Greetings!
My name is Evan Heard, I have been working and staying at Wild Heart Farm in Rimrock Arizona for about two weeks at the time of this writing.
Evan planting anemones in the peony patch
I recently graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in Sustainable Built Environments. Throughout my studies, my perspective on life’s purpose was altered dramatically. I came to see the legitimacy of the climate affairs our world is subject to today. I became cognizant of the grim future my generation will undoubtedly face. Pondering these recognitions, a question continuously arose: what significance did any work hold that wasn’t contributing to slowing down the rate of nature’s demise?
I began to devise a plan; what role could I play in saving mankind from the doom of climate change? I started by looking at what consequences of climate change appear most prominent. A major concern expressed throughout my studies was climate refugees. It is very possible that within my lifetime, the major coastal cities will become unlivable in their current ways as a result of sea level rise. Where will all these climate refugees go?
Hopefully, the displaced will seek out more sustainable methods of living to avoid the climate’s progression into apocalyptic conditions. But where will they look for guidance? I believe that as we move into this stage of climate change it will be essential that proper examples of sustainable communities are established to provide blueprints to this massive exodus of climate refugees. I have come to recognize part of my life’s mission as one of these examples, pioneering a new relationship between humankind and Mother Nature.
But where do I start? How do I become this pioneer?
Evan helping construct Hugelkultur beds with a layer of dead logs and branches to conserve water and soil.
Coming out of college, I felt quite lost. I knew I had an important path to fulfill, but no idea of where to begin. I remained in Tucson and started working on a start up farm nearby. I quickly discovered this farm would not be where my knowledge would expand; the farm owner was exceptionally aloof and provided close to zero guidance or direction. In spite of that, this farm did bring me a friend that would completely revolutionize my idea of how a life can be lived. Two weeks after my start date on the farm, she arrived in her van which had also served as her home for over a year. Our connection instantly clicked and she began to share the tales of her nomadic lifestyle. It was here that I discovered the program WWOOF. I knew traveling around the country to explore organic and regenerative farming strategies was an ideal way for me to grow into my desired future, but doing so felt like a far off dream.
Evan and his van, “The Orb", have brought color, good cheer, and muscle to the farm this spring.
Mid-December came and I simultaneously left my job, my partner, and my living situation. I released all that was holding me back from my honest expression, leaving me with just my recently purchased van and the items I was able to fit within it. This was certainly an intimidating leap, setting sail into unknown waters, but my faith was stronger than ever before. I trusted that my surrender to a sovereign way would lead me towards every experience I was meant to endure (this has only proven true and exceeded my expectations thus far).
I serendipitously ended up in an intentional community west of Tucson. Although lacking proper self-sustaining methods, the land had an encyclopedic level of wisdom to share regarding the dynamics of community. Here I witnessed the power of aligned intention. The intention of this land was to heal and hold space for others' healing. With the members of this community all aligned in this motive, I witnessed immense degrees of growth as we conjunctly worked to liberate limiting thought patterns in ourselves and the collective. The expansion of self and love that occurred on this land could not truthfully be described as anything short of magic.
While living on the intentional community, I was gifted a copy of the book The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield. Two days after receiving this book, a cousin reached out to me with an invitation to Peru (those who are familiar with The Celestine Prophecy will understand the absurdly synchronistic nature of this occurrence). I accepted, and ten days later found myself arriving in foreign lands.
To capture the full details of my experience in Peru would require a blog, perhaps a book, of its own. But to summarize, I was guided by Mother Nature to an understanding of huachuma. Huachuma translated from Quechua (the indigenous language of Peru) means “removing of the head”. I felt I had come into the awareness of what it means to step out of the thinking mind and start feeling from the heart. I beheld the harmony and grace granted to those capable of listening to Mother Nature. The deeper faith one held for her guidance, the more graceful their path unfolded before them.
Arriving back from Peru, Mother Nature was calling out to me. She sensed the passion and potential in me to aid in her regeneration. I immediately registered for the WWOOF program, sensing this as my way into a deeper connection with her. I had received many signs pointing me in the direction of Sedona and now knew the virtue in following these signs. A quick search on WWOOF’s website led me to Wild Heart Farm’s profile and I immediately noticed my energy in alignment with it. I had no doubts upon discovering this farm that my way would lead me to it.
Surely, I arrived at Wild Heart Farm two weeks ago. Being here has been such a great sign that I am on my true path. Working and living at Wild Heart has shown me the many facets of intentionality that go into creating a harmonious relationship between humankind and Mother Nature. I feel very blessed that this is where I get to start working with and giving back to this beautiful Earth we call home.
It has been so beautiful to witness the fine care Kate and Mike put into this land, and how that directly results in the manifestation of sanctuary. Putting my energy into projects at Wild Heart brings me much joy as I know I am helping to create a setting that will further allow more people to discover a connection with Mother Nature. I trust that the regenerative work I’m doing is the work this planet truly needs.
Even in this short time, I feel that Kate has taught me a vast array of sustainable and regenerative strategies that I will carry on to many future farms and projects. Seeing Kate’s dedication to the farm is so inspiring and I am excited to see how it further evolves over the years. I have no doubts that upon the development of my own land and community, a strong sense of gratitude and love for the Wild Heart family will remain in me. For I recognize this time as the start of my understanding in how to harmoniously work with Mother Nature in the creation of sanctuary.