What does it mean to Cultivate?

An old Webster dictionary defines cultivate; "to prepare, to till, to raise, to refine". I didn't bother to look up what wiki or the internet defined "cultivate" as, but it wouldn't surprise me if it was a little different. We as a people are prone to compromise, especially when we live in a culture that encourages it from every angle. In a sense, I see that to cultivate is the opposite of compromise. In cultivating, per the definition, we prepare for growth, in compromise, we stifle growth, or at best, sustain. Sustainable is a good idea, but sustainable just maintains the current state. If we cultivate that which is sustainable we can get to regenerative. That's the goal.

We can see this within the nature of the Earth, that it is sustainable, but also regenerative. It regenerates and heals itself despite what mankind has thrown at it. I marvel at it's silent resilience. We want to partner with the earth and it's nature and we do that by cultivating, not compromising. Working with nature, not against it. Compromise is appealing to certain parts of us, but cultivating is where the true reward is.

As I look at cultivating, I must identify that this a principal that applies to every aspect of life. I cultivate the soil by disturbing it enough to plant seeds. In disturbing the soil, I inevitably disturb seeds that have laid dormant, which may cause them to grow. I've read that some seeds may lay dormant for 100 years and still grow! That's the amazing resilience of nature. We may get some undesirable things (weeds) that grow, but we want to acknowledge that even though weeds may be undesirable to our sight, they may contain desirable nutrients needed to amend the soil. Yes, the Earth is that resilient, it will actually growth things to amend itself. So what we want to do is further cultivate those weeds, by composting them and letting nature decompose them while maintaining their nutrient integrity. Then we can reapply this amendment to our soil by cultivating and enriching it. The commercial models do this through petroleum based chemical fertilizers. That's an example of compromise.

It's similar to stripping out one of the properties of an apple to create apple juice. Apple juice tastes like a super sweet apple, but what is missing is all the other components that help our bodies regulate the sugar that the apple contains. The fiber within the skin and the meat of the apple all offer benefits. Nature designed a whole package that is better for us and we shouldn't miss that. We also acknowledge that whatever we consume, at some point was alive. Nature says that death begets life.

This is where I want to take a personal turn. Maybe it's a little too personal or non farm related, but I think it needs to be addressed and pray that it cultivates a deeper relationship between us and others. The cultivation that takes place with the Earth, is an analogy of what we are to do in our relationships. We are prone to compromise and surround ourselves with people that always agree with whatever we desire. Is that cultivating or compromising? Whether we are on the side of agreeing with or being agreed with, is it reflecting the integrity of the apple? or the compromise of apple juice? We must learn to be honest with one another. Honesty cultivates integrity, integrity cultivates trust, trust cultivates transparency and transparency can reveal hurt that needs amended with love and forgiveness. As with nature, death begets life and sometimes there are parts of us that need to be laid to rest so that a different part of us is given life.

We are stewards of the Earth and ourselves. Our friends, spouses, children, elderly, or even employees. Inherently we are cultivators within these relationships as well. What are we cultivating? Personal relationships are difficult at times, but they can also produce the greatest return, depending on the investment level. I identify that I could not be who I am today without people investing in me and cultivating different attributes in me to grow. I also see that it is my responsibility to further cultivate things within myself. When this is practiced, it produces the legacy that we leave. Not in material things, but in personal growth that can change the landscape of a household, a community, and even a nation.

I share this transparent investment with you, in hopes that it may encourage you wherever you are today in your journey of life. We are all cultivators whether on farm or off. It's up to each of us to determine what we will cultivate.

Farm update: In my last communication, I mentioned that we would be taking pre-orders for turkeys this week (April 17th). We need to push this back a few weeks to see what our hatching rate is. We don't want to over promise and not be able to fulfill a request. Once our turkeys hatch, I will let you know pricing and availability. If you'd like to pre-order a pasture raised, soy-free organically fed turkey, you can let us know then.

I appreciate you taking the time to tolerate my thoughts and I hope that it encourages you in some way. It's no coincidence that we are Embrace Farm where we practice Embracing, Respecting, Stewarding Relationships & Resources. (Of every kind)

Your friend and fellow cultivator,

Gordon