When I am thinking about where I am going in my own life, I find it helps sometimes to look out my window, or to step outside and wander around for a bit to see how the life in my garden and the wider world grows, connects and flourishes. I find we can learn a lot by looking at the patterns and principles that guide the living world around us.
Often when I talk with someone who has reached out for assistance I will start by trying to understand what their vision for a good life is. What will life look like when it is going really well- who will they be, to themselves, and in relationship with their family, friends and community.
This is a core part of planning for the future but it can be hard for many people to really articulate this. It takes time, and often it can take feeling safe and supported to really be able to explore this question. So I thought I would suggest starting off at a different point- to start with preparing, and repairing the soil, or ground beneath our feet.
To flourish and grow we often need to make changes that will support and encourage the new growth that we are seeking. Do you have what you need in order to grow well?
I am currently studying permaculture design- and in this course I have learnt so much about observing and learning from the world around us- including soil and the soil food web. And while I’m not going to go into great detail about it here- I will include a few points that I think are really useful in thinking about our own lives and the lives of loved ones, or family members with disability.
The soil food web is a term to describe the life within the soil- the relationships and connections, the range of organisms and microorganisms. It is made up of the fungi, the plants, animals and the mineral and chemical reactions that together help to sustain, repair and regenerate our ecosystems leading to healthy growth of the plants within them.
Unfortunately much of our soil is depleted and lacking nutrients. It might be the wrong type, crowded with weeds, or it may even be contaminated. Without improving the soil food web, anything you plant will struggle. To enable it to grow you will have to try and compensate by adding more fertiliser or chemicals, or watering more often. And even then it is likely the plants will be less resilient and more vulnerable to pests and disease. They simply won’t be as healthy, as well or as happy as they otherwise could be. You will be spending more time, energy, and money without getting the outcome you want.
For people living with disability the negative assumptions, isolation, low expectations and a disregard for an individual's needs, and wants within the wider system have too often left the ground beneath their feet especially depleted. This makes it very hard for positive and sustainable change and growth to occur and to be maintained. But just like the soil, the ground of our own lives can be nurtured, fed, and improved.
There is great value in taking time, looking at what you have right now and reflecting on what you want for the future. It might help to listen, share and talk with other people in your life who are known and trusted and who also believe good things are possible.
If you would like to explore how you might improve and enrich the ground beneath your feet do get in touch. You can either book in for a discovery call online, or reach out to make a time to meet.
Happy growing!
Jo Walters