Meditation on the farm in the morning
In July 2017, we held an event at Minna no Uen to try "Vipassana meditation," the practice said to be the root of mindfulness. The teacher was one of the field members. Even difficult Buddhist terms were explained in gentle, plain words.
In the space where we usually set out tables and chairs, we laid down cushions and sat directly on the ground. The basic idea is to "observe yourself in this very moment." We turned our attention to the rise and fall of the belly as we breathed in and out. Not only sitting, but also standing, walking outdoors, and moving our hands. There was even a walking meditation, focusing on the feel of our feet on the ground and the sound of the wind. We were told that it is fine if stray thoughts come up; what matters is to come back to "now" again. Looking out at the green of the farm and facing ourselves in the morning sun was a luxurious time.
Designing the farm's scent
In 2019, we worked on creating a scent for Minna no Uen. The sense of smell is said to be closely tied to mood and memory. We wanted the people involved with us to be reminded of the farm now and then. With that in mind, we began developing essential aroma oils that express the scenery and events of the farm through scent.
Our partner was "suisai," who have held aroma spray making and aroma massage events with us since the early days of Minna no Uen. We shared keywords that describe the farm, made trial blends again and again, and gathered impressions from farm members who smelled them. We used about six to eight essential oils, aiming for a scent that was not too complicated but still had character. On event days, we also began burning the aroma at the farm.
As a place to restore body and mind
A field is a place to grow vegetables, but it is more than that. Touching the soil, feeling the wind, being wrapped in scent. I think that time away from busy daily life, coming back to yourself, also contributes to mental health.
Precisely because it is a green place in the middle of a city, a farm can be a base for well-being. Meditation and scent were both attempts to consciously draw out, just a little, the power the field already had.