Friends,
I traveled to Sedona, Arizona a couple years ago, and made it my personal quest to understand the energy vortexes that are claimed to be present there. I mosied around at the local rock shop where people were purchasing an array of sparkling crystals that they were planning to ‘charge’ at the vortexes.
“Can you tell me what kind of energy is charging the crystals?”, I asked.
“Its energy from the earth’s force.” someone told me.
“Where does the energy come from?”, I asked someone else.
“It’s the energy of all things.”, a young man told me.
“Why is the energy here?” I asked a 60-something lady.
“Some places have more energy than others, and this place seems to have more energy every time I come here. It’s healing.”
Ever since, I have wondered, if Sedona does indeed have some kind of alluring energetic qualities, that have in essence created the space. I did get a special feeling there, that I ponder even to this day.
Eight years ago, we were approached by Milwaukee Urban Gardens because the City of Milwaukee was hopeful that the 1.5-acre lot at 220 E. Concordia could be used as an urban agriculture site. When I walked onto this lot, it was a crisp day in the very early spring. The sun was shining brightly on the entire lot and I was immediately enchanted. We imagined the entire lot lush with a harvestable forest, vines hanging with plump tomatoes, birds and butterflies fluttering about. We imagined people gathering there to grow food together, building community and living a more sustainable, nutritious life.
From that time, a handful of people were compelled to transform this land from an abandoned tax foreclosed lot to the lush urban farm that it is today. And this lush farm, now called the Victory Garden Urban Farm, drew in more people, more activity, and seemingly more energy.
Goose Island Brunch at the farm
Apparently, this piece of land has affected many others in the same way. I now give 2 or more tours per week at the farm. The neighbors come in to harvest fresh vegetables; students from area schools receive specialized, hands-on education programs about growing and eating good food; and our farmer sends produce to micro-local restaurants customers.
A couple years ago, the farm, drew a retired Belgian engineer, who brought with him dozens of edible perennials, and more fortitude than any 7 college interns advancing the farm even further.
Last year, someone planned a surprise marriage proposal at the farm. Just last week, The Goose Island Brew Company held the most charming brunch at the farm. I watched nearly 100 people who had never been there before, look around, eyes wide, in awe of the oasis before them. The Farm seems to be buzzing with more energy than ever.
Recently, as I was perusing real estate websites, I noticed the obvious donut shape around The Farm, suggesting that there are no houses immediately surrounding that farm that are either for sale or foreclosed. Unusual in this area. A sign perhaps, of this energy’s allure, bringing residents to live, work and play by the farm.
This question still wiggles around in my mind, however – Did the people bring the earth’s energy to this site or did the earth’s energy bring the people?…. Or even more, is there a difference?
Come see us and get the vibe. I dunno, bring your crystals. Maybe it’s really a thing. Can’t hurt to give it a try.
~Gretchen
Victory Garden Urban Farm as it looks today! Photo Courtesy: Lance Massey