Farm work provides for me a space that the spirit can sink into and repair its frayed ends. Im told that the musculature of the physical body sustains little tears and insults as we go about our daily work, and that we need deep sleep to repair damaged tissue. In stage four sleep, the brain secretes a growth hormone that, in turn, nudges the liver to produce an insulin like substance that goes to work easing the microinjuries of every day. A busy cycle of internal healing operates while we are unconscious. Im convinced that the spirit, too, needs deep rest to reduce its habitual overdrive – rest that, in the mercy of creation, used to be woven into the daily fabric of chores. Vigils in the kidding pen, stacks of dishes to wash, a garden to weed -I smile to myself when I hear my children and young coworkers rail against this repetitive work. It takes half a lifetime to realize that these unsung, secret, rhythmic occupations are creations gift to our species. -Mary Rose OReilley
Posted on: Sun, 27 Jul 2014 14:59:36 +0000
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