The hoar frost sparkled like diamonds on the trees and snow-covered land. The glitter could actually be seen in the air it was so cold. It had been warm in Denver when we arrived from Pennsylvania (representing Rodale Institute) three of us along for the experience. Were we crazy traveling to Crestone in the middle of winter? Would our cars be covered with snow and ice when we returned?

The warmth of the people in Crestone from all around the world quickly dispelled any worries. Great care was shown from meeting us at the airport to the bus ride to Crestone . We also had delicious meals in Crestone.

Members involved with Natural Agriculture in the US, Canada, Germany and Japan attended the meeting in Crestone. There were also people from the Crestone community interested in learning about the natural way of growing things in their own desert environment. Skillful presentations were given about the work being done with The Rodale Institute in PA and also on the websites. Presentations followed regarding gardening in Hollywood, CA and the desire for more volunteers to assist in the garden. The proposal for expanding Shumei and Natural Agriculture to Santa Cruz, CA was explained.
The exciting story of the future of Natural Agriculture near Frankfurt, Germany on a farm over 500 years old was told.

I was impressed that the people of Crestone welcomed Shumei to the neighborhood and participated in the Natural Agriculture meeting. It was obvious that they appreciate the value of Shumei. The meeting ended with a group discussion of community.

On Sunday, while a meeting was conducted in Japanese, some of us who were in Crestone for the first time got a personal tour of the area. We walked around a dry lakebed looking for heart shaped rocks. We saw the awesome Sand Dunes and bought souvenirs at the gift shop. A magpie that sat near me and followed the van out of the parking lot, serenaded us.

 On the way back to the Center we stopped at the rock shop on the corner and found some more rocks to purchase and made some new friends. We also visited two of the spiritual centers in Crestone. We made it back just in time to watch the movie "Deconstructing Supper".

My initial reaction to the movie was alarm for the food supply of the world. I wanted everyone to know what big business and genetically modified seeds could do to our food. I don't know yet if I want to grow all my own food and save seeds.

I was reminded of a prayer my grandfather said before eating. "For the food we are about to receive may the Lord make us truly thankful and may it strengthen our bodies for thy intended purpose."


The Joy of Gardening

There is an old Christian hymn that I sing to myself when I enter a garden in the early morning, I come to the garden alone
When the dew is still on the roses.
The joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.
Time in the garden is time spent with God.

Working in a garden is a time of meditation. Pulling weeds and tending to little plants takes my mind off my troubles. I appreciate the dewdrops and the sunshine through the green leaves. I marvel at the intricacy of a spider web. My grandfather was a farmer in New Jersey and I am still amazed at what one tiny tomato seed can produce. A strong plant and dozens of sweet delicious, red tomatoes are grown with the ability to have hundreds more the next year.

Each season brings new work to be done in a garden
--Preparing the soil and planting in the spring
--Tending the weeds and watering in the summer
--Harvesting in the fall
--Rest and planning in the winter

I have read about and learned the health benefits of meditation, but I recently read another health benefit of being outdoors. I read about this in "Healing With The Fairies" by Doreen Virtue. I got a little nervous just from reading the title of this book because I didn't know if I believed in fairies! I have been learning more and more about the spiritual world from studying Meishusama's teachings, however. Doreen Virtue writes that when we are outside in a garden there are fairies around us who come and help take away the negativity we have been accumulating throughout our day. I have been enjoying working in my own flower garden for many years and recently had a chance to help out in the Rodale Institute gardens with Eileen Weinsteiger. I didn't know anything about the fairies at the time, but I always felt better after working outside for an hour or so. (Eileen told me she did see a fairy once.)

Eating food grown by Natural Agriculture is the right thing to do. Helping out in the gardens is the right thing to do, also. Both have tremendous benefits for body, mind and spirit.