The other day when I was out in the field doing some harvesting the strangest thing happened. This little beet looked up at me and then I heard a small whisper, like a voice weaving sound threads in my ear. At first I thought I was just over tired. You know, long days, short nights, lots of hours in the sun...conditions that could lead to some slight, shall we say, disorientation. I chuckled, thinking "Wow D, you're really starting to lose it". But then, I heard it again.
Listen...listen...listen
I stopped what I was doing and did just that. Closing my eyes, I became aware of several different species of birds. Their songs and chatter clicked and whistled all around me. I recognized a few; purple martins, red winged black birds, trusty old Mr. Robin...they talked amongst themselves as I sat, listening. Above me, the hum of many winged insects buzzed in all directions. A bumblebee, with its distinctive heavy and low buzz, could be heard en route to another flower. All the while, a soft rustle, like a memory from summer long ago, came from the hayfield as the wind moved through blades of tall grass. I was transfixed. Listen.
I breathed deeply, trusting that this moment was actually quite lucid. I wasn't going crazy after all! The golden root in my hand had simply reminded me to be present and to notice just how peaceful life is amongst the vegetables. Where the vegetables grow, there is strength in diversity. Lots of species, living together, growing under one sun. Birds, insects, plants, flowers, and mammals existing in unison, creating the kind of world that I imagine every day when I awake. Yes, indeed, the message was clear. All I had to do was Listen.
Now, if you happen to be getting some beets from the farm, don't worry. You're not going to start hearing voices. But, if you close your eyes while partaking in the vegetables, you just might imbibe a bit of the well-being that comes from these healthy, happy plants. It's yours to enjoy! We are more than happy to share :-)
