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In this episode of the Trailblazher Podcast, Kelsey Wulf, a homesteader and content creator at Rough and Tumble Farmhouse, shares her journey and thoughts on how embracing traditional skills in homesteading and agriculture can ground our lives, offering peace and purpose amidst the unavoidable chaos. In the modern whirlwind of technology and the fast pace of daily routines, the yearning for a connection to the simplicity of the earth is a feeling that resonates with many. The calm derived from our interactions with nature and the nurturing of life—be it through gardening or caring for animals—translates into a profound meditation that offers solace and personal fulfillment.

Embracing the Ebb and Flow of Homesteading

Homesteading and small-scale farming offer a visceral connection to the cycles of nature, grounding individuals like Kelsey in the rhythm of the seasons and the growth and nurturing of life. Skills such as making sourdough, have the power to connect us to our ancestral roots while actively contributing to the preservation of sustainable living practices. 

“I think that’s why I teach my daughters to garden, so they’ll have a mother to look after them long after I’m gone,” a quote Robin Wall Kimmerer in her poignant book ‘Braiding Sweetgrass,’ a sentiment echoed by Kelsey in her descriptions of daily farm life.

The intimate involvement with nature’s cycles teaches us about patience, provision, and allows us to witness the tangible results of our labor. The pure joy Kelsey describes in savoring the first ripe summer tomato serves as a reminder of how nature can feed not only our bodies, but also our souls. This connection provides a grounding force, a reminder to appreciate the here and now, rather than fixating on what lies ahead or behind.

The Reverence of Dairy Milking as Meditation

It’s often in the simplest routines that one can find the most profound sense of peace. For Kelsey, the twice-daily practice of milking her jersey cow, Juneberry, transcends the chaotic reality of life as the mother of three. Amidst the myriad responsibilities and unforeseen challenges, milking becomes a centering point—a moment of tranquility where “everything is different.” 

She aptly describes the experience in her article, “For the first time in my day, I find real peace,” underlining the transformative potential found in embracing the routine and necessary.

This routine mirrors ancient practices where chores conducted in silence and repetitiveness—often surrounded by nature—created a space for contemplation and self-reflection. In Kelsey’s milking ritual, we observe a modern-day manifestation of this practice, prompting the question: how might our lives transform if we reinterpret daily tasks as opportunities for mindfulness and rejuvenation?

The Necessity of Claiming Time for Oneself

In the fast-paced matrix of modern life, finding time to simply ‘be’ is a challenge, particularly for those juggling the roles of provider, caregiver, and educator. Kelsey’s pragmatic view of creating ‘space’ for growth and peace aligns with the understanding that fostering personal fulfillment is not selfish but necessary. Towards the end of the episode, Kelsey mentions that her focus is first on taking care of herself and her babies, 

Relegating technology to its rightful place, setting priorities that align with our deepest values, and intentionally carving out segments of time devoted to tranquility are vital strategies for maintaining mental health and a sense of self amidst the hustle. While Kelsey concedes that there are periods when such luxuries seem out of reach, she advocates for self-compassion and an adherence to personal rhythms over yielding to external pressures.

As we revisit the themes in Kelsey Wulf’s discussion on rural living and the balance of life’s responsibilities, her message is clear. The integration of traditional practices and holistic approaches to life can serve as an antidote to the relentless pace and depersonalization of the digital age. The earth provides, teaches, and heals; in return, caring for it and partaking in its cycles becomes a reciprocal exchange — a fluent conversation between human and habitat.

Wulf’s commitment to sharing her knowledge and championing a life intertwined with nature is an inspiration for anyone seeking a more grounded, intentional existence. The act of living can, after all, be a crafted ritual, abundant in small, quiet moments of peace that, when pieced together, form a tapestry of a life well lived. As we venture forward, let these quiet moments of connection—whether found in the barn or in the bread-making—remind us to foster tranquility in an otherwise tumultuous world.

Make sure to check out the full episode with Kelsey Wulf below and if you liked this conversation, make sure to snag a copy of the 2024 Spring Issue of Trailblazher Magazine to see Kelsey’s full article feature.

We hope you liked today’s episode and if you did, we’d love it if you left us a review on your favorite listening platform! 

Connect with Kelsey Wulf Online

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roughandtumblefarmhouse/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roughandtumblefarmhouse
• Website: roughandtumblefarmhouse.com
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/roughandtumblefarmhouse
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/roughandtumblefarmhouse/