the secret is in the soil VI final

My eyes roll when I go to sub-urban areas where there are 13 bags of leaves going to the landfill and you see the folks with expensive synthetic (harmful)soil amendments, peat moss and mulch being put back into the landscape. It speaks to how disconnected from the land our species has become and it is sad to me. Why are we poisoning our lawns and possibly tainting the groundwater for future generations when there is a simple, easy and free solution? Why are we adding what is NOT waste to our overtaxed landfill in bags that don’t breakdown in a season which contain that which does? Questions to ask.
So, whatever your favorite method of caring for your soil might be –whether you are analytical and scientific or just let things unfold and keep putting layers of manure, clippings, sawdust and organic material in a pile when you think of it…the soil will respond. The main thing is persistence and continuity, giving back to that which gives to us. Keep at it and you will be richly rewarded.
As an herbalist, I always offer something when harvesting a plant for medicine or food. It is the way of all herbalists trained in traditional ways. It is always a good gesture to act out that you are aware of the giving and receiving cycle and that you are actively participating in it. The more we set intention like this, the more the world around us responds in kind.
I remember one time I had a mudball in my hand and at first, it was just that. Dirt…mud –some external thing. I was standing next to a cedar swamp and suddenly had an amazing experience of Oneness with the entire grove of Cedars and suddenly I got the message that the mudball was the flesh of our mother the earth. Suddenly the mudball went from cold and alien to warm and intimate –it rocked me to the foundation of my being. I have never looked at dirt…soil…mud the same again. I wish you could experience that for yourself. Maybe you will -when connecting with the soil in your garden. It could end up changing you and welcoming you as a vital part of a great big unfolding creation. Dig in the dirt and get your children –or someone else’s to play along with you. Marvel over the magic in your garden and all of Nature. Thank you for caring for the soil…we need to spread that love. Grow the juiciest sexiest tomatoes and veggies in your neighborhood. Remember, the secret is in your soil.