Farm Fresh, August 2026
This month's highlights:
This month's highlights:
- Circadian Rhythms and Merlin
- New members Henry and Sheri
- Farm Market Day Saturday, September 12
- Dances of Universal Peace November 5-8
Cooperation: "I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine."
Hi friends,
Recently, Deborah and I made a change to our morning routine. Since I'm often up before dawn, especially as the days become shorter, I watch the sun come up and wait for the morning light. When Deborah joins me, we spend the next 30 minutes or so on our back deck listening to the birds, resetting our circadian rhythm. More about this below.
Recently, Deborah and I made a change to our morning routine. Since I'm often up before dawn, especially as the days become shorter, I watch the sun come up and wait for the morning light. When Deborah joins me, we spend the next 30 minutes or so on our back deck listening to the birds, resetting our circadian rhythm. More about this below.
People always ask, “How do I become a member?” Read the story of Henry and Sheri, from their first visit to moving into their own home.
Namaste y'all!
Douglas
Douglas
- Chanting and singing together.
- Simple and easy to learn, with everyone in a circle
- Temperatures in Tennessee are perfect!!
- All meals included
- Check out my music on YouTube to get a preview.
Click here to learn more.
In these challenging times, our dances are embodied prayers. Reap the Harvest of the Heart!
In these challenging times, our dances are embodied prayers. Reap the Harvest of the Heart!
How to become a Member: The Story of Henry and Sheri
Henry and Sheri first visited The Farm back in the spring of 2023. Henry was retired and Sherry was working as a respiratory therapist . By late summer They had been granted residency by The Membership Committee and had found a place to rent.
In 2025, they had transitioned from Residents to Provisional Member status (which allows someone to buy or build a home), and became Full Members in 2026. They chose to go with a manufactured home, delivered and ready to move in for occupancy. All that was required was to prepare the site, connect water and power, and install a drain field.
Another manufactured home in the community, nestled in the woods.
One of the benefits of a manufactured home is that it can be picked up and taken away, meaning that banks can offer financing because they can repossess it. Banks will not finance standard homes in our community because the homes are attached to the land and part of the Land Trust. They can't be offered for sale on the open market.
Upon arriving at The Farm, Sheri was ready to do something different and started a business making designer cloth bags and backpacks. She has a booth at our monthly Farm Market and occasionally travels to other events in the surrounding area.
Sheri at Market Day
Sheri also offers a weekly exercise class for seniors that is very well attended. We have plenty of seniors!
During those 3 years as residents, they had the opportunity to see the community's ups and downs and watch how various social dramas play out. In spite of the community’s occasional neurosis, they developed many friends, and we didn't scare them away! Welcome Henry and Sheri!
Henry minding the store.
Circadian Rhythms and Merlin
The view from my deck.
Early morning light acts as a natural signal to your brain's internal clock, helping regulate your circadian rhythm. This allows your body to know when it is time to be alert and when it should begin preparing for sleep. Ideally, this can provide an energy boost without caffeine while also helping you sleep better at night.
By exposing yourself to morning light within the first 30 to 60 minutes after waking, you naturally suppress the production of melatonin, while stimulating the release of cortisol and increasing the activity of serotonin and dopamine. This can enhance your mood, improve focus, and help you feel ready to start your day.
Once your circadian rhythm is properly synchronized, your body will naturally begin producing melatonin later that evening as you approach bedtime, making it easier to fall asleep and maintain a healthy sleep cycle.
I also try to leave my phone in the house while I go outside, and avoid the temptation to check my messages, my emails, the latest news, and those things that can add stress or simply pull my attention out of the present moment.
The Merlin App for identifying birds
That is, until I really want to identify the bird sounds. Then I open the Merlin app and record what I hear, revealing the 10 or more different species of birds that may be present. The app is free, and it is nothing short of amazing to watch it identify each bird by its calls.
I can also use it to identify the birds at my feeder. You simply enter the bird's colors, size, location, and the time of year, and the app provides a list of possible matches, complete with pictures and even recordings of their songs. It becomes surprisingly easy to identify your bird.
Have I given up my morning tea and coffee? The answer is no. But I have developed a greater appreciation for the beauty of the morning—a moment of genuine peace.
Thank you for your time and attention! Come visit us!
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 and the spiritual path. Take this one small step to be part of the solution!
When you become a subscriber, your contribution helps spread the word about community-based alternatives and the spiritual path. Take this one small step to be part of the solution!
You can help keep Farm Fresh going by pledging $2, $5, or $10 a month, or by making a one-time contribution!
Douglas Stevenson
Douglas@villagemedia.com
www.douglasstevenson.com
www.villagemedia.com
Douglas@villagemedia.com
www.douglasstevenson.com
www.villagemedia.com
My books:
- Out to Change the World! $12 plus shipping
- The Farm Then and Now $19.95 plus shipping
- Order both for just $33 including shipping!
Watch my TEDx Talk: Out to Change the World - Living the Hippie Dream
