Dogma
dog▪️ma
noun
a principle or set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertibly true.
Finding shoulds and should nots are as simple as an internet search, opening a social app or talking to someone you may or may not know. I have found that for me- hard lines or a dogmatic way of thinking can be beneficial in situations regarding morals, ethics, or possibly feeling in control of a situation. Alternatively, I have also found them to have a negative effect on life when applied to diet, exercise, personal wellness and of course, farming.
Health is bioindividual and should always be treated as such. We know some broad things to be true, eat whole foods, move your body, get rest, make connections and limit things that impact you negatively. I believe those are principles we can safely live by. Although there is a lot to be had in between those truths. There are many dogmatic diets that can be considered whole foods; let's name a few “fix all” trends. Whole30, which served our family well-ish and resulted in myself reaching for more information on nutrition and wellness then eventually to further my education. Unfortunately, it did leave a few members of my family with a lasting fear around “good or bad food”. Then we have Keto, carnivore, or any ultra low carb diet, these are tough. I do believe these can work well when used therapeutically to correct imbalances, or chronic illness but not beneficial for indefinite use. Persons using these diets for lifestyle, should look further into the long term effects of severely reducing carbohydrates. Our bodies will adapt to alternative fuel sources when put into emergency situations to survive. When forced to use ketones as an emergency fuel, our minds become clear, our energy levels rise and we have motivation. These “super powers” are given to us to get out of this emergency situation. Although it is not sustainable to live in survival mode for an extended period of time, our bodies are bound to tap out eventually. Fasting, this ongoing fad full of endless opinions is controversial and faceted. I can write an entire post on fasting alone. The dangers that these dogmatic approaches impose on our lives include the metabolic damage from on again off again habits, being undernourished, along with the shame and guilt that comes with the cognitive dissonance of failing or undoing what has been achieved. Why do we find excitement and comfort in programs like these? I myself have spent many years of life leaning into something with such structure, to be left with disordered thoughts and metabolic disarray. It seems we are out of touch with what we innately know.Thoughts and cravings clouded by addicting flavor profiles and gimmicks. Instead of trusting ourselves to make choices within basic whole food guidelines.
I found that being a new farmer I fell into the same issues. I read, I listened, and I spoke to experienced growers. There are so many rules. Farming Practices can be just as dogmatic as anything else. I am learning the “laws” of no-till farming and becoming a regenerative farmer. What I have found this past year after much confusion around what to do and what not to do, is what I knew all along- health is bioindividual. This pertains to the present and future health of the land too as our fields are also bioindividual. I can learn, watch, listen, and then implement what is necessary. With something ever changing, you must move with it. Yet again, connecting the dots between our bodies and the place we live and grow. Most of the time it has been trial and error. Finding balance and realizing what aligns with nature to bring harmony, holistically. We aren’t perfect farmers but we are forever students of our surroundings.
Sometimes nature is loud and boldly answers us, sometimes it nudges subtle cues that push you to go against the norm. I have to constantly remind myself to keep a non dogmatic approach around wellness. With so called answers to any question at our fingertips, we forget to ask within. I encourage you, in this wild place we live, to use innate wisdom whenever possible.
