all the good things growing

As a parent of Generation Z, I worry that our children will no longer know the world the way we did as kids.  With all the dazzling new gadgets taking over our grade-schoolers lives, it seems to take more effort from the average parent to get them to play outdoors and enjoy the simpler, slower, more natural things life has to offer.

Recently, though, I realized that we actually don’t need to worry too much about nature losing her hold on our children’s future.  She has her warriors, busy as ever, working in a parallel universe as the geniuses that lead the world of technology and gadgetry.  Her warriors are busy planting their own vegetables, cooking healthy meals from their own produce, creating artisanal masterpieces in their home kitchens.

Some of the women I look up to and admire, like Maricar Xerez-Burgos and Paula Zayco-Aberasturi, have been harvesting the benefits of their efforts in backyard farming.  Here are some of the great ideas these super moms have been growing…

(photos courtesy of Maricar Xerez-Burgos)

(photos from https://www.facebook.com/pages/DowntoEarth/185062881523648)

Another thing I’ve learned is that it is natural for us humans to seek balance.  When we lean too much in one direction, our bodies (and our souls) let us know. We crave this balance more than we allow ourselves to believe it.  When we are stressed, a quick walk or moment outdoors can soothe and heal us.  When we’ve gained a little too much weight, our bodies let us know by sending us all sorts of signals, too.  All we have to do is slow down, be still, and listen.  Tata and I are on this journey together (but that's a whole other post). :)

So now, as a parent of Generation Z kids, I promise to worry a little less about all the new things the world has to give. I will decide to be less fearful and anxious about the way technology is changing the way we function.  And I will work hard to show my kids all the wonderful things that both nature and technology can bring to their lives.   I will allow them to bloom and grow in the world of technology, but let them learn from the land by taking them to gardens and markets and doing all those Sesame Street things I loved when I was little…and then with patience, wait & hope for the best. :)

P.S.

This year, on a trip to Bacolod, I was thrilled to be invited by another super mom and good friend, Aimee Fuentes, to her father’s farm. We all knew it was the kind of trip that would give our kids some of their best childhood memories. 

Then came a field trip to see how sugar is made.  Sesame Street dreams do come true! 

*See more of Paula's projects on http://www.downtoearth.ph/

anna