Learning from the land, Nov. 3 2013
This review is from: High Up in the Rolling Hills:A Living on the Land (Kindle Edition) http://www.amazon.ca/dp/1475985851/ref=rdr_ext_tmb
Here self-transformation is driven by a steady stream of incremental adjustments. This book is a spiritual journey. The author finds a path from urban living to small-farm commercial organic farming, predominantly leafy greens, garlic and vegetables. No Hollywood grand events but a steady, though bumpy, convergence of self-awareness, relationship growth, health and nutrition, and gardening and farming. Each facet develops along the way, informed by trial and error and insights from the other facets, converging into an holistic practice respectful of self, community and nature. The book itself develops a cyclic, almost poetic structure as the seasons of the land shape the author. I particularly enjoyed the reflective post-harvest canoe trips in the autumnal Canadian Shield.The book is philosophical without philosophy - biography as lived philosophy, rather than philosophical lecturing. Here, respect for the processes of nature is not so much a moral obligation as something learned through experience as a means to more profound spiritual enrichment. An enjoyable and enlightening read.
