Maddie Weikel of Gaining Ground

The 507th recipient is Maddie Weikel of Gaining Ground in Concord, MA. Maddie writes:

What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “I have learned to farm from people who believe that farming itself is community care. Land stewardship, inviting folks to spend time on and work a beautiful piece of land, and actually feeding people nutrient-rich, culturally exciting, and delicious foods are all powerful modes of building community health and therefore community power. Part of showing up for community is paying attention to the rhythms and aches in my own body, and having this attentiveness has been a challenge for me. As I continue to experience potent correlation between my own physical and emotional health and between my ability to show up fully for my communities, I am motivated to find more strategies for holding myself accountable to ‘self care.’”

How I might use this $100 self-care award: “I would be excited to put the award toward some spring bodywork. I got a massage last fall from a friend of a friend, and he offered me a very discounted rate because I’m a farmer, and it was still $100+. The session was quite physically and emotionally healing, and I credit the massage and the advice he gave for further care with my ability to continue to perform physical labor throughout the winter. I don’t foresee that my schedule (or budget) would allow for regular sessions with him, but I would like to go back to him for a late spring/pre-harvest season session, and then again in the fall. Another idea is the use part of the award to purchase some medicinal herbs/teas/salves/candles from local growers. I have some friends who grow herbs and make medicines, and while I could get my hands on some products through community ties, I would love to use their incredible products while financially supporting their businesses.”

Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: "Lately, having time and energy to stretch every day, to limit alcohol intake, and choose sleep whenever I can have been positive changes for me. I think what makes me feel most grounded and care for, though, is when I am able to spend time with people who share my values and participate in the work of building a more just world. This has looked like recuperating with folks who participated in an intense protest while working together on the farm, and also has looked like celebrating the beautiful Jewish harvest festival of Sukkot on the farm, among other things. Being able to get more folks to be able to physically access the farm where I work (which is not close to public transit and requires a car to access) would definitely contribute to my wellbeing. Also, being given permission to harness the reach and power of the sizable volunteer program on the farm, in order to share information and build ideas around food justice, would help my wellbeing by chipping away at feelings of hopelessness and despair that more easily creep in amongst the horrors of the current administration. Also, wearing nice sunscreen and having quality protective work gear during extreme heat would be nice.”

#realfarmercare