Work the Soil: An Ancestral Tradition

I think all Ticos have a relative, friend, or neighbor who has a farm and cultivates the land. But how many of us have participated in any agricultural activity? Better yet, we can ask ourselves, is it possible to plan a vacation in the country side? For those living on a farm, since that is their livelihood and a way of life, this idea might seem strange, but for city people, office workers, and housewives, it can be a fun and educational option.

For the kids, being in touch with the soil is essential to their holistic development. Working with the land teaches us the value of what it produces, connects us with the cycle of life, and even strengthens our immune system.

Starting the day at the first light, sharing the environment with the birds while they start singing, sensing in your hands the fertility of the seeds you are sowing, knowing you will be harvesting their fruit weeks or months later, is an experience everyone should have.

A farmer’s skills cannot be learned overnight, admiring his work and acknowledging the importance of his contribution to our community are attitudes that we must promote within each one of us. So, let’s all get “hands-on” in the soil!