ROTATE OUR CROPS

(A SEASON OF NEW GROWTH #4)
Wednesday, June 2nd

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you
and that you may be in good health,
just as it is well with your soul.
(3 John 1:2, NRSV)

Now that we have our soil prepared, what crops will we choose to plant? We might consider the benefits of rotating crops – changing which crops are grown in different areas each season. I read about the benefits of crop rotation in the article, What are the Benefits of Crop Rotation in Agriculture? – Agriculture Loan, and briefly summarize them here:

When the same crops are planted in the same area each year, the same nutrients from the soil are taken out of it and eventually become depleted. Crop rotation varies which nutrients are used from the soil, keeping the soil healthier longer. The same issue happens with pests and disease. With the same crop, pests and bacteria can thrive, as they know exactly where to find or remain with their crop of choice; changing the crops helps to impede or stop their progress. Also, the soil may suffer from erosion as the same crops have the same root shapes, watering needs, and spacing. Alternating crops helps to change up the soil structure.

“Adopting a successful crop rotation plan is the best way to ensure that your crops have the best chance at a fruitful life,” the article concludes.

The agricultural practice of crop rotation speaks to our own “fruitful life” of growth and well-being. How might we rotate our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual fields for better balance – better health?

~ My physical body appreciates slower schedules and restful times, but when I have too much of this slower pace, my mind begins racing! A few tasks or books to read can help to free my mind from needless worry or over-thinking.

~ When I spend a day writing and reflecting, my spirit is content, but my body grows restless! I need to spend time walking in nature to reenergize and be refreshed.

~ When my emotional field is downcast, moving to a spiritual or creative field such as baking or writing helps to uplift my thoughts and emotions.

~ When my soul is overwhelmed, I need time in solitude and quiet prayer, a rest from the physical busyness and mental distractions of the day.

As we become more mindful of our time spent in each of these fields – and more attentive to our need to move on – we will find greater balance and restoration for our entire being. Similar to tending our fields and gardens, we can tend ourselves with changes in routine when our ground feels withered and dry. We can restore what is lacking or depleted by moving to other fields that nurture and replenish. When the diseases and pests of resentment, envy, ennui, or apathy begin to encroach, we can say, “I have spent enough time here” and choose to grow in another area. We do not need to remain stagnant or mired in a place that inhibits our healthy growth.

Which field – physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual – has been taking most of your time and energy in recent days? What new field may be inviting you today?

Photo by jean wimmerlin on Unsplash