Fresh out of college, I found myself working on an organic farm, hands deep in the earth, growing everything from tomatoes and watermelons to eggplants and okra. It was a time of growth, not just for the plants I was nurturing, but for me as well. In the following years, I delved deeper into the biology and techniques behind creating sustainable organic farms. It was an experience that taught me invaluable lessons about life, growth, and our connection to nature. Today I’ll shared some of what I learned.
Lesson 1: Understanding Our Own Needs
Just like the plants I was tending, we humans also have our own unique nutritional and sunlight requirements. We need to nourish ourselves with the right nutrients and expose ourselves to sunlight to thrive. This lesson extends beyond the physical to the mental and emotional. We need to understand what feeds our soul and makes us flourish. To understand that, we can sit in silence and listen to where our thoughts drift to.
Lesson 2: Sowing Seeds and Creating Life
Working on the farm, I learned that the act of sowing seeds is a profound metaphor for life. Each seed we plant, whether it’s a physical seed in the ground or a metaphorical seed in our lives, requires care, patience, and the right conditions to grow. It’s a beautiful reminder of the potential that lies within each of us and the power we have to shape our own lives. I have never felt as invigorated and overflowing with life and love as I have when I was planting, tending to, and harvesting the fruits and vegetables I planned on nourishing myself and my friends and family with.
Lesson 3: The Parallels Between Plant and Human Life
Watching plants grow from tiny seeds to mature plants made me realize how similar plant growth is to human growth. Just like plants, we start small and go through different stages of growth and development. We face challenges and obstacles, but with the right care and support, we can overcome them and reach our full potential.
At a cellular level, there are striking similarities between plant and human life. Both plant and animal cells are eukaryotic, meaning they have a nucleus and other specialized structures. Both types of cells undergo processes like respiration and division. This biological connection underscores our deep link with nature and reminds us that we are all part of the same life cycle. This invited me to look closer to see in what ways we act similarly to plants and look for some order in what seems to be a very chaotic world.
Lesson 4: Changing with the Seasons
Just as plants change with the seasons, so do we. Our bodies and minds respond to the changing seasons, affecting our mood, energy levels, and even our nutritional needs. Recognizing and respecting these changes can help us live more harmoniously with nature’s rhythms.
Lesson 5: The Power of Connection
Perhaps the most profound lesson I learned from my time on the farm is the power of connection. Connection to the earth, to the food we eat, to the cycles of nature, and to each other. This connection is a source of strength, grounding us and reminding us of our place in the world.
Ways I’ve Learned to Practice These Philosophies in Every Day Life:
Every day, I intentionally connect with nature, whether through a walk in the park, tending to my houseplants, or simply soaking up the sun. I’ve learned to understand my body’s nutritional needs as they change with the seasons, mirroring the cycles of nature. Practicing mindfulness outdoors, I immerse myself in the sights, sounds, and textures of the natural world, fostering a deep sense of peace. Sharing these experiences and learnings with others has not only enriched my life but also hopefully inspired others to cultivate their own relationship with nature.
My journey into organic farming and studying biology was a journey into understanding life itself. The lessons I learned have shaped my philosophy and the way I live my life. I invite you to explore these lessons for yourself and to find your own connection with nature. For more resources on organic farming and sustainable living, check out this video here: Genetics – The Central Dogma of Life
Let me know the ways that you found to connect with nature. Subscribe to this blog and keep updated as we talk more about philosophy, nature, and self-improvement.
Read more and continue on your journey to living exactly the life you want to live in this blog post I wrote about the Power of Self Reflection
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