DOCSLIB.ORG

Spirituality, Nature and Self-Transformation on the WWOOF Farm

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Spirituality, Nature and Self-Transformation on the WWOOF Farm Spirituality, Nature And Self-Transformation On The WWOOF Farm MSc Thesis Malou ter Horst (900125366010) Master Forest Nature Conservation (MFN) Forest Nature Conservation Policy group (FNP), Wageningen University Under supervision of Clemens Driessen & Birgit Elands 20th May 2016 1 Table of Contents Foreword ................................................................................................................................................. 6 List of tables ............................................................................................................................................ 7 List of figures ........................................................................................................................................... 7 Summary ................................................................................................................................................. 8 1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 9 1.1. Spirituality, self-transformation and nature ......................................................................... 10 1.2. The WWOOF organization .................................................................................................... 12 1.3. Tourism in the cultivated landscape ..................................................................................... 13 1.4. WWOOF: from motivations to outcomes ............................................................................. 14 Motivations and expectations ....................................................................................................... 15 Experiences and outcomes ............................................................................................................ 15 1.5. Researching spirituality ......................................................................................................... 17 1.6. Coming to research questions .............................................................................................. 17 2. Theoretical background ............................................................................................................... 19 2.1. Experiences ........................................................................................................................... 20 The lived experience ...................................................................................................................... 20 Experience and meaning ............................................................................................................... 21 2.2. Bringing in spirituality ........................................................................................................... 21 Experiencing flow .......................................................................................................................... 22 Mystical experiences ..................................................................................................................... 22 Flow and mysticism ....................................................................................................................... 23 Spiritual experiences ..................................................................................................................... 24 Nature, spirituality and the self .................................................................................................... 25 Collective spirituality ..................................................................................................................... 26 2.3. The different faces of nature ................................................................................................ 27 The use of symbols ........................................................................................................................ 27 Wilderness ideals .......................................................................................................................... 28 Home and away ............................................................................................................................ 29 2.4. Self-transformation ............................................................................................................... 30 Shift in meaning systems .............................................................................................................. 30 2 Spiritual development ................................................................................................................... 31 Learning and change ..................................................................................................................... 32 Sense of place ................................................................................................................................ 33 Connectedness .............................................................................................................................. 33 2.5. Coming to a conceptual framework...................................................................................... 35 3. Methods ........................................................................................................................................ 37 3.1. Approach and purpose of the study .......................................................................................... 38 3.2. Ethics ..................................................................................................................................... 38 3.3. Methods for data collection.................................................................................................. 39 Ethnography .................................................................................................................................. 40 Interviewing .................................................................................................................................. 44 Online investigation ...................................................................................................................... 46 Integration of methods ................................................................................................................. 47 3.4. Methods for data analysis ..................................................................................................... 48 4. Results ........................................................................................................................................... 50 4.1. Tables representing results ................................................................................................... 51 4.2. Types of experiences ............................................................................................................. 59 Pure experience ............................................................................................................................. 59 Deep experience ............................................................................................................................ 59 Joyful experience ........................................................................................................................... 60 Memorable experience ................................................................................................................. 61 Harmonious experience ................................................................................................................ 61 Connecting experience .................................................................................................................. 62 Integration of experiences ............................................................................................................ 63 4.3. Types of outcomes ................................................................................................................ 65 Connectedness .............................................................................................................................. 65 Adaptation .................................................................................................................................... 66 Sense of place ................................................................................................................................ 67 Change .......................................................................................................................................... 68 Learning ........................................................................................................................................ 69 Integration of outcomes ................................................................................................................ 71 4.4. Bringing together experiences and outcomes ...................................................................... 73 5. Discussion ..................................................................................................................................... 77 5.1. Activities ................................................................................................................................ 78 3 5.2. Experiences and the natural environment ........................................................................... 79 Nature through spectacles ...........................................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • A Critical Race and Class Analysis of Learning in the Organic Farming Movement Catherine Etmanski Royal Roads University, Canada
    Australian Journal of Adult Learning Volume 52, Number 3, November 2012 A critical race and class analysis of learning in the organic farming movement Catherine Etmanski Royal Roads University, Canada The purpose of this paper is to add to a growing body of literature that critiques the whiteness of the organic farming movement and analyse potential ramifications of this if farmers are to be understood as educators. Given that farmers do not necessarily self-identify as educators, it is important to understand that in raising this critique, this paper is as much a challenge the author is extending to herself and other educators interested in food sovereignty as it is to members of the organic farming movement. This paper draws from the author’s personal experiences and interest in the small-scale organic farming movement. It provides a brief overview of this movement, which is followed by a discussion of anti-racist food scholarship that critically assesses the inequities and inconsistencies that have developed as a result of hegemonic whiteness within the movement. It then demonstrates how a movement of Indigenous food sovereignty is emerging parallel to the organic farming movement and how food sovereignty is directly Catherine Etmanski 485 related to empowerment through the reclamation of cultural, spiritual, and linguistic practices. Finally, it discusses the potential benefits of adult educators interested in the organic farming movement linking their efforts to a broader framework of food sovereignty, especially through learning to become better allies with Indigenous populations in different parts of the world. Introduction Following the completion of my doctoral studies in 2007, I sought out an opportunity to work on a small organic farm.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 6 Motivations for Food System
    Durham E-Theses `Local Food' Systems in County Durham: The capacities of community initiatives and local food businesses to build a more resilient local food system MYCOCK, AMY,ELIZABETH How to cite: MYCOCK, AMY,ELIZABETH (2011) `Local Food' Systems in County Durham: The capacities of community initiatives and local food businesses to build a more resilient local food system , Durham theses, Durham University. Available at Durham E-Theses Online: http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/3304/ Use policy The full-text may be used and/or reproduced, and given to third parties in any format or medium, without prior permission or charge, for personal research or study, educational, or not-for-prot purposes provided that: • a full bibliographic reference is made to the original source • a link is made to the metadata record in Durham E-Theses • the full-text is not changed in any way The full-text must not be sold in any format or medium without the formal permission of the copyright holders. Please consult the full Durham E-Theses policy for further details. Academic Support Oce, Durham University, University Oce, Old Elvet, Durham DH1 3HP e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +44 0191 334 6107 http://etheses.dur.ac.uk 2 „Local Food‟ Systems in County Durham: The capacities of community initiatives and local food businesses to build a more resilient local food system Amy Mycock This thesis provides a critical assessment of the capacities of „local food‟ businesses and community-led local food initiatives - in County Durham, North East England - to build resilience into our food systems.
    [Show full text]
  • 5-In-1 Virtual Event !
    5-in-1 Virtual Event ! The content you need to make critical decisions for your farm Register today: bit.ly/GrowingStronger2021 EVENT SPONSORS 5-in-1 Virtual Event: This conference is all about collaboration. These outstanding businesses have stepped up to make sure the “show goes on.” MOSES Organic Farming Conference Our community couldn’t gather without their support. Please join us GrassWorks Grazing Conference in thanking them and visiting their booths in the online exhibit area. OGRAIN Conference Midwest Organic Pork Conference Organic Vegetable Production Conference Feb. 22-27, 2021 Build your skills and nurture your passion for organic and sustainable farming! Register today to grow stronger Acres U.S.A. Nature Safe Fertilizer with your community: Agricultural Flaming Innovations Nature’s International Certification Services Albert Lea Seed NutraDrip Irrigation Douglas Plant Health Ohio Earth Food bit.ly/GrowingStronger2021 Dr. Bronner’s Organic Farmers Agency for DRAMM Corporation Relationship Marketing (OFARM) F.W. Cobs Peace Corps Response Food Finance Institute Royal Lee Organics Gallagher Animal Management North America SQM North America Grain Millers, Inc. Sunrise Foods International, Inc. Questions? High Mowing Organic Seeds Suståne Natural Fertilizer, Inc. Kreher Family Farms Vermont Compost Call the Registration Team: Man@Machine | Treffler Organic Machinery Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, 888-90-MOSES MOSA Certified Organic Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) 3 Michael Perry SCHEDULE Bestselling Author, Humorist, Playwright, Radio Show Host CONFERENCE SCHEDULE Perry’s bestselling memoirs in- Growing Stronger is packed with opportunities to connect clude Population: 485 and Truck: and grow your farming skills, plus find resources for the grow- A Love Story.
    [Show full text]
  • WWOOF UK Newsletter
    W W O O F UK NEWS worldwide opportunities on organic farms issue 258 spring 2018 inside: Taster Days UK Immigration Rules vintage WWOOFers WWOOF welcomes 16 year-olds interest free loans for hosts? wwoof uk news issue 258 page 2 editorial WWOOFing medical emergency and advises us on how welcome to the winter 2017 to plan for the worst, page 11. edition of WWOOF UK News WWOOFer Carolyn Gemson shares some of the side effects of WWOOFing she’s found, page 9 and vintage Spring should be officially with us by the time you read WWOOFer Martin talks to Chief Exec Scarlett, page 4. this, and I’m hoping it’s going to be a gentle and replen- Mr Fluttergrub tells how to tend to and propagate Jeru- ishing one after what feels like a long, cold winter. We salem Artichokes on page 6 and allows me to introduce have some new initiatives to start the growing year the word ‘fartichocke’ into the newsletter which gives with – our first Taster Day was sold out well in advance and we are looking for more hosts willing to encourage delight. Childish, I know. non-members into the WWOOFing fold, page 3. WWOOF UK trustee Katie Hastings shares details of the UK and Ireland Seed Sovereignty Programme on page The minimum age for WWOOFer volunteers has been 10 and on page 8 Phil Moore, ex-WWOOFer and Eco- reduced to 16; we explain the thoughts and intentions logical Land Alliance friend, tries to persuade us to get behind that on page 11 while on page 7 we offer a on our bikes and go dragon dreaming in Wales.
    [Show full text]
  • The Charter of WWOOF Belgium
    The charter of WWOOF Belgium 1. OUR VALUES, OUR PHILOSOPHY, AND THE GOALS WE WISH TO PROMOTE Create a direct link between consumer and producer, between city dwellers who don’t live in connection with the land, and rural dwellers who live alongside her. Provide an opportunity to learn about the lifestyle and conditions of the biological farmer who lives from his/her agricultural activities. Offer timely assistance to farmers and any person who engages in an ecological project. Discover the know-how and skills, and the cultivation and commercial methods of organic farmers who produce healthy food for a local population. Raise awareness of the value and importance of food in our lives. Promote a philosophy of solidarity, mutual assistance and non-monetary exchanges. Offer opportunities to experience a way of life in ecological balance and conscientious of a respectful ecological footprint. Provide an opportunity to discover the ‘real’ Belgium to people from around the world. 2. A HOST Their profile The profile of a host is very varied: an organic farmer, an individual maintaining her/his organic garden, or undertaking an eco-construction project, a craftsperson ... What is common to all is the desire to share and transmit knowledge (over agriculture and organic gardening, different philosophies such as agro-ecology, permaculture, biodynamics, eco- construction…). In addition, a host likes to share his/her lifestyle (everyday ecological practices, family and neighbourhood ties, projects for the future). The charter of WWOOF Belgium - page 1 10/28/2019 A host never sees a wwoofer as an employee with a duty of profitability and / or subordination.
    [Show full text]
  • WWOOF UK Newsletter
    W W O O F UK NEWS worldwide opportunities on organic farms issue 260 autumn 2018 inside: WWOOFing with alpacas taster days—a success story calendar countdown commences WWOOFing in the Scottish Islands #penntopaper on the plot with Mr Fluttergrub farm hack and CSA gathering beaver reintroduction update wwoof uk news issue 260 page 2 editorial We’ve had real success with our experimental taster welcome to the autumn 2018 days this year – on page 7 we tell you how they’ve edition of WWOOF UK News gone and how to get involved in future events. Page 8 brings news of a revised approach to our AGM and re- I hope the summer has been kind to you – many people gional gatherings while on page 3 we are delighted to will have revelled in the consistent bright weather announce that we will be making a calendar for 2019 much of the country has had, with all the opportunities available and give you details of how to get yours. it’s given to plan outdoor events with confidence and Mr Fluttergrub is looking on the bright side of the re- enjoy the longer days. At the same time there have cent high temperatures and celebrates a bumper crop been major challenges associated with the heat and of aubergines – he tells us how to grow and nurture lack of rainfall. We’d love to hear how it’s been for our them for best cropping, page 6. members and what part WWOOFing has played. And what could ever be cuter than WWOOFing with We have a couple of new features in this issue.
    [Show full text]
  • Outdoor Education Through Ecological Living for Change in Way of Life
    Department of Arts, Craft and Design Center for Environmental and Outdoor Education David Schott Outdoor Education through Ecological Living for Change in Way of Life Master in Outdoor Environmental Education and Outdoor Life Thesis 15 ECTS Supervisor: Dr. Dusan Bartunek LiU-ESI-MOE-D--06/008--SE Estetiska institutionen Avdelning, Institution Datum Division, Department Date Department of Arts, Craft and Design S-581 83 LINKÖPING 2006-05-20 SWEDEN Språk Rapporttyp ISBN Language Report category English ISRN LiU-ESI-MOE-D--06/008--SE Thesis Serietitel och serienrummer ISSN Title of series, numbering ____ URL för elektronisk version Titel Title Outdoor Education through Ecological Living for Change in Way of Life Författare Author David Schott Sammanfattning Abstract Human are currently living in a way that profoundly affects the planet, and the lives of future generations. Our value system promotes economic gain over environmental health. We are taking more than we are giving back, stretching beyond the limits of sustainability. Earth cannot sustain the current human lifestyle under these conditions. This is paired with the fact that the current system of education focuses on producing economically productive individuals instead of environmentally and socially aware persons who carefully consider the impacts of their actions. This study examines the capacity for “ecological living” to use outdoor education as a tool for changing the present human way of life. Thirty three ecological farms responded to a questionnaire examining the importance each placed on current vs. alternative values. The respondents also answered questions displaying the relationship between life on their farms and the key components of outdoor education.
    [Show full text]
  • Ecology and Farming No 2/2012
    ecologynr 2 // May 2012 farmingAND Education TRAINING AND EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES IN ORGANIC FARMING - AROUND THE WORLD Organic Agriculture B.V. Organic Raw Materials – The Safer Choice Consumers expect a lot from Organic products: Over the years Tradin has initiated a number of own projects. health, safety, well-being and environmental friendliness. These projects are the backbone of Tradin’s trade activities: • Sesame and Green Coffee from Ethiopia. Food producers therefore need appropriate organic raw • Frozen Fruit from Serbia and Bulgaria. materials and Tradin Organic Agriculture BV provides these: • Original Basmati Rice from Pakistan. certifi ed, controlled, analysed organic raw materials. • Vietnam’s Cashews, Pineapples and Passion fruit. A wide range of products is being imported from over • The Seeds and Pulses from China. 36 countries all over the world, coming from well • Iranian Raisins. established packers and processors: • Coconut Oil from Indonesia. Dried Fruits and Nuts / Seeds, Pulses and Grains / • Cocoa and Banana Chips from the Philippines. Cocoa products / Juices, Purees and Concentrates / • Orange Juice and Pink Grapefruit Juice from Mexico. Sweeteners / Fats and Oils / Frozen Fruit and more. These projects do not only supply safer raw materials, but From the cultivation, to the harvesting and further also they are exemplary and have a positive spill-off effect processing or refi ning Tradin is present. We can organize, in their regions. Beyond the organic agricultural techniques, control and manage all part of our supply chain, allowing sustainability, CO2 footprint, and Fair Trade concerns are at us to meet the expectations of our customers. Therefore, our top priority, all these characteristics have been embraced we can provide a full traceability report to each of our into our daily operations to provide the best possible social customers for each products.
    [Show full text]
  • New Solutions for Collective Action
    Bringing Organisations & Network Development to higher levels in the Farming sector in Europe www.bondproject.eu BOND PROJECT New Solutions for Collective Action BIODIVERSITY & LOCALITY Poland And Czech Republic the future of europe’s Foods & Landscapes 1 BOND PROJECT New Solutions for Collective Action BIODIVERSITY & LOCALITY Poland And Czech Republic THIS PROJECT HAS RECEIVED FUNDING FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION’S HORIZON 2020 RESEARCH AND INNOVATION PROGRAMME UNDER GRANT AGREEMENT N° 774208 Editorial Consultancy: Centre for Academic Writing, Coventry University Catalina Neculai and George Ttoouli Authors: Tomasz Włoszczowski (Społeczny Instytut Ekologiczny Poland) Alena Wranová (Asociace místních potravinových iniciativ, o.p.s. Czech Republic) With contributions from: Justyna Zwolińska (Koalicja Żywa Ziemia - Poland) Wioletta Olejarczyk (Gospodarstwo Słoneczna 25, Poland) Marcin Wójcik (OIKOS, Poland) Jacek Bender (Gospodarstwo Brodaty, Poland) Anna Page Vejvodová (Ohař Farm, Czech Republic) Martin Rosenbaum (Lukava Farm, Czech Republic) Vojtěch Veselý (Biostatek Valeč, Czech Republic) Revisions: Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations MariaGrazia Rocchiggiani and Francesca Carpano Coventry University Angela Hilmi Responsibility for the information and views set out in this report lies entirely with the authors. The Agency and the Commission are not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains. This report is part of BOND project that has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement No. 774208. Design and Layout Cristina Canestrelli- Francesca Lucci July 2020 Rome, Italy TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary 7 1. Introduction 9 BOND Project Overview in the Region and collective farming in post-Soviet EU countries 2.
    [Show full text]
  • Simple Living & Country Skills
    Simple Living & Country Skills SPECIAL COLLECTION • Choosing a Watchdog • Self-Sufficient 1-Acre Homestead • 75 Ways to Live on Less and Love It PHOTO BY: BRYAN WELCH Choosing and Training a Watchdog By Barbara Pleasant Make your pet a safe and loyal guardian. My home security system is large and Justice, 16 percent of American house- guard duty. Watchdogs look, listen and black—and she pants when it’s hot and holds were victims of property crime in bark to sound the alert that something sheds hair every spring. In return for 2003. Especially in rural areas, the theft unusual is happening in their territory. regular feeding, periodic veterinary care pattern goes like this: Thieves make a After that, humans take over. and grooming, I get a beloved compan- quick visit to a house or farm to check Dogs have performed this duty for ion that barks loudly when any strange for security, then return later to take thousands of years. In Tibet, the little vehicle enters my driveway. My dog also what they want. But a barking dog often Lhasa apso, called the “bark lion senti- chases opossums from my deck and rab- turns off potential burglars at the scout- nel dog,” was bred to work as an indoor bits from my garden. But mostly, my ing phase. watchdog. In Belgium, schipperkes watchdog makes me feel safe. It’s no surprise that, of the 68 million earned the nickname “little captain of I am not operating under an illusion: pet canines in the United States, most the boat” because of their work as ship According to the U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • A Cross-Cultural Perspective
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by NORA - Norwegian Open Research Archives Vegetarian Foodways A Cross-cultural Perspective Joanna Maria Michalowska Master’s Thesis Department of Social Anthropology UNIVERSITY OF OSLO Spring 2008 2 Summary Vegetarian foodways are relatively universal – identifiable in different parts of the world and in different local contexts. However, owing to the particularities of these local contexts, vegetarian foodways are also culturally specific. I use the empirical example of vegetarianism in Japan on the one hand in order to both illustrate the transnational vegetarian foodways and show them in a context different from the original Western one. On the other hand, vegetarian foodways in Japan serve as an example of a distinct local variant of the transnational phenomenon. In addition, Japan has significantly contributed to the development of the transnational vegetarian foodways by means of the spread to the West of Zen Buddhism, macrobiotics and more general holistic attitudes to food and health, as well as certain foods. I start by presenting developments in modern Western foodways concerning the consumption of meat and attitudes to it, and within these developments, the advancement of vegetarianism as a dietary option, a lifestyle and a social movement. I point out Japan’s contribution to these developments and identify the main tenets of the transnational vegetarian ideology resulting from the meeting of ‘West’ and ‘East’: compassion for all living beings, human health and vitality of vegetarian food, and concern about the natural environment. I proceed to present vegetarianism in Japan through a series of contextualised empirical examples consisting of a vegetarian organisation and four individuals operating in Japanese society.
    [Show full text]
  • Willing Workers on Organic Farms (WWOOF): the Alternative Farm Stay Experience?
    Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen JOST 553 Willing Workers on Organic Farms (WWOOF): The Alternative Farm Stay Experience? Alison J. McIntosh The University of Waikato, New Zealand Susanne M. Bonnemann Lincoln University, New Zealand This paper aims to contribute to knowledge about the farm stay experience by providing exploratory insights into the characteristics that are common to a hosted stay on a WWOOF farm and to investigate whether the experiences provided for visitors by WWOOF hosts are notably different from those offered by other farm hosts. The paper reports the findings of in-depth interviews conducted with 12 WWOOF hosts and 22 visitors staying at WWOOF farms located in the rural region of Canterbury in the south island of New Zealand. The findings of the study, while indicative, show that the hosted experience on an organic (WWOOF) farm may be notably different from that provided at a commercial farm stay, with four key dimensions: the rurality of the expe- rience; the opportunity to learn about organics; the personal meaningfulness of the experience; and the element of sincerity in the experience. Keywords: farm tourism, WWOOF, New Zealand, tourist experiences Introduction Farm tourism has become an important factor in the rural economies of many Western countries and serves as an important component in the cultural appeal of rural destinations. Commentators have argued that tourists increasingly seek authenticity in ‘the different’ which everyday life cannot offer (MacCannell, 1992), such as in the experience of rural lifestyles, or, the ‘ordinary life of others in different countries’ (Pearce, 1990: 351). Although attention to visitors’ experi- ences at farm stays is important for the achievement of sustainable farm hosting and, more generally, for rural destination development, the published literature on farm tourism has provided minimal analysis of visitors’ perspectives of farm tourism.
    [Show full text]