I’ve been thinking about writing something new––a series of “farm meditations,” moments that have inspired me or made me think about life in a new way while working on the farm or in the garden.
I love this entry and series! Great reflections and the metaphor is not lost on me…where my mind goes in times of stress and things outside of my control. The challenge is to make a present choice and not fall into the trap of automatic thoughts and reactions. Thanks for the morning read.
Beth, I always enjoy your writing. This is very timely for me. I have been pondering all that is nuts in the world and what I can do about it.... Deciding exactly what I am in charge of, what I am definitely NOT in charge of. How the help of friends and family can make it all doable. The way that we as humans CAN work as a team. Thank you for being a part of this and sharing your insights with all of us. Carry on!
Thanks so much Patricia. Seeing that we are in charge of so little can be freeing. And perhaps in your case too, not expecting an outcome might also be important. The team work can be the reward, not the pot of gold at the end of your efforts.
Love this series... I hope you have a chat with that inner critic and keep it up. Growing up, worrying about cattle getting out was such a source of stress.. I can tell you a great story about one of our prime bulls getting out and heading out on the road when we were young and my parents were gone. So frightening but all can work out if you are calm.
Over the years we have farmed, the cows getting out was a usually a big headache. One summer long ago when are forty year olds were babies, there was a terrific storm through our farm. It happened at night and we did not know the fences were knocked down or flooded out. We spent the next day hunting down our cows who were spread across a couple of townships.
This is one of your best, Beth! What a slice of farm life in Iowa! In my 18 years on an acreage in southern Greene County, I got involved a half-dozen times in helping farm neighbors get their wandering cattle back into proper pastures. Scared the shit out of me every time!
I enjoyed reading this post and your reflections at the end. Wrangling anxiety is probably one of the biggest challenges I have in this life because it means letting go of being in control. Hard to do! I try to practice mindfulness, being in the moment when dealing with a challenging situation, and when I can do that, it really does help.
But when you're caught up in the moment of an issue that poses some big problems if not resolved, it's Hard to Do! I like what you wrote about doing what you need to do and letting the situation play itself out. I'm going to try to remember that the next time I'm thinking of worse case scenarios - which 9.75 times out of 10, usually don't happen. Thanks for sharing this.
Each time our cows have escaped (yes, I left the gate open twice) we have had helpful neighbors discover the escape and either alert us or guide them back in themselves. These are people whose cattle have escaped at times as well. No matter how careful we are, stuff happens. It is definitely a reminder of our common vulnerabilities. Oh, and the cows usually enjoy the outings. We don't have enough playthings for them in our pastures.
I think your anxiety was worthy of the situation. You were alone. The animals were large and expensive, and you did not know how far away they were or who you could get to help. It all worked out. There is something to be said about staying calm as you assess a situation. It may be that there are other situations in which you have been quick to perhaps over react, but don't be too hard on yourself!
I love this entry and series! Great reflections and the metaphor is not lost on me…where my mind goes in times of stress and things outside of my control. The challenge is to make a present choice and not fall into the trap of automatic thoughts and reactions. Thanks for the morning read.
Thanks!! I so appreciate your support. And yes, to be present, especially when you have little control, is always my challenge too.
Beth, I always enjoy your writing. This is very timely for me. I have been pondering all that is nuts in the world and what I can do about it.... Deciding exactly what I am in charge of, what I am definitely NOT in charge of. How the help of friends and family can make it all doable. The way that we as humans CAN work as a team. Thank you for being a part of this and sharing your insights with all of us. Carry on!
Thanks so much Patricia. Seeing that we are in charge of so little can be freeing. And perhaps in your case too, not expecting an outcome might also be important. The team work can be the reward, not the pot of gold at the end of your efforts.
Love this series... I hope you have a chat with that inner critic and keep it up. Growing up, worrying about cattle getting out was such a source of stress.. I can tell you a great story about one of our prime bulls getting out and heading out on the road when we were young and my parents were gone. So frightening but all can work out if you are calm.
Thanks Suzanna! Can't wait to hear your bull story too (in a poem perhaps??)
You never know! Here’s an impromptu haiku:
Bull out on the road.
Fear in the hearts of farmers.
Don't want hamburgers.
Over the years we have farmed, the cows getting out was a usually a big headache. One summer long ago when are forty year olds were babies, there was a terrific storm through our farm. It happened at night and we did not know the fences were knocked down or flooded out. We spent the next day hunting down our cows who were spread across a couple of townships.
That sounds AWFUL. I can only hope nothing like that ever happens to us!!!
So long ago I don't remember. The good stuff about farming reigns over the bad stuff most of the time. :>)
Love this window into your life--I look forward to this series!
This is one of your best, Beth! What a slice of farm life in Iowa! In my 18 years on an acreage in southern Greene County, I got involved a half-dozen times in helping farm neighbors get their wandering cattle back into proper pastures. Scared the shit out of me every time!
Thanks Chuck! Having neighbors who are willing to help get cattle back in is priceless! (And it is scary!).
Beth, I love this! You bring us into your world, with complex issues non farmer can't fathom. Thank you!
I enjoyed reading this post and your reflections at the end. Wrangling anxiety is probably one of the biggest challenges I have in this life because it means letting go of being in control. Hard to do! I try to practice mindfulness, being in the moment when dealing with a challenging situation, and when I can do that, it really does help.
But when you're caught up in the moment of an issue that poses some big problems if not resolved, it's Hard to Do! I like what you wrote about doing what you need to do and letting the situation play itself out. I'm going to try to remember that the next time I'm thinking of worse case scenarios - which 9.75 times out of 10, usually don't happen. Thanks for sharing this.
Each time our cows have escaped (yes, I left the gate open twice) we have had helpful neighbors discover the escape and either alert us or guide them back in themselves. These are people whose cattle have escaped at times as well. No matter how careful we are, stuff happens. It is definitely a reminder of our common vulnerabilities. Oh, and the cows usually enjoy the outings. We don't have enough playthings for them in our pastures.
Yes, terrific piece! I've had many neighbor's bulls and other animals wandering around at my place over the years. Great metaphor.
I think your anxiety was worthy of the situation. You were alone. The animals were large and expensive, and you did not know how far away they were or who you could get to help. It all worked out. There is something to be said about staying calm as you assess a situation. It may be that there are other situations in which you have been quick to perhaps over react, but don't be too hard on yourself!
Ah yes Pat! Another essential key to life - DON'T BEAT YOURSELF UP! Great fodder for another post.
Thanks for reading!
I love this piece!