For the Love of the Land
By Cath Conlon
THE NEW HUMAN VOCATION IS TO HEAL THE EARTH
WE CAN ONLY HEAL WHAT WE LOVE
WE CAN ONLY LOVE WHAT WE KNOW
WE CAN ONLY KNOW WHAT WE TOUCH
– SAM KEEN
What does hope look like to you? What does it feel like? What does
it sound like? We've all had and felt it at some time, probably more
when we were young, but nonetheless, it's out there, and we bump into
it on glorious occasions. Imagine if you could actually schedule a place
and a time to receive it. It's possible.
One of the best-kept secrets in Houston is the story of a person who
has been quietly saving the world. In the midst of our SUVs, traffic,
mayhem, health issues, and struggles to reconcile What should I be
doing? there is a woman who has found practical solutions for restoring
the earth – and people.
I have recognized The Land as a fundamental teacher for most of
my adult life. A master gardener, certified permaculture designer and
general contractor, I brought this understanding to fruition seventeen
years ago on twenty-three acres of land located near the farm and
ranch community of Hempstead, Texas. My dedication has led to
the establishment of the Blackwood Educational Land Institute, a
non-profit organization. The site has been developed as a place that
encourages the spirit, feeds the soul, challenges and educates the
mind, and encourages all of us to be whole, healthy, and accountable
to ourselves, our colleagues, and our natural world.
Blackwood reminds us of the incredible bonds
between nature and people, and that opportunity
lies in fostering that relationship to strengthen our
communities.
Just how to develop a thriving community is a
complex question. The approach at Blackwood is
to introduce the visitor to the land and its myriad
of scientific, artistic, mysterious, and mathematical
connections. The earth has been around a lot
For the
Love of the Land
longer than we have and has successfully figured out the dynamics
of sustaining a highly diverse community. The students are taught
how to identify these delicate interrelationships and how to integrate
the concepts into their daily choices. This leads to treating the land
with more kindness, which is recognition of kinship, the fundamental
necessity for developing thriving communities.
In1990, I saw a blank slate that was calling for teachers of all
walks of life to come and see what we could create together. There
was nothing on the site. No shelter, no toilets or running water, no
electricity. Just trees with thick undergrowth interspersed with fields
of poor quality soil. This was a golden opportunity for individual
and community development. We worked to heal the soil and build
a sustainable habitat while continuing classic classroom lessons;
outside, for part of the day. The talents of several experts such as a
pond hydrologist, master gardeners, engineers, astronomer, ceramists,
doctors, city planners, artists, educators, scientists and community
leaders were enlisted. They were each asked to teach the students how
each of these disciplines are connected to the land and each other.
Much earlier in my life I had been a therapist and then a building
contractor turned “green building” contractor. I found I could have
a greater impact on people’s lives as a contractor than as a therapist.
The four pillars that hold up the Institute are:
environment, social justice, health and well-being,
and spirit. I am truly passionate about my work here
and know that this is my main purpose in life. I wake
up each morning not only excited about my day, but
full of hope.
(Cath Conlon is the director of Blackwood Educational Land Institute in Hempstead, TX. Visit her website for retreat and event information: www.blackwoodland.org)
