Homesteading – Part One

Posted by LeeAnn on November 2nd, 2009 at 03:45pm

Life is an expression of Oneself
- Helene Clifford

My mom is part of the homesteading generation. At 83 she lived the prairie experience of root cellars; thrashing by team of horses; going to school and teaching in a one room school house; she lived by oil lamp and later a generator; and rode in the first Model T. Her life was not driven by consumerism and materialism instead it was lived simply connected to the land and the community. That part of her life was focused on the day to day realities of what it took to live.

While we may not be called to homestead land and farm it, I believe we are being called to homestead the landscape of our soul. So what does that mean?

Personally it has been a journey of discovery. The first part of my life was focused on living my passion – of course that was horses. I lived, breathed and dreamed horses. I drew barns. I pretended that I was an Olympic rider. I pretended to groom, stable and care of my imaginary horses.

Starting at 15 I begin my professional career that would span 30 plus year of my life. From grooming for an Olympic contender in 3-day eventing, to a working apprentice on a nationally known Arabian farm, to training with an Olympic level dressage coach, to training riders in my own nationally known barn for amateurs and junior exhibitors – I lived the dream of my youth. Along the way my soul called for something different. At times I listened – at times I didn’t.

Even though the passion waned, I truly didn’t know where to go or what to do. I loved the horses, I didn’t love the industry. I loved the relationship with the animals that was both spiritual and soul soothing. And I didn’t know how to get quiet and truly listen to what was calling me. I trusted external voices more than I trusted my internal knowing.

An injury took me out of training. I guess when you are a bit of bone head and don’t trust the Universe; the only way for your soul to get your attention is to create a reason to move on. However I felt lost. Nothing spoke to my heart like the horses.

Scott Peck talks about four stages of growth and development. The first being the ego; the second the ego plus where we follow human “should’s” and rules – it is the time where we follow institutional rules and what external authorities tell us to do. The third phase is the ego questioned. It is the time when we played by all the human rules and nothing is really working out for us. The forth stage is the ego surrendered. It is time that we no longer look to the external for validation and satisfaction; rather we become comfortable with our inner journey and trust the inner nudges of our life.

The third and fourth stage of this journey continues to be part of my homesteading practice. As I learn to live more fully in the NOW rather than in my history or in alignment with other people’s opinion I become more and more comfortable aligning myself with my soul.

What I have learned is that my Soul is always calling me to a greater experience; that there is really something inside me nudging me to a greater expression of me. With that knowing I now realize that part of my homesteading journey is to really come to know me. It is my job to discover what pleases me, discover what I like and to become at home with my desires, choices and needs. It is not about someone outside of me making me happy, it is about me being happy in my own company and with myself. As I become comfortable in my own skin, with me I can more authentically be in relationship with friends and even an intimate partner.

At least for me, homesteading is a conscious journey. I practice daily through prayer and meditation to remain centered in myself. I begin with thanksgiving to all that show up as my teachers; be it human or challenges. I light a candle to remind me that I can always shed light on any situation. I set the tone of listening, knowing that all my legitimate needs are always met and I make myself available to really hear in what ever form – be it direct insight, a message through a friend, a song on the radio… I make myself available to the “present” of this moment and today. I then go about my day knowing all that I am to do in the world will be done in right and perfect order.

All of the practices take commitment especially when I don’t feel like it. Maybe I see life differently now that I have moved into the age of maturity and wisdom. Or maybe I have had enough experience to know that my soul never steers me wrong even if the journey is somewhat interesting. One thing is for sure.. I am committed to this homesteading experience.

Join me on this journey – if you are willing, share your homesteading rituals and routines –

Until next week…

Be well and Blessed

leeann_sg