The regrowth of the avocado tree

アボガドの樹の新しい枝と芽

We recently had an exhilarating experience as an agroforestry farmer.

This farm in Waimanalo on Oahu produces many tropical fruits such as bananas, papayas, ulu (breadfruit), etc.

The most popular among them are creamy, delicious avocados. However, one of the fruitful avocado trees was broken by stormy weather two years ago, and we were very disappointed.

However, a new branch and bud grew from the broken trunk, blooming again this spring. And a couple of days ago, when I found several young green fruits on the damaged tree, I couldn’t help but shout with joy.

The new branch and bud of the avocado tree
The new branch and bud of the avocado tree

It has been three years since we started farming there following the natural farming method. The farm does not use any specific tillage. No chemical fertilizers or pesticides are used. Under the ground, the insects and natural microorganisms work with the plants’ roots, weeds, and fallen leaves. Additionally, chicken manure, earthworms, and abundant sunshine and rain promote a generation of healthy soil.

The regrowth of the avocado tree without any human intervention proves that the soil has been fertile naturally. I was moved and filled with blissfulness by the life force of nature.

The same is true for the human body and mind.

Even if humans get injured or sick due to external factors, if they live in harmony with nature on a daily basis, our latent healing power will surely help us restore our bodies. With that thought, I will continue to promote a healthy and balanced diet and yoga.

Author of this article

日本の新聞社系週刊誌記者、第二電電(現KDDI)広報責任者を経て米国留学。「持続可能な発展」などの政策比較研究を行い2000年カリフォルニア大サンディエゴ校で太平洋国際関係研究修士号取得。ハワイで有機園芸業を行っていたGary E. Johnsonとの結婚を機に2005年ハワイへ移住。翻訳出版とヨガインストラクターを続けながらGaryと共同で、「健康な食の生産、体と心の浄化、自然生態系の保全」を目的(3Pモットー)にした「森林農業+ヨガ・瞑想」プロジェクトをオアフ島ワイマナロで推進している。

After working as a reporter for a weekly newspaper and as a public relations manager at Daini-Denden (now KDDI), she moved to the U.S. to study comparative policies, such as on “sustainable development.” In 2000, she received her M.A. in Pacific International Relations from the University of California, San Diego, and in 2005, she married Gary E. Johnson, an organic gardener in Hawaii. While continuing to work as a translator, publisher, and yoga instructor, she has been working together with Gary on the Agroforestry + Yoga/Meditation project in Waimanalo, Oahu, which aims to “produce healthy food, purify the body and mind, and preserve the natural ecosystem (3P motto).”

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