Faith. A soil scientist. And plant research goddess.
On a quest for the love of mama earth, a journey of faith has taken place. And because we are so often our physical name and our spirit, I am honored to introduce a living embodiment of such faith, in both her practice and namesake.
Introducing Faith Reeves of the Sustainability Research Institute in Fairfield, IA.
Faith is an earth scientist meets plant research goddess. Or as she so humbly states “soil geek”. She transitioned from her southern roots to a tiny town in Iowa in 2009, yet her quest began much earlier. Faith describes a greater seeking at age 14. As her path unfolded she found herself working in the food service industry. Over the years her love for her chosen career had become bittersweet. How could she feel such kindness towards her guests yet also serve them the unhealthy standard American diet, knowing that neither the food nor alcohol being consumed served their body or soul? As a result of her realizations, she found herself on a new journey and began studying holistic medicine practices such as herbology and homeopathy.
As life is made of the turns we so often take, her new perspective led her to Iowa and the study of Sustainable Living at Maharishi University of Management. Her eyes light up as she describes the home she found in her new spiritual community. And because the path of joy is always supported, the story just gets better. Her “dream mission” came knocking and when the dream knocks, what can we do but answer.
Faith was offered a role at the Sustainability Research Institute (SRI), a non-profit arm of the Sky Factory in Fairfield, Iowa. The genesis of SRI is to research and develop sustainable practices in food system wellness.
The three acres Faith is bringing back to life were previously conventionally farmed. And yet you wouldn’t know it. Stepping on to her beautiful land you find yourself first greeted by a chivalrous rooster named Beaky (yes, he has a personality). Looking around you see happy chickens, naturally blue and green eggs, an incredible variety of vegetable ranging from Jerusalem artichokes to horseradish. The butterflies and bees have returned. Even a stunning fig tree has flourished in the middle of the Midwest!
Faith is the designer and co-creator of such abundance. Permaculture is her training and strong influence. Permaculture is a system of working with nature. For now know that every plant has multiple functions and is carefully chosen to enliven the soil and reinvigorate the earth to its optimal state. She is both farmer and researcher. In addition to tending her beloved farm, she spends several hours a week analyzing the soil. Complete with a microscope on her desk at home, Faith is nature’s true soil scientist. She speaks of a “conversation between plants and microbes”… and listening to the “energetic request ”. Faith and I spoke about the immune system of plants, minerals that need to be resurrected in starving soil that have resulted in nutritionally starving bodies, and living the work that you love.
I asked Ms. Faith what is her advice to us? She summed it up in one perfect sentence. “Look at the land as an extension of yourself’.
Well said and with total faith.
LoveSelf food for thought- Did you know that healthy soil has the same microbes as a healthy digestive system? How does this resonate with you?
Faith and her fiance love to make kale chips from her garden. Learn how with this creative and healthy recipe of Spicy Kale Chips.
