Surrendering To The Pooh
After trying to avoid it for the first 15 minutes, I realized quite quickly that there is just really no way around it; having cow manure all over your hands and occasionally splat on you is just part of the job. I call it “surrendering to the pooh.” It is kind of like walking in the rain. We may try to avoid it for a bit, but if you are in it long enough and just commit to ‘being’ in the rain, it really doesn’t matter anymore and you can then start enjoying yourself.
So am I enjoying having cow manure all over me? Well, I wouldn’t say enjoy, but it certainly doesn’t bother me as much as it once did and allows me to focus on other things… such as not getting kicked in the face from a hoof or getting the right positioning of the milking suctions on the ‘teets.’ (maybe by Friday I will be able to say that word without a smirk, though I highly doubt it)
The meeting of farmers looking to convert their farms to produce organic milk Monday was pretty informative. I was able to learn a lot about the industry and advantages to organic farming. It was really interesting to see the different dynamic between people and what prevents some from moving forward with it. Some people were thinking more of the benefit to the environment, taking a more holistic approach whereas others were only interested in the bottom line and if they would make more money by doing so.
It made me think about consumer buying power in general, in that we as consumers have a much larger influence than we think. By demanding corporations to be more socially responsible/conscious in their practices, we create an associated benefit for companies to do so that will often help to increase their bottom line. So whether companies want to appear socially responsible because the market demands it and so are forced to, or if they genuinely would like to make a positive difference, at least we are moving in the right direction.
Be sure to check out ‘Pledge Your Passion,’ and if you agree, sign your name!
-Sean
I love it Sean… I wish I could be there to see you all pooh covered… haha. I am so glad that you are committing to the pooh as you do the rain. I remember the first time I went to my friends house one Sunday after church… they were farmers… and I fell in the gutter… yes I cried, but it was great. Never had to fear it again because it already once before. Before you know it, you will be playing hide-and-go-seek in cow pens!
Sean, I’m beaming with pride as I read your blog on “Poohism”; it’s all about us learning to surrender to our respective realities isn’t it? Might be the next big moovement, who knows?
I especially liked your comments on consumer buying power. I believe this is a relatively untapped and untested force, and one that can manifest significant change in the world, especially as it pertains to our endangered environment.
On another note; please know that you have left your indelible mark on Lotus Soul Gym Yoga, and all those there who have connected with you. The youthful and optimistic energy you exude is something to admire and is a beacon for all those who follow your brave and insightful footsteps.
Namaste,
Henri
Earlier on my trip I stayed on a ranch in the southeast corner of Montana and spent a couple days trailing cattle back from the land and then weening the calves. Yeah… it got messy, but what an awesome experience, it’s still one of my favorite stops on the trip, just cool to see how they live off the land.
Falling in the gutter Alison, ouch, not sure if I am at the point where I would be comfortable with that, but hey you never know!
Thanks so much Henri, it was a great experience working with you guys! “Poohism” - By accepting our current reality, we then have the ability to change it. That could work.
Yeah you are right Bugsy, it is a different experience and I am really enjoying it.
-Sean
[...] After leaving the Slomp family dairy farm in Rimbey, Alberta for Week Eight, I headed back to Edmonton and spent the night there. That night I was cruising down Whyte Ave and was in the middle of the street trying to hail down a cab for a couple of people when a random guy walked up to me and with a sly smile said “So what makes you think you get to do all the fun jobs?” I laughed, and then he said “somebody’s go to do the crappy ones.” Thinking back to my last job, he may have been speaking literally. [...]