Somewhere along my travels I heard the saying, “Abundance is having what you need, when you need it.” I can’t tell you the source of this – if you know, please fill me in. But I understand the root of it, as I find my life becoming ever more abundant. Since beginning this effort towards community sustained farming, I increasingly experience more awe than effort, as the weaving of people, ideas, creativity, laughter and tears continues.

In the past week, all of the pieces have come together for the puzzle of the making of syrup. From the knowledge of trees, to the first hand knowledge of tapping, to the sources of proper and simple, inexpensive tools, the people needed for the task are dancing with a childlike enthusiasm that never ceases to draw me in.

And the equipment to produce bio-fuel has appeared. Not magically, but of clear thinking, vision, and kindness.

“Abundance is having what you need, when you need it.” If this is so, the perspective to dance with abundance must be - understanding what it is you need, recognizing the gift when it comes, and having the ability to manifest when abundance comes your way.

As the social systems that we have created continue to deteriorate, we can sit back and watch with fear and attempt to bolster the decay – or we can choose life, choose peace and abundance.

For those with no desire to farm, I understand – and there is no need. There are wonderful people and communities developing in cities throughout this country creating urban gardens and fostering community. One leader in this movement is a visionary and an unrelenting source of strength and compassion when it comes to feeding people.
His name is Will Allen, and he is the founder of the Milwaukee based Growing Power. Recognized for his efforts, he is currently supporting Michele Obama’s Let's Move program, as she leads a campaign to reduce childhood obesity by providing good nutritious food to people of all neighborhoods at reasonable cost.

As we consider the rising cost of health care versus the benefits of proper nutrition from conception to old age, and as we acknowledge our dependent relationship to the earth and our need to keep her free of chemicals and practices that corrupt her ability to feed us, community sustained farming and urban gardens are obvious solutions.

Spring is most definitely upon us. The depleting winter will soon melt away. The time for abundance and gathering will come to us. Are we ready?

“Abundance is having what you need, when you need it.”