Farm Fresh News - October 2019

The Sufi Sema, a spinning prayer from the time of Rumi
In this issue:
Dear Friends,
A friend recently asked, “How do you deal with... what do you do when something gets stuck in your head and you can't let it go?” They didn't really go into any details or specifics about what it was, but I could certainly relate. I have found myself in the same situation many times, as I'm sure most of us have. 
 
What we are dealing with is some level of frustration. It can often come up when, from our perspective, we've been treated unfairly or justly, or someone has simply hurt our feelings. 
 
It's really not that uncommon for this to happen between friends, especially the kind that know you pretty well, but also can push your buttons and you theirs. Over and over again, braving up enough and sit down and talk with them face-to-face solves most of these issues. Sometimes it can help bring along a mutual friend to serve as a fair witness, someone that can help calm things down if either one of you starts to lose it.
 
It can be a lot more difficult or challenging when you're dealing with an Institution, or hierarchy at your job, or find yourself in situations beyond your control. After a while, beating your head against the wall will just give you a sore head. It is important to know when to pull back.
 
If you look at this in terms of energy, you see that in some way your energy has been blocked and forced into a loop on itself. If we recognize that the only thing we can truly change is ourselves, the first step is often to detach, separating yourself, stepping back from the drama that has consumed your mind and body. It may be helpful to acknowledge when, ”It’s not you...it’s them.” while also examining the situation to identify your contribution, the part you can change.
 
In the short-term, recognize the power and benefit of distraction. Take your head out of the endless internal chatter by filling it with something positive, an activity that brings out a moment of joy from within you. It might be simply listening to your favorite music. Engage in an activity that consumes all your attention. Even a short break can take the edge off your frustration and help you put it in perspective. This is the essence of mantra, to fill you up with words and sound that embody a clear state of being, providing the opportunity to put aside earthly dramas.

Finally, the true healer is time. You know in your heart of hearts that frustration felt today will be a distant memory in the not too distant future. Along the way, watch for doors that lead in new directions that will open and carry you to a new place, if you follow your heart.

Pay attention. Be ready to rejoice when the hour or day comes, when you become consciously aware that your head space is now free and the entirety of you is in a better place.
 
Namaste y'all,
Douglas
 
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October 18-20 Farm Experience Weekend
Discover for yourself what Life in Community is all about! Click here to register, or to learn more.
 
November 1-3 Fall Dances of Universal Peace with guest Dance leader Grace Marie! 
Uplift your spirit and open your heart. Learn more and REGISTER here.
 
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Image result for 40 Years on The Farm Summertown
Broadcast on Nashville PBS in 2013, I spent two years working on this production with Nashville producer Randy Rudder and his director of photography and editor Ed Lamberg. Because they were "local," we were able to spend considerable time getting to know each other.
 
I am listed as an associate producer, and arranged interviews, guided them toward scenic locations and activities, and contributed video of interviews and "B-roll" or various video I had captured on The Farm over the years to help fill out the production with more material. It includes what saw as the last video with Stephen before his mental faculties began to decline.
 
Randy, Ed, and I got together several times throughout the production process to review the edited show, allowing me to make suggestions, and fact check details. Although the story is not exactly the same way I would have told it, I feel it is one of the best documentaries on The Farm to date.
Click here to watch the 60 minute show!
 
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Turkey Peace Caravan

We spent the first 5 days at an ecovillage overlooking the Maramar Sea.
There were over 100 people from 21 countries singing and dancing together for peace.
The Capadocia region was incredible, so ancient.

In  the city of Konya, known for the poet Rumi, a mystic music festival showcased incredible performers from around the world. 
After the concert was over, we danced in an amphitheater outside the auditorium, attracting a good number of local folks to join us in chanting the Arabic phrase, "La ilaha il Allah," one definition of which is "There is no separation, only unity,"
or in other words, We are all One!
 
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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 community based alternatives.
Take this one small step to be part of the solution!
Let me know your interests. Click here to take the survey.    I look forward to hearing from you.
 
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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!
 
Speaking Engagements
At the same time, I recognize that I can reach a lot more people if I go outside the community. One of my goals is to speak at colleges and universities where I can talk to young people about Right Livelihood, Service, and Finding Sanity in an Insane World. This is a time when people need to hear an uplifting message of hope.
 
If you are part of an organization, event, or school (or you just want to learn more about my life's work), I invite you to visit my web site www.douglasstevenson.com, where you'll find information on my lecture topics and how to bring me to speak in your area.
 Thank you for your interest, and your support. I hope to see you down the road.
 
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out to change the world
new society
 
 
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My wife Deborah is one of the primary midwives practicing on The Farm right now. She is also a teacher with the midwifery workshops and our college of traditional midwifery. If you, a friend, or family member are considering a midwifery assisted birth, I encourage you to visit her web site and check out her podcast.
 
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www.awakeningbirth.org - the Web Site
www.awakening birth.net - The Podcast 
Her birth resource web sites for families seeking guidance on subjects such as
  • Choosing a Care Provider.
  • Health and Diet
  • Challenges and Complications
  • and much more!
  • The Awakening Birth podcast is now available on iTunes or at www.awakeningbirth.net
Please spread the word to anyone in your circle who is thinking of having a baby, expecting, to your favorite midwife, or care provider. Please like us and give us a good review on iTunes. It helps!
 
 
GreenLife Retreats
A division of Village Media Services
PO Box 259Summertown, TN 38483
931-964-2590 - office / cell
Douglas@villagemedia.com
www.villagemedia.com
www.greenliferetreats.com
www.douglasstevenson.com 
Douglas@thefarmcommunity.com
 
 
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