The success of an intervention depends on the interior condition of the intervenor. ~ Bill O’Brien
Most growers in developed countries only have experience with contemporary farming systems, which relies on constant fertilizer and pesticide inputs and purchased seeds.
If you are reading this post, you are aware to some degree that regenerative agriculture management systems have so much more to offer than contemporary systems: higher yields, improved nutritional integrity, disease resistance, insect resistance, reduced input costs, increased profitability, reduced climactic risk, regenerating ecosystems, improved public health outcomes, and so much more.
As we realize the incredible potential and untapped opportunities we want to share our excitement and the information we are learning with our peers.
Many growers are struggling today, in different ways. With overwork. With difficulty in making ends meet. Not having enough time with family and friends.
Once we observe and experience the possibilities of regenerative agriculture, of course we want to share them others.
If we desire to facilitate change, it is critical that we recognize the receptivity to different/new ideas has nothing to do with the potential benefit of those ideas. The openness to a new approach has nothing to do with how skillful you may be at implementing, or at pitching a new approach.
Anytime we attempt to guide someone in a different direction, we engage in intervention. Even in matters as trivial as what to make for dinner or which socks to wear.
The outcome of an intervention has nothing to do with the skills of the intervenor. It has everything to do with the place within from which the intervenor comes.
You may be the most skillful carpenter in the region, but not be able to guide home builders to consider important improvements in their new home.
You may be the most knowledgeable agronomist in the state, but not be able to get farmers to shift management practices.
You may be a very successful regenerative farmer, but other farmers who observe and listen to you make few changes on their own operations.
Why?
Because our ability to facilitate change in others has nothing to do with skills or knowledge. Instead, it has everything to do with our internal state, where we are coming from within.
When we come from an internal place of love, appreciation, care, and respect, others can feel this and are able to respond, to be open, vulnerable, without fear of judgement, and engage with our input on a deep level. The level required to actually make changes.
When we come from an internal place of judgement, this is felt as well, and there is no opportunity for openness and hearing what the other has to say by either party.
If we desire to facilitate change with our friends, neighbors, colleagues, all the people we really care about, it is not useful to focus on a discussion of what we consider ‘bad’. It is much more powerful to be for something than it is to be against something.
Being ‘anti’ can give us a shot of energy from all the drama created, but doesn’t inspire people to actually change. Anti-GMO, anti-glyphosate, anti-tillage, etc., is seldom a productive message.
The farming community needs you to be a leader. To engage in authentic conversations where you are able to come from a place within that can inspire change.
Are you ready to step into this internal space?