Kendra Graves of Our Mothers Garden

The 467th recipient is Kendra Graves of Our Mothers Garden in Gresham, OR. Kendra writes:

What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “For me, self-care and well-being in farming is about finding ways to accommodate my needs while managing the demands of the work. That often means slowing down, protecting my pace so I can stay present, stay on purpose, and respond to how I truly feel in the moment. Taking time to check in with myself helps me prioritize what matters most, especially when things feel urgent or overwhelming.”

How I might use this $100 self-care award: “I would use the $100 award to create a dedicated rest space and altar at the farm where I can pause, reflect, and refresh. Around this area, I’d use garden design, tall plants and climbing flowers and herbs to form a living fence that gently and beautifully designates this space as sacred. I’d purchase an outdoor chaise lounge, pillows and an outdoor rug to create a place to lay down and rest during my workdays. For the altar, I’d gather meaningful objects from my personal collection, along with natural items sourced from around the land like stones, feathers, and herbs. This would be a quiet space for prayer, reflection, and ritual, a small sanctuary within the farm where I can reconnect with my body and the land, bring peace to my mind and strengthen my spirit to continue the work.”

Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: "One of the most important self-care needs for my well-being as a farmer is eating well. Limited time and energy for cooking, a lack of food storage or prep space in the field and poverty as a limited resource farmer make it hard to prioritize meals and nutritious, intentional eating. And yet, nourishing food supports my physical health, mental clarity, and emotional balance so I can handle the multifaceted and complex work of growing for market.”

#realfarmercare