Farm Fresh News - December 2016
Dear Friends,
So often it seems our society uses studies to reinforce what we already know in our hearts. Researchers are repeatedly looking at what are the primary elements in our lives that contribute to our overall sense of satisfaction and feeling of fulfillment. Community is always listed as one of the most important factors.
 
The bottom line: Community makes people happier.
 
We all have the need to feel that other people care about us. We feel better about ourselves when we care for others. When we are connected through a bond to others who share our values, it makes us more grounded. Stong community makes us feel safer and secure.
 

The Farm School
 
While there are many ways to express community within our cities and general society, actually living in community provides leverage and tremendously amplifies your level of opportunity.
 
Momentum is built when many people are pushing together in the same direction. Efforts overlap and multiply, increasing both the sense of accomplishment and the actual ability to make things happen. I am constantly reminded of this as I go through my day to day life within The Farm.
 
Here at The Farm we recently came together for what is always a celebration of joy, The Farm School Holiday Bazaar. There is fellowship mixed with gentle commerce that supports local artists and small businesses, all while generating income for The Farm School. It is like diving into a pool of warm, loving vibes. You soak it in and leave with a smile.
 

photos by Heather McDowell
 
Later in the day, a dozen of us came together to assemble a mailing for Swan Conservation Trust, creators of Big Swan Headwaters Preserve. Many hands stuffed, taped, labeled, and prepared our most important mailing of the year, the one that generates the most donations, enabling our work to continue. The land is our church and this is one way we celebrate communion.
 
 
Meanwhile earlier in the week a Farm contingent left for Standing Rock, and were there when the news was announced that the pipeline would not go through the reservation. It was a small but important victory, but even greater was the sense of community that was experienced by all of the people who spent time there, something they will carry with them forever.
 

photo by Andy Perez
 
Life in community is not Shangri-La. It is very far from perfect. Some say that whenever you have people, you have problems. However if you build a web of friendships, and provide the fertile ground deeper relationships to take root and grow, those problems fade into the background and are overwhelmed by positive vibrations. It is why we are here.
 
Peace,
Douglas
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www.awakeningbirth.org - the Web Site
www.awakening birth.net - The Podcast 
Our new birth resource web site is up. The Awakening Birth podcast is now available on iTunes.
Please spread the word to anyone in your circle who is thinking of having a baby, expecting, your favorite midwife, or care provider.
Please like us and give us a good review on iTunes. It helps!
 
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The Farm Experience Weekend Dates for 2017 – Register Now!
March 24-26 and October 20-22
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Surviving a Trump Presidency:The Conference on Community and Sustainability May 26-28
 
I like to give each conference a theme or point of focus, and as I had to personally come to terms with how a Trump presidency would affect our future, I found inspiration in the many voices of resistance coming from all corners of our country. 
 
It was important for me to acknowledge with a definite sense of gratitude that those of us living in community are in many ways better prepared and able to maintain a buffer of sanity inside our bubble. The Farm was born during Nixon, survived Reaganomics, and endured through Bush 1 and Bush 2. We will keep on keepin' on and remain true to our path and recognize that our ability to maintain a sense of joy in the midst of turmoil will be beause of our life together in community.
 
Folks here and there started saying to me, "You should call your Community and Sustainability: Surviving the Trump Presidency.
It made sense to me. This May 26-28 we will plot a strategy for the years ahead.
 
In a bit of astounding synchronicity, I am in contact with a group of students and faculty from a class called "Sustainability and the Apocolypse," who are making plans to attend.
 
Let's work together to make this a truly dynamic event! I hope to see you here!
 
 Thanks again for your time and attention.
Douglas
 Meet your host at GreenLife Retreats: Douglas Stevenson
A big thanks to everyone who has become a patron of Farm Fresh!
When you become a subscriber, your contribution helps spread the word about the work at Standing Rock and other important projects and causes. Take this one small step to be part of the solution!

Click here to make a one time donation.
 
 

Click here to take the survey.    I look forward to hearing from you.
 
 
I hope you'll make the effort to take a firsthand look at The Farm during one of my GreenLife Retreat Weekends, and that it will inspire you to pursue your dreams and find your chosen path! 

The 2017 GreenLife Retreats Calendar

March 24-26  Farm Experience Weekend 
Inspiration is a key element of personal transformation. Farm Experience Weekends open you up to new possibilities and give you the courage to take the next step in living your life to the fullest! This weekend gives you the best overview of life in community, exploring green building and solar technology, organic gardening, midwifery, alternative education, starting a small business, and so much more. Learn how community can leverage your ability to live true to your ideals and make a difference in the world. Watch the video. / Farm Experience in Photos

retreats

May 26-28 The Conference on Community and Sustainability
Co-sponsored by the Fellowship of Intentional Communities (FIC), this weekend is an immersion in all things community and achieving a lifestyle in line with the values of sustainability. One of our most popular events that promises to be even greater in the coming year!

June TBA The Organic Gardening Intensive 
Right now I have not made a decision about this event for 2017. Contact me if you are interested.
5 Days of hands-on gardening and immersion in permaculture, as well as garden tours on and off-The Farm to visit permaculture homesteads, a bamboo nursery, the nearby Amish community, and more.

organic gardening intensive

July TBA  The Summer Retreat
Right now I have not made a decision about this event for 2017. Contact me if you are interested.
Like a Farm Experience but with more time to go swimming, hiking, plus kid activities, workshops and always GREAT FOOD! Fun for the entire family. Watch the video.

Oct 20-22 Farm Experience Weekend
Fall Colors and a Fire Circle: Always a jam packed weekend. A time of reflection and introspection.

community

 

Midwifery Workshops: www.midwiferyworkshops.org/
 
Swan Trust Activities & Hikes   Contact: foreverwild@swantrust.org
 
Permaculture Apprenticeships: Learn straw, cob, earthbag, turf roofs, bamboo, thatch, clay plaster, adobe, alis, and food self-reliance at The Farm Community.

Spiral Ridge Permaculture - Workshops and Classes at a permaculture homestead down the road

 

Green Life Retreats
A division of Village Media Services
PO Box 259Summertown, TN 38483
931-964-2590 - office 931-626-4035 cell
Douglas@villagemedia.com
www.villagemedia.com
www.greenliferetreats.com
www.douglasstevenson.com 
Douglas@thefarmcommunity.com

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