Dear Curiosity Journal,
When I first started farming, I didn’t pay much attention to my body mechanics, but seven seasons and several spinal challenges have forced me into mindful movement, especially during the asparagus harvest. I no longer bend at the waist, putting maximum torque on my lower back. Instead, I practice deep squatting or lunging, bracing my core, and not reaching too far off center balance. My legs are absolutely burning after a 100 lb. harvest and triple digit squat reps, but my back is doing better. I tell Rufus to try squatting to save his back, which he does for about 1 minute, and then reverts back to his well worn pattern. Rufus and I joke that commercial growers must also be athletes to make it through the season. Eating nutritious meals, building muscle, stretching, working through soreness, staying hydrated, increasing stamina, staying mentally strong, and preventing injury are all part of the game. Loving my body enough to sense into my physiological needs, rather than plow past pain, is a lesson I learned the hard way. I’m thankful that I can pull back, move mindfully, find more ease in my body, and continue doing what I love.
~Joy
