New Solace in old places
Recently, I visited a very special winery not far from Los Angeles that has a little farm of animals as well as great offerings of farm-to-table foods. Much of the produce and dairy that they serve at the restaurant is from the farm itself and you could definitely taste the incredible flavor that comes with that type of food sourcing. Tasting nature’s bounty at its freshest truly is a different experience. Not only was the food different, but the winery itself was a change from the typical wine tasting setting: while still gorgeous, it was much more casual and farm-like, than most estates or tasting rooms I’ve ever been to. That suited this child of small-town New England just fine! But, despite the fresh and delicious food (and the great wine!), what really drew me to this particular place was the animals.
I have always been drawn to nature and animals. As a young child I would often escape the chaos of my home and spend hours and hours outside in searching for my animal friends in nearby woods or on the trails around our home. I never had to be taught the beauty of nature; I can swear it was innate, something that has always been in me. But when life was hectic or chaotic, as mine sometimes was when I was a child, I am certain that my little nervous system recognized that being in nature and being surrounded by wildlife was a refuge. I knew instinctively that, when in nature, I had a greater ability to process things that I didn't always have words to name or skills to deal with. The sound, the sights, the smells, drew me to a place calm and, even then, when necessary, self healing. In summer time it was birds and bees and at night crickets and frogs and the subtle light of fireflies. In wintertime the sound was the absence of sound, that special silence that you know if you’ve been outside in the woods surrounded by freshly fallen snow. It is quite literally the “sound of silence,” as Paul Simon sings about in that beautiful song of his, and to me it’s a symphony.
When you are a small child running around a big backyard of woods and nature, the animals become your friends. I have vivid memories of wild rabbits, chipmunks, deer, snakes (ugh!), random cats, dogs, deer, foxes, and more than once a bear or a moose. This setting outside and with these animals who I could see and feel close to but never touch, became my refuge. A place of solace in what was an otherwise rather crazy little world.
So when I found out that this winery had animals and a pleasant outdoor space, I was instantly drawn to it and knew I had to go. I am obviously no longer a small child and no longer have access to the woods right outside my door (LA living!), but life can still be chaotic, and sometimes even pretty tough. I suppose for that reason I am still drawn to the very things that comforted me so long ago – the peace of nature and the calming impact and unconditional acceptance and love that animals provide.
To be clear these were goats and sheep and pigs. Hardly bears or moose! And they were VERY domesticated and used to being fed the bunches of lettuce provided to visitors for the animals’ munching pleasure. But there is still that connection with animals that was an instant reset for a nervous system that has been feeling all the feels lately. I highly recommend it!
So, while this post isn’t about wineries or farm-to-table food or even animals and nature, it is about finding what you need to care for your mental wellbeing, especially during the inevitable challenging times. I posted last week about therapy and coaching as extremely helpful tools to deal with life’s challenges and to navigate through the tough stuff (and the easy stuff too!)…a place to be heard, guided, and supported.
However, given that I do try to look at things holistically and through a broad angle lens, I’d be remiss if I didn’t share my trip to the farm winery with you. Sometimes the reset we need or the relief we seek from all the hard and heavy things can come our way can be as simple as petting a goat. Kids know this, and I’m glad I was reminded of it.
I hope you find this helpful and that I have shared a concept – reconnecting to your comforting roots – that you can implement in your own life. As always, I’m here for you.
