Harvesting From the Land: An Activation of the Whole Self

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 1:30 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: The Spiritual Remedy and Renewal for a More Just Education (Table 10)

Abstract

Indigenous makers who harvest from the land have recognized that this work cultivates a sense of healing. To explore this further in my research, I have discovered and theorized that this is because an unlocking of the whole self is occurring, and that harvesting work, nurtures space that allows us to bring out our whole selves – the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

Harvesting from the land requires hours of labor (physical), the mind becomes focused by the repetitive tasks (mental), and a meditative lull occurs (emotional), creating space for the self to have an inner awareness which can feel almost celestial (spiritual).

Activities and spaces that allow for the whole selves to emerge is a path to healing and wellness.

Author

• Starlit Simon, University of New Brunswick