Food forests are ideal places to connect with life—the life that we are and the life that surrounds us.
When we mindfully engage with these living and dynamic systems, a connection arises that transcends our “self.” We open ourselves to a natural and communal growth in which all living beings thrive.
A food forest, with its many plants, animals, and dynamics, offers a playground where we can joyfully feel our place. For example, when we perform management work, we can engage in conversation with the plants we care for, expressing our willingness to create abundance together.
Every constructive relationship requires good communication, and that is precisely what will be reflected in us. If we have aligned actions and sincere intentions in relation to what surrounds us, this will be reflected in growth and abundance.
Food forests show us how nature works together. Look at these climbing beans, which weave their way through other plants, supported by their surroundings, while simultaneously bringing nourishment and beauty. In a food forest, abundance is created through connection—between plants, animals, and people.
In this day and age, where there’s a great desire for meaningful relationships that contribute to our living world, food forests are the perfect places to focus our thoughts and actions on what is life-giving. In this way, we remember what it means to be human in relation to our food, and together we create added value for all living things.
And we don’t have to do this alone. A food forest can be supported by a community, where we care for the trees, plants, and animals together, and for each other at the same time.
In this way, I thank the 8 years that I was able to live in the food forest of @De Weegbree and I look forward to a new place to reconnect.