Summary

The author reflects on the experience of collecting an abundance of broccoli seeds, pondering on nature's generosity, and contemplating the deeper connections and lessons from this simple act.

Abstract

The article titled "Abundance" under the section "TANKA | GAIA" on the undefined website is a personal narrative about the author's encounter with the bountiful nature of broccoli plants. While enjoying a cup of tea, the author is reminded by their partner, Boj, of the importance of saving broccoli seeds for the next planting season. The author takes this opportunity to sit and collect the seeds, reflecting on the challenges of the morning, which included taking care of unwell children and doing household chores. The process is accompanied by the presence of a cricket, which the author sees as a spirit animal and a sign of connection to nature. The author contemplates the vast number of seeds produced by the plants, acknowledging the surplus that cannot all be used or shared due to legal restrictions in Western Australia. The experience leads to musings about abundance, the interconnectedness of life, and the potential for future inspiration on how to best utilize the excess seeds. The narrative also touches on the influence of other thinkers and writers in the field of permaculture, such as Trista Ainsworth, Desiree Driesenaar, Bill Mollison, and David Holmgren, and the impact of media like "The Biggest Little Farm" in understanding sustainable living practices.

Opinions

The author values the abundance and generosity of nature, as evidenced by the overwhelming number of broccoli seeds produced by just a few plants.
There is an appreciation for the simple moments of connection with nature, such as the presence of a cricket during the seed collection.
The author feels a sense of responsibility to save and plant seeds for future use, highlighting the importance of sustainability.
The strict laws in Western Australia regarding the distribution of seeds are seen as a hindrance to sharing nature's abundance.
The author expresses a personal connection to the concept of spirit animals, particularly with crickets, and sees them as messengers or signs.
There is a sense of regret

TANKA | GAIA

Abundance

Gifts from nature

Abundance gifted

Open eyes to witness it

One broccoli plant

Vegetable for plates now

Seeds to plant for future feasts

As I sat on our driveway enjoying a cup of tea, Boj (my partner), dropped a bundle of broccoli plants at my feet. They had gone to seed.

“These seeds need saving for next season,” he said.

Sure. I chuckled. A please would have been nice, but I got the point. Boj is to the point — a trait I have grown to appreciate over time.

The sun was warming me up as I sat on the concrete.

Giving me a boost of energy. I was happy to sit longer and get something that needed doing done at the same time.

It had been a challenging morning.

My girls hadn’t been feeling the best overnight. I was running on an energy deficit. Allergies or other, unsure. They were acting more like themselves. Loads of washing from the aftermath were on the line, so I had the luxury of some uninterrupted time.

I grabbed a jar and started collecting the seed pods. As I worked a little cricket joined me on my arm. Happy to stay where it was for a few minutes.

Crickets and their songs have always been part of my life. Last year, during a zoom meeting, one landed on my screen. It looked like the host was staring right at it and I had to share.

Mr cricket joining a zoom session — photo my own

The concept of spirit animals sparked into my awareness by another participant's comments on the photo.

I was horrified one morning a week or so later when I accidentally vacuumed Mr Cricket up. I felt terrible. After apologising, I buried the body next to my office and placed some flowers from our garden on top. My mind couldn’t process what that did to the meaning for me!

I felt forgiven; this little one was giving me a sign. In my mind, at least!

My thoughts moved to the number of seeds in each pod, and then the number of pods on each plant.

Nature’s abundance.

More seeds than we could ever use for the rest of our lives. Each one the potential to grow another plant, and gift more seeds—the overflow, seemingly infinite.

I collected more than enough seeds for ourselves, family and friends, and there was still 2 and a half more plants at my feet.

What do we do with all the extra?

I considered posting them out into the world. But they would undoubtedly be sprayed due to the strict laws in Western Australia. Their ability to germinate lost.

Back to the Earth they went. Nothing wasted.

But still.

As I write, I can’t help feel like there was another way to spread the overflow. I know the answer will come to me, or google will! My energy is sure to return and find the answer next time. Before my impulse kicks in and I put them in the compost bin again.

Seeds of connection

Trista Ainsworth is currently on a 100-day journey of abundance. I couldn’t help but feel her presence as my thoughts wandered.

Starting a New Journey

Diving deep into the abundance of the universe

medium.com

Desiree Driesenaar’s name also appeared in my notifications as I logged in to write this piece. Her presence always close by as my hands touch the abundance of our garden.

Wonderful Worms Will Change the World

Wisdom and healthy, living soil should be our #1 priority.

driesenaar.medium.com

We watched The Biggest Little Farm last night before the spew hit the fan — so to speak.

Was for the girls to get more understanding of life if/when we leave the city. The land we seek is not as large, but the concept of permaculture (link to a clip made by Perth local documentary maker Dogs Go Woof) will be embraced.

An easier to digest format for them to reading and listening to permaculture greats Bill Mollison or David Holmgren.

If you are interested, check out the trailer.

Thanks for reading

Thanks for being you