Observations and aphorisms from a 42 Acres retreat [WFJ #68]

What food, relationships, and experiences doth the land provide?

The Hermitage – one of two retreat centres at 42 Acres

Over the last two days, and along with ten others who have some sort of connection to the food industry, I withdrew to 42 Acres, the regenerative retreat and ‘farm’ ten miles south of Frome. 

My impressions of the experience, which involved ‘vision quests’, physical ‘offerings’, and ‘deep rest sessions’, are – for lack of a better word right now – complicated. 

What was plain to see however is the abundance of well-preserved nature – while barely through the front gate, I saw a fox cub, low-flying buzzard, red kite, Canada geese and goslings, and a stray cock pheasant. 

Reintegrating with nature was without a doubt a highlight. As was sharing ideas among those from different backgrounds, experiences, and fields of expertise. Including some of these conversations I had with fellow guests, I offer you some pithy and not-so pithy observations instigated by, but perhaps not limited to, the 42 experience.