Natural rhythms

Today was the last day volunteering on the farm. This past season I have spent every other Monday from 8-12 harvesting food at Mountain Bounty Farm. Prior to this, I was much more acquainted with shopping at a grocery store rather than getting my food straight from the source. It was amazing to be able to see how food grows, play an active part in providing for my family, support a local farm, and feed the families that are CSA members.

As I was leaving today, the whole scene felt like a moment frozen in time. There was a light rain. The fields still producing the last of the crops. I looked over at two of the interns who had lived there for the summer, reading books on their lunch break, eating and chatting. It reminded me that there is a whole different rhythm that takes place in the natural world than the one that's manufactured in a structured "day at the office." They didn't have that rushed quality that seems to emanate from people I come across in the city.

Now, before I get comments about how great the city is, know that I'm not knocking it. I grew up in the flats of Oakland. There's a certain excitement and vibrant energy to cities. I can appreciate that. Now more than ever, though, I see the value in slowing down. In reconnecting with the food we eat at all levels of production. In sharing that process with others. In getting nourishment from the experience. With this, it's easier to get back in touch with our own natural rhythms.

That's what happens when we get sick. We slow down. At least that's what our bodies want. Some choose otherwise, suppressing the symptoms instead of addressing the root of what's going on, instead of reconnecting with their natural rhythm and internal healer. I've often heard "I don't have time to get sick." As if the sickness popped out of nowhere and had nothing to do with the choices one has made. The real truth is, if you find yourself sick, it is the perfect time for it. Take the opportunity.

One of my greatest lessons has been that I do have the time to get sick, because it reminds me that I have a choice in life. It showed me that the world wasn't going to fall apart if I was out of commission. It helped me question if I really had my life set up in a way that works best for me. It's easy to forget that you are the one running your life.

I've heard (and lived) many excuses of why I couldn't ...(insert some long drawn out story here). Well, what can you do to move in that direction? That's how I started, by asking the question and taking a step. And this is where I've landed. It's a much better fit to my natural rhythms than still living in Oakland trying to fit into a work box that always felt suffocating.

What about you? What are your natural rhythms telling you? If you slowed down enough to listen, how would your life be different?

Comments

[Wendy Y. Bailey]

What a great reminder of the importance of slowing down! My body tells me it's time for a nap and I truly listen. Friends chuckle at me for taking naps but I see it as a source of renewed energy and focus. My spirit is totally refreshed and I have a familiar peace when I wake up. How kewl is that?! THANKS for such a timely post, Vanessa.

[Vanessa Smith, MA, CLC]

Thanks for your comment Wendy! I couldn't agree more. I'm a big fan of naps and I find that even a short 20 minute will do me a world of good.

I often think about the culture of the work horse driven society and what that costs us in terms of our health, relationships, and actual accomplishments. We think if we work more, harder, and finish the to do list faster that we will be rewarded somewhere down the road.

Instead of focusing so much externally, look inside to see what the right pace is for you and create your life around that, then you'll be rewarded every day.

[Steve Haynes]

In many ways, Vanessa, I have begun creating that life you mention, built around what feels more natural. I too have moved away from the East Bay. Though currently lifestyling in the Big Valley, I have a deep desire to return to the coast, where I feel a stronger convergence of my spirit with nature. Does geographical location play an advanced role in our natural rhythms?

[Vanessa Smith, MA, CLC]

Great comment Steve. So glad to hear you're following what feels more in sync with who you are. I absolutely believe geographical location plays a role in our rhythms. We are truly affected by the energy of an environment, whether urban or more natural. A great book to check out is The Power of Place which talks about exactly that.