Weekend Musings from the Farm
Friends,
When people visit our farm for the first time, they often ask, "What's the next animal for you guys? What species will you rescue next?"
At present, we are happily holding steady at the number 30. When we began this endeavor, I told Eric that I never wanted to take on more than I could manage on my own.
This past weekend, I got to test the theory.
Eric is in Germany, and the kids visited their grandmother in Philly.
So I had the place to myself, which seldom happens, but that also means I had the animals to myself. Or, from the animal's perspective, they had me all to themselves, or maybe, they had only me.
Coincidentally, it was also the first weekend of my Ayurvedic Practitioner Program, which meant I had 21 hours of online classes from Friday through Sunday.
This was a good test; given my class commitment, I had no room for error.
Up by 6am and outside for feeding, watering, and tending to our flock, herd, and pack.
I had an estimated 4 hours to take care of them and myself before I had to log on.
It was truly unique. Instead of rushing through or worrying how I would get it done, I took my time. I gave them my time. I felt so grateful for our creatures and the opportunity to care for them, providing them a loving and safe home.
Knowing that I was having to look at a screen all day, I made sure I detoxed from news, podcasts, or books as I did my chores. All morning, I spent time in pure nature. Then for the entire lunch hour, I ran the dogs through our trails in the woods and did "liberty work" with our overweight pony. For the unfamiliar, "Liberty work" is a fancy way of saying “working with an animal without a lead."
It's incredible how many hay bags you can fill in a 15-minute scheduled break at 4pm. ;)
I was thinking about how a well-structured schedule can allow you to achieve more than having this amorphous open day before you.
"Plan your work and work according to plan." Then react to the unexpected.
It's the same with the yoga practice. Using chairs, blocks, and straps creates a framework and opens up space where there previously wasn't.
I proved to myself that I'VE GOT THIS!
And I believe in you, whatever it may be this week that may seem challenging.
YOU GOT THIS!
with so much love,
Kari