CommunicationInitiated by John Meadley
In the spirit of the holiday season, the author invites us to contemplate the profound connection between beauty, authenticity, and joy, drawing parallels from diverse realms, including the humble sheet of paper and the pasture-based raising of ruminant animals.
The author posits that everything in the universe—time, space, Earth, rain, minerals, sunshine, cloud, river, heat, consciousness, and even the logger who cut the tree—is encapsulated within the sheet of paper. This concept serves as a metaphor for the interconnectedness of all things, reminding us that we are all part of a vast, intricate web of life.
As we delve into the world of farming, the author's reflections this year have been centred around the same three words: beauty, authenticity, and joy. Raising ruminant animals wholly on pasture is considered beautiful, authentic, and joyful as it aligns with their natural diet, covers two thirds of the world's farmland, acts as the world's largest solar panel, and stores the world's largest single store of carbon.
The beauty in this context emerges from the vibrant, diverse pastures and healthy animals raised in authentic, pasture-based systems. This natural aesthetic reflects the ecological harmony and vitality of the farm environment. Authenticity, derived from the Greek word "authentikos," defines farming practices that are real, actual, genuine, original, first-hand, and proceeding from their stated source. These practices align closely with natural systems, such as rotational grazing, multi-species integration, and grazing management, which respect animal welfare and ecosystem function rather than relying heavily on industrial interventions.
Joy arises both for the farmer and the animals from this connection to land and nature. Animals grazing in pasture-based systems express natural behaviors that indicate well-being and contentment. Farmers often report greater satisfaction and joy from managing landscapes that are thriving ecologically and producing high-quality animals in balance with nature. Together, these elements create a synergistic relationship: beauty in the landscape reflects authentic management, which in turn fosters joy through the well-being of animals and people.
While specific studies on "beauty" and "joy" are more qualitative and philosophical, the documented benefits of pasture-based raising of ruminants include improved animal health, richer biodiversity, and more resilient farm ecosystems—all of which underpin the authentic and joyful experience of farming holistically.
In a world where the phrase "you cannot manage what you cannot measure" seems to hold sway, the author reminds us that there are other areas where intuition and a sense of what is right play a crucial role. The beauty of the way of love cannot be planned and its end cannot be foretold. This holiday season, the author wishes for joy and peace throughout the Christmas season and beyond, and encourages listeners to throw themselves wholeheartedly into the present.
Listening to the Icelandic pianist Víkingur Ólafsson's description of his creative turning points can bring joy and a sense of peace. Whether it's the birth of a child or a calf, a good harvest, family and friends coming together, solving problems on the Pasture for Life forum, or sharing biodiversity on farms, joy can be found in various situations. The one (sheet of paper) contains the all (universe), a reminder that everything is interconnected and dependent on each other.
As we reflect on the end of the year, let us remember this concept as we look forward to the new year, embracing beauty, authenticity, and joy in all aspects of our lives.
- In the spirit of the new year, let us consider the interconnectedness of all things, such as 'biodiversity' in our farms, 'lifestyle' choices, 'fashion-and-beauty', 'food-and-drink', 'home-and-garden', 'relationships', 'travel', and 'cars'.
- The author suggests that the same beauty, authenticity, and joy we find in pasture-based farming can also be seen in various aspects of life, like the well-being of our relationships, the beauty we express through 'fashion-and-beauty', the joy we experience while traveling, and the sense of home in our 'home-and-garden'.
- When it comes to our living spaces, let us strive for 'authenticity' as much as possible, ensuring our homes are filled with peaceful moments, much like the intuitive approach in 'love'.
- As we embark on a new year, let us aim to find joy and peace in various situations – such as finding 'biodiversity' in our gardens, experiencing the authentic beauty of our travels, and cherishing the simple pleasures in life, like a good 'meal' or listening to a heartwarming story.
