and work outwards!
I would love to write a book about Bealtaine and all that is possible for anyone to do…
Colx
You have it right ‘Choice’ is a fantastic word and one that we take far to much for granted