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It’s been over 5 months of social distancing. If you’re lucky enough to have a job working from home, you probably consider yourself blessed. But staying focused, healthy and engaged in one room can take a toll on our body, mind and social spirit.
Here are five takeaways I have adopted that keep me fit and sane while earning a living at home.
My grandfather was a man who cherished every morsel; he ate slowly and with purpose. As a child, I remember he was always the last to finish—and we did not leave the table until he was done.
The midday meal was the most substantial and reverently honored. We sat and let him have the last indulgence. Comprised of garden vegetables, fresh or preserved, small animals, chickens, roots and bitter greens, my grandparents harvested and fermented many things.
Since sheltering in place, I have been examining how I eat and remembering the ways of my grandfather and wonder…
Since 1937, the Lundbergs have grown healthy, great-tasting rice while stewarding the soil, air, water, and wildlife as carefully as their crops. Lundberg Family Farms, led by the family’s third generation, uses sustainable farming practices and 100% renewable energy to craft wholesome rice, rice cakes, rice chips, risottos, quinoa, and more. All while protecting and improving the planet for future generations.
Before the pandemic, they experienced steady growth thanks to their efforts to optimize the retail distribution of their fastest-selling items.
After shelter-in-place orders were issued, consumers began purchasing staples for home-cooked meals. This resulted in unprecedented demand for their packaged rice, with year-over-year growth never seen before by the company.
Grant Lundberg has been the CEO of Lundberg Family Farms since 1998. He is the grandson of Albert and Frances Lundberg. They moved from Nebraska in 1937 after experiencing the ravaging effects of poor soil management during the dust bowl years.
Before the pandemic, my husband and I were spending countless hours driving hither and yon to studios practicing Gyrotonic and Pilates. We were spending hundreds of dollars each week and suffering through traffic jams and beach traffic to attend them.
Once we sheltered in place, we began taking an online class that has revolutionized our lives. Not only have our physical bodies improved, but our relationship has deepened because we are learning and practicing together.
The practice is called Gyrokinesis, and it doesn’t require any fancy equipment or costly gear. We wear comfortable clothes and sit on a simple stool, leaving a space about 5-6 feet away from each other to move. Now, that’s a safe social distance.
I want to wish everyone who reads this a happy and healthy 4th of July. We are celebrating our democracy and freedom in the midst of uncertain and unprecedented times.
Some of us may be unemployed or underemployed. Some of us may be wary of going into the stores to purchase food. Many of us are nervous about going back and enjoying restaurants.
My life has changed so much, and some of it has been for the better. I have more time to write, cook, exercise, and, much to my surprise, garden! Never before have I thrust my hands into so much soil nor cherished worms and pollinators.
Not only does gardening save me money, but it helps me connect with my husband and the soil beneath my feet.
Planting an organic garden is my path to self-sufficiency, and I’ll tell you why.