Leisha’s December Muse – Why I Am Passionate About Microbes

In the face of change, many of us feel a sense of helplessness, convinced that the magnitude of the environmental and collective crisis is beyond our individual reach. We observe the vastness of Nature, the intricate web of ecosystems, and the relentless forces of nature, and wonder if our actions can truly make a difference.   One thing that is certain is everything is connected and separating them is a futile and harmful attempt at healing.

In the vastness lies a profound and simple truth: the microcosm reflects the macrocosm. Just as the intricate image of a cell or microbe mirrors the grand structures of mountains and atmosphere, our individual actions, when aligned with a shared vision, have the power to transform our world.   What is our shared mission?   We all live here, together so I would imagine health is important for all.

However, the headline news has a negative impact that leaves many feeling hopeless in the middle of all the crisises.   Perhaps the call to action is not to change the world in its entirety, but to change the little worlds we inhabit.   It is to transform our homes and land into havens of sustainability and our communities into hubs of environmental consciousness. 

This transformation begins with a simple yet profound shift: a commitment to non-harm. We must recognize that our actions, from the products we consume to the energy we use, have ripple effects throughout the planet. By embracing a philosophy of non-harm, we minimize our ecological footprint and create space for the Earth’s natural systems to heal.

Let’s step back and take a look at the reality of our systems and how we approach life.   I hope this offers some thought provoking consideration.  Alternative healthcare and organic soil practices often mimic the industrial world’s approach of eradicating “bad guys”.    While it’s undoubtedly true that using natural products is generally preferable to using chemicals, it’s important to recognize that both approaches share a similar underlying mindset of control and manipulation while ignoring the “terrain”

In conventional medicine, the focus is often on identifying and eliminating pathogens or suppressing symptoms. Similarly, in conventional agriculture, the focus is on removing pests and weeds, creating a sterile environment for crops to grow. While these approaches may have short-term benefits, they can also have unintended consequences.

For instance, excessive use of antibiotics in both human medicine and animal agriculture has contributed to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a major public health threat. Similarly, the widespread use of herbicides and pesticides in agriculture has led to environmental contamination and the decline of beneficial insects and microorganisms.   Look at alternative (herbs and food) use in human and soil health?  Is the approach any different?

The soil, the very foundation upon which life flourishes, holds the key to this transformation.   All we have to do is observe the microbes.  As we nurture and replenish the soil (the microbes) we not only enhance food production and restore ecosystems but also mitigate climate change.  From the tiniest creatures to the grandest ecosystems, life is an intricate dance of interconnectedness.

Microbe compost, a symphony of microorganisms, mirrors this profound connection, offering a glimpse into the healing power of nature’s smallest beings. In every drop of compost tea lies a universe of potential, ready to revitalize the soil, the foundation upon which life thrives.     It is a science, for sure.   And, we use our microscope to observe the life in our compost.   This is our tool!  Science, with its pursuit of knowledge and understanding, plays a crucial role in this transformation. By asking the right questions, seeking answers, and sharing insights, we illuminate the complex connections between our actions and the planet’s health.

When we view the Earth not as something to be saved but as a living, self-regulating system, we adopt a more harmonious relationship with our planet. We recognize that our well-being is inextricably linked to the well-being of all living things.   Organisms regulate climate through intricate feedback loops and interactions. Plants, through photosynthesis, absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, while forests, acting as sponges, absorb and regulate water flow. Microorganisms in the soil play a vital role in carbon sequestration, trapping carbon and preventing its release back into the atmosphere.

We stand on the solution, not as saviors of the planet, but as integral parts of its intricate web of life. By nurturing the soil, embracing sustainable practices, and aligning our actions with the Earth’s natural rhythms, we can transform our little worlds and, in doing so, contribute to a collective healing of our planet.

Plants need rain, and rain needs plants. This simple yet profound interdependence highlights the interconnectedness of life on Earth. As we care for the soil, we nurture the plants, and in turn, the plants sustain the water cycle, creating a regenerative system that supports life.

Our individual actions, like ripples in a pond, have the potential to create waves of change. By changing our little worlds, we can collectively transform our planet, one step, one action, at a time. 

.Iit is to the soil, the humble cradle of life, that we ultimately return.  We come from the water of our mother’s womb and enter an intricate dance with earth.  So why do  we distance ourselves from the soil.   Isn’t this severing the thread of kinship that binds us to each other and all life.. Alienation, a malady of modern society, stems from this disconnect, a detachment from the microbial symphony that orchestrates life’s grand performance.   The soil, far from being a mere expanse of dirt, is a teeming metropolis of life, a vibrant tapestry of microorganisms that play a pivotal role in our existence.   Somehow getting “dirty” is bad for us!     No so!   These microscopic friends, are the  heroes of our life and health: the architects of nutrient cycles, the guardians of soil health, and the custodians of our very survival.

By reconnecting with the soil, by immersing ourselves in its rich microbial tapestry, we not only nourish the earth but also nurture our own well-being. We rediscover our place within the intricate web of life, recognizing our interdependence with the very ground upon which we stand.

it is in the soil that our truest essence lies. Let us honor the microbial symphony that sustains us, and in doing so, rediscover the profound connection that binds us to our planet, our home.  And, that is why we are making Microbe Compost and creating an education center to teach about self reliance and sufficiency!   

Are you called to be a part of this change of hope?   Living Ground is entering a special phase of creation building from the ground up with all our might and using our brains and hands to lift the project.    If you are called to support this work, please contact us.    This is a collective endeavor.   And, yes, we are selling our microbe complete compost…let’s spread the microbes.