Words by kenneth keavey of Green Earth Organics
Life today moves fast. There is so much to keep up with, to do, to decide on and to understand that it can feel overwhelming. We are faced with constant pressures, technology has invaded every aspect of our waking moment, our days are full of chatter and it seems we never have a moment to ourselves. Ultimately, we need to stop and recharge ourselves in order to survive but surely life is supposed to be about so much more than just survival? It is precious and short, and we get one shot to make the most of it. How then do we learn to stop and reclaim our space?
Nature moves at its own pace. You can’t hurry the crops, and trees do not grow any faster than they grow. You cannot force a carrot to appear in the field, it takes time and patience. Nature simply cannot be rushed. Perhaps nature can be the one to teach us a thing or two about slowing down and looking inward. In the words of John Muir, ‘I only went out for a walk, and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in’.
Yesterday I had the pleasant experience of feeling the sun and rain on my face at the same time, a joy which we are lucky to experience in the west of Ireland! There are few among us who do not relish the opportunity to feel the touch of the warm rays of the sun on our skin. It both enlivens and relaxes us. It left me feeling that little bit stronger and more able to deal with the day’s challenges.
Today as I write this reflection after a day in the fields, I feel lucky to be a farmer. In the west of Ireland days like today are to be relished and enjoyed. The sky is blue, the sun is shining, the birds are singing and the crops and harvest are abundant in the fields. It has been warm and sunny and days do not come much better than this. It seems that here, one can find true happiness.
You can read Kenneth’s full article in The Wellness Issue, on shelves now
