Cultivating Wellness: A Journey to Health and Wellness at the Lavender Farm
I’m Taylor Welch, Assistant Manager & Wellness Coordinator at the farm. I’ve had the pleasure of working at Seven Oaks Lavender Farm for over ten years. If you are a regular, there’s a good chance you’ve seen me around. Around this time last year, I was entering my last year of Master’s Degree in Public Health at Virginia Tech when Deb called me up and asked if I wanted to join the business in a more formal way after graduation. I did not need much time to think about my response as I couldn’t think of a better idea than to come back to the place that started it all for me. In addition to my normal responsibilities, I will be developing holistic health and wellness at the farm by offering experiences that bring healing to the mind, body, and soul. My vision is to create a space in which people can come to relax and reconnect with the healing powers of nature and plants. In honor of this new role, I wanted to share my story of how this vision came to be.
My journey to health and wellness has been a profound one, shaped by my experiences working at the lavender farm, pursuing my degree, and delving into the world of yoga and ancient medicine. I’d like to share my transformational journey, from healing through nature to recognizing the widespread need for community well-being, and how the principles of holistic practices and self-connection can serve as powerful tools for healing and change.
Nurtured by Nature – How Farming Healed Me
From early on, my life was defined by my health challenges. Depression and anxiety cast shadows that seemed inescapable, coloring my perspective, and breaking down my spirit. The diagnosis of an eating disorder in my early adolescence and other chronic conditions that developed as a result added a new layer of complexity to my struggles. Following years were marked by battles encompassing my mind, body, and soul.
During this tumultuous journey, the farm emerged as an unexpected refuge of healing, offering solace for my physical, mental, and emotional well-being. I began working at the farm at the age of 14 and it quickly became my sanctuary, a place where the stress of the outside world faded. The farm’s serene landscapes and rhythmic routines provided a backdrop against which my well-being could take root. The embrace of nature’s beauty became a counterbalance to the darkness of depression and anxiety. The smiles and laughs shared between coworkers reignited a sense of joy in my life. The act of planting, nurturing, and harvesting the lavender became a metaphor for my own journey towards healing. And most importantly, the unconditional love from the owners, Deb, Bix, Edie, and the rest of the family was the ultimate haven in which my heart could heal.
The farm is not only a place of healing for me, but a place of healing for many others. Throughout my ten years of working here, I’ve witnessed thousands of people seek solace in the peaceful ambiance of the farm. Beyond the physical healing properties of lavender, the farm offers a sanctuary where people find rejuvenation. From the moment visitors set foot on the farm, a sense of tranquility envelopes them. This tranquility acts as a balm for the stresses and anxieties of modern life, inviting visitors to leave behind their worries and immerse themselves in the serenity that nature provides. The farm remains a living testament to the power of nature that cannot be replicated in a doctor’s office or in a pill bottle.
Unveiling Community Health Issues
My own health journey motivated me to help others in their journey. I wanted to help them navigate through their pain and hardships. I wanted to heal the world. My studies in my master’s program opened my eyes to the broader health challenges faced by our communities. Our society is overrun with the hidden epidemic of health disparities, limited access to nutritious foods, and inadequate wellness resources. It was a wake-up call to the stark reality that many people are suffering, not only physically but also mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Armed with this knowledge, I felt an unwavering call to bridge the gap between nature’s healing potential and the health of our communities.
Yoga’s Wisdom: Reconnecting and Transforming
Yoga, with its emphasis on mindfulness, breath, and self-connection, has been my anchor throughout this journey. Through my yoga studies and exposure to ancient medicine, I began to see the threads that weave nature and health together. Beyond the physical postures, yoga is a philosophy that encompasses mindfulness, self-awareness, and unity with the world around us. Reconnecting with nature isn’t just an escape, it is a homecoming to the source of life, well-being, and total vitality. As I delved deeper into my studies, I began to see how these principles can serve as powerful tools for healing and transformation.
Bringing it All Together: Illuminating a Path Forward
As I stand at the intersection of healing, community health, and self-discovery, I am resolute in my mission to bring about positive change. Incorporating wellness into our communities is not a mere aspiration; it is a transformative endeavor that holds the key to revitalizing our spirits, empowering individuals, and fostering vibrant, thriving societies. The synthesis of my experiences on the farm, my studies in public health, and my immersion in yoga has illuminated a path forward - one where community health is nurtured holistically. By incorporating wellness principles, we can heal the total self; mind, body, and spirit. Here is how I plan to cultivate a place of wellness at the farm:
· Nature-Inspired Healing Spaces: Providing accessible green space for visitors at the farm where individuals can find solace, healing, and reconnect with nature.
· Educational Initiatives: Promoting awareness and information about holistic wellness through educational programs that explore all facets of health, holistic living, and self-care.
· Mindful Practices: Integrating mindfulness, yoga, and other energetic practices that empower individuals to manage stress, cultivate self-awareness and build resilience.
· Cultivating Community: Building relationships with our customers, neighbors, and other local businesses and to support the overall resilience, success, and well-being of our community at large.
In my journey I’ve learned that wellness is a multifaceted gem that shines brightest when shared. By integrating wellness principles, I hope to heal, uplift, and transform lives and cultivate a space of healing, growth, and vitality. Just as natured healed me, it can heal others. Let us embark on this journey together, hand in hand with nature, to inspire rejuvenation, growth, and a more vibrant and harmonious world for all.
Stay tuned for more to come as I start my own business, Wildflower Wellness Company!
Announcing our first ever Wellness Event at the farm!