The last couple of years has seen us focus on an ’emergence’ or perhaps a ‘re-emegence’ on the need to take actions and make decisions that are reflective of our role and responsibilities as the current custodians here. A number of years ago we began to focus on ‘the treasures beneath our feet’ and developed our Vision and Mission for Fuchsia Lane Farm in its entirety. In this we talk about our place as being a ‘container’ where people can take time to revive, restore and rejuvenate. This applies to family groups, individual solo travellers, groups of friends and colleagues who wish to reconnect with themselves and nature. This has opened up our hearts and minds to people whose ideas and suggestions have been enriching and sometimes challenging! Considering the saying ‘that everyone is an expert in something’ has created some wonderful learning opportunities by just listening to our guests, friends and mentors. Creating connections with all these people (many of you reading are these ‘people’!) has deeply rewarding. The power of words and insights has, on occasions, caused me to reflect deeply. This morning was one such occasion!
Speaking with new guests who had spent the weekend in our Granary cottage, I was explaining our plans for the land and our reasons for doing what we do and I explained how we had been fortunate to have been able to restore the old farm buildings that had been bought by my father when I was a very young child. Outlining my desire, since childhood, to ‘hold onto’ the old buildings and small field network that was characteristic of a sustainable family farm, with lots of space for nature and biodiversity, I was forced to stop and think when our guest stated ‘Your father must be proud of you!’ I had never thought about that!
The impact of our parents and ancestors lives long past their life on this earth. I have read about ‘Seven Generation Thinking’ and we are conscious of what we are doing here now and its impact on subsequent generations. Having this moment today and helped us put this work in a timeline that has a rational and emotional base, and it was such a motivational and moving experience. Thank you Brenda!