Six Ways to Celebrate Mother Earth in Your Growing Space

Take these six practices as options to incorporate into your growing journey to celebrate Mother Earth and all the magical ways she nurtures and supports us.

Make every day, Earth Day.

1. Grounding, or walking barefoot. This practice was mentioned in last week's newsletter too, so I won't repeat myself too much here. I'll simply say that there is powerful, nurturing energy that radiates from the Earth. When we take a moment to "ground" or stand barefoot in the cool soil, we allow ourselves to connect with that energy. This practice has been proven to reduce stress and has a myriad of other health benefits, in addition to feeling really, really, nice. So maybe next time you visit your plants, you leave your shoes by the backdoor.

2. Acknowledging the senses. Being aware and intentional about my senses while working with plants is something I have practiced ever since I started farming. On the farm, being aware of your surroundings is super helpful, insightful, and can help you work more efficiently, and effectively. Acknowledging and being aware of your senses as you work (or play, depending on your perspective) connects you more with nature and the world around you. Seeing seeds sprout or a snake slither by; feeling the soil's texture in your hands or the hot summer sun; smelling the nourishing rainfall or if you're lucky, with practice, the presence of aphids (yes, they can have a smell); hearing the birds chirping or a leak in your irrigation lines; tasting a sweet berry or the bitterness of bolting greens. Taking in all the sensory experiences while you're in your growing space makes you a more informed grower.

3. Taking a moment. I can't tell you how many times I have been running around, stressed about all the things I need to do in the day, running through my mental to-do list, scurrying here and there, when I think to myself, "ah! I need to water my plants! Uff... one more thing..." When plant life depends on you, it requires consistent time and attention. When we take a moment to step outside, and do what needs doing, we have an opportunity to breathe. Watering takes as long as it takes. There's no rushing the plants to absorb this nurturing practice. So there's an invitation for you to pause, and nurture yourself too. While you water your plants, don't forget to water yourself. Drink a solid 16 ounces. Thank Mother Earth for the reminder to just do by doing, and enjoy.

4. Celebrating growth. Well, that's an easy one. Most likely we all do this already, every time we see our plants. What a joyful celebration it is too! Mother Earth supports our plants by creating and providing all things they need to grow -- soil, water, air, sunlight. I still giggle every time I see a seed sprout, or a spring pea's flower, or the first fruits ripen. It never gets old. Thank you Momma for supporting all the life, and growth!

5. Nurturing the soil. If you're new around here then maybe you don't know yet how obsessed I am with soil... but it's true. I'm obsessed with it. I love touching it, smelling it, seeing it, and admiring it. There's so much life that happens in soil. Seeing earthworms, insects, evidence of fungi, root systems, nutrients, it's all so magical. There's so much we can do to provide a happy soil environment for our plants, too. We can add compost, we can create compost, we can mulch, we can water, we can feed our soil... nourishing soil like Mother Earth nourishes us is a wonderful investment in your growing journey.

6. Sowing seeds. Here in the Carolinas this is a practice we can do almost year-round. Sowing seeds one of my favorite things to do in my growing space. It inspires hope, and is a celebration of victory! I believe seeds are magic. They hold incredible potential, just like you. When you sow a seed, you believe in the hope and promise of the harvest to come. With the help of Mother Earth they spring to life and produce incredible nourishment for our bodies. Sowing seeds is a beautiful practice to celebrate Mother Earth and her desire to nourish and support your potential.