We’re heading to the farm this morning to work on the building a little. This is the first Saturday in 7-8 weeks that the weather’s been good enough for us to go out there. We’ve decided to focus on getting the building cleaned and renovated before focusing on anything else. There are a couple of windows and doors that need replacing, and the whole building needs insulation. We also have to get the power turned back on and clean up the area around the building of trees, brush, and weeds. There’s a lot of work to do before we can even seriously consider putting an aeroponic or hydroponic unit in there, but every single time I have to make that commute down 66 and up Dolly Parton Parkway, I’m more committed to making the farm successful. I might post a follow-up this evening about the progress we made.
Tag Archives: nature
Monday Afternoon Ramblings
As I wrote the other day, I still feel young at heart, so please don’t read this as some mid-life freak out about realizing my own mortality. I’ve known my mortality quite well since I was 16, and the acceptance of death and dying has long been settled in my heart. However, I’ve come to realize recently that my body is weakening and will never again return to its former strength. Until just a couple of years ago, I felt as if physically I could still do most of the things I had been able to do as a young man. Now, I can tell that the strength I once had will never return.
I’m still fairly strong and still have a decent level of endurance, but I’ve come to accept that the muscle in my lower back that I first hurt lifting weights at 15 and then re-injured playing golf at 29 will never fully heal. My legs will always have this dull ache; my grip, once ferociously solid like an iron rod, is now more like an aluminum bar. For most of my life I felt as if I could move any physical object put before me. Now, I feel my limitations. Coming to terms with my waning strength is not easy because I’ve always defined myself in part as a very strong man, and I’ve rarely felt threatened because of that power in my legs and core. Now, I’m not so certain I could defend myself against a young buck, and that’s a hard thing to face.
On the other hand, I feel healthier than I can ever remember. I’m eating better and taking better care of myself than at any time in my life, so even though my strength is diminishing, my physical self feels good. It’s an odd combination to feel myself losing strength on one side but also to feel my health improving on the other. Obviously, overall health is more important than physical strength, but I would be lying if I said that I didn’t miss how strong I used to be. It’s not easy to let go of visions of myself as I was in my youth, but I’m learning how, and the amazing part is that the more I let go of those old visions, the more I like the man I am today.
Saturday Afternoon Ramblings
I’m sitting here thinking about karma and how it comes around eventually. It might not move according to our expectations or wants, but it does move, and when it does come back to someone, it often comes back in abundance. Karma is patient and never forgets, so eventually, it will find the time and place to return to a person what they have given others.
People who have spent their lives toying with other people’s hearts or sneaking around to play games or discarding another’s love in search of something better shouldn’t act surprised when karma returns and repays them for their treachery. They have sewn the seeds of turmoil by their selfishness, so their lives often descend into chaos and unhappiness. Even if on the outside they appear to be living well, internally they often are being eaten alive by their mistrust, shame, guilt, and regret.
Those who show compassion and treat others well are often rewarded with inner peace, tranquility, and wisdom. They may never find wealth, but their lives are blessed and if not happy, then at least content. That may sound hokey, corny, and archaic to some, but to those of us who have seen karma at work, we know that there is a basic law at work in our lives–regardless of what trials and obstacles life throws in your path, ultimately you will get back what you give.
Big Owl's Tree 