Crop Rotation
On the ruts we get in and how rotating replenishes.
The land here in Lancaster County is full of farmers, and I am not one of them. I’ve learned a practice, however, from living in proximity to them. The practice of crop rotation.
As I just mentioned, I have no crops. So what needs rotating? I’ll get to that in just a minute. First, a word about the practice itself.
There’s rest, and then there’s rotation. Both replenish the soil.
A word from Rodale Institute:
Crop rotation is the practice of planting different crops on the same plot of land to improve soil health, optimize nutrients in the soil, and combat pest and weed pressure … If a farmer plants the exact same crop in the same place every year, she continually draws the same nutrients out of the soil … Crop rotation helps return nutrients to the soil … Life in the soil thrives on variety.
Life in the soil thrives on variety. When’s the last time you mixed it up a bit?
I know from my athletic son that doing the same physical exercises over and over again is rather pointless. You need to mix it up to gain the full benefit. It makes me wonder what ruts I’ve gotten into (there are many!), and if any of my routines could use a little rotating. I’m thinking here of my diet, exercising, spiritual practices, daily schedule, work life, and relationships.
What new things might nourish?
It’s not just crops that need rotating. Tires do, too. I read that by doing so, it helps them wear evenly. It reduces drag, extends their life, and can even prevent blow outs. Hello!
In the spirit of all this, I’ll be rotating some work crops. For the months of November and December, I will not be offering spiritual direction. Nor will I be penning these Little Life Words. While I hope there will be some rest in these months, it’s more about rotation. I’ll be working on some bigger writing projects and engaging in new work with my church.
I’m feeling a tug to rotate other areas as well, especially in my spiritual practices. I typically relate to God through words (mine and His), so in order to rotate I just ordered this resource to help me engage in art as well.
We can rotate in big or small ways. Think about how you spend your free time or what type of books you typically read. Consider trying new foods, an alternate route to work, or a different way of relating to a loved one.
In so doing, may your soul’s soil be replenished and balanced, affording it the opportunity to sustain life with new vigor and vim!
Crop Rotation: Our Little Life Words of the Week.
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REFLECTION & RESPONSE
Ponder:
In which routines, rituals, or relationships do you feel stuck in a rut?
What might you rotate in order to replenish?
Practice:
For at least 3 weeks time, try doing one thing in a different way.
Play:
The song we’re playing is: Sow Good Seeds by Mavis Staples.
Pray:
Replenish the soil of my soul.
I'm telling you one thing, though, Jenny, just so we're clear: I'm not rotating your LITTLE LIFE WORDS out of my Monday rut.
Have a lovely, nourishing time, wise and smiling one, and be well! I'll expect you when I see you!
Love this message. Rotation is the antidote to muscle memory…such a good reminder for the body, mind, and soul.
I am very excited to hear more about these longer writings! But I will miss the LLW. Yours is the one blog post I always read.
🥰