I started this journey of wanting to do on farm therapy years ago. I was working on a local farm in Gainesville, FL. Moving through picking crops, feeling the wind against my skin and looking over at my farming buddies, I realized what I wanted to do with my life. I wanted to share this with others, the connection to the land and the connection I felt with my friends in this space. We supported each other and the land supported us.
Gazebo tent on the farm. A place to sit and talk
I didn’t grow up farming. It was something I found later in life. I saw this as a way to connect to my roots. My ancestors immigrated from Norway to farm in Iowa. Their connection to the land was a fundamental part of who they were, integral to their identity and livelihood.
Woah, I just did the math on this. I believe this journey started in 2009. Today was magical for me and soothing to my clients with the sounds of birds, the cool breeze, the flowers and numerous shades of greenery. We were embraced by nature, my new colleague. I hope this is the start of many more days where we join together to support others in their healing journey.