The Power Of Place
Harmony Farm
In Medfield, a small suburban town 45 minutes from Boston, you spot the Harmony Farm sign hanging from a tree and know you have arrived. You also note the presence of a “For Sale” sign. Turning into the driveway, you hear the wheels humming a different tune as they move from harsh black macadam to gentle gravel. The sound of cars fades into the distance.
The car slows its pace as you travel along the gently winding road. You unconsciously let down your guard, breathing out a sigh, letting anxiety dissipate, worry and stress gently release.
Looking to your right, you watch a few sheep and a donkey contentedly grazing in the verdant green meadow. After a while you cross a bubbling stream and begin to notice a profound shift happening inside you. A change in energy, something magical is happening. As if you’re journeying to another time, a sacred space.
You continue following the road, passing a barn, then what looks to be a residence on your right. The road leads ahead, then bends to the right and you chance upon a building nestled inside a circle of tall pine trees.
This must be it, you think, as you park your car and enter the building. You’re here for a workshop sponsored by the non-profit, Harmony Center. Upon entering the building, you notice herbs hanging from beams above, then stop and stare ahead, awed by a high ceilinged octagonal room, three sides of which are glass.
Resuming your slow pace, you move toward the windows and breathe in the scene outside. Woods slope gently down ahead, a pond to the right and stunning flowers demand your attention.
You open to the peace and tranquility of this place.
Attunement
Wherever we are, we attune to our surroundings. The energy of place seeps inside us. This happens beneath the surface, outside our conscious awareness. The vibrations around us affect every level of our being – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
Where we live and where we work affects us more than we may realize. It happens very gradually, almost imperceptibly.
Natural environments affect us differently from citified ones. We know this intuitively. If we live and/or work confined by concrete, we yearn for the healing energy of natural settings.
Tuning In
Your Harmony Center workshop includes experiential exercises held outside. The group walks slowly down a grassy path, arriving at a pristine pond. You watch sparkles of light dance upon the water as sunbeams play on its gently rippling surface. Birdsong fills the air and winged beings flit here and there. You absorb the sound of water cascading over rocks below and open to sense water flowing through your veins, enlivening every cell in your body.
A reflection floats through your mind, “This land soothes my soul and pulls on my heart-strings. We need this place – especially now!” After crossing the dam, you walk along trails through untamed woods. Your feet feel earth moving up to greet each and every step. The softness of moss, smell of earth, vibrant colors of trees – your senses awaken and absorb sensation.
When the workshop ends, your car wends its way back along the driveway. Reflecting on your experience, you realize that something has shifted deep inside. You feel peaceful and serene, more connected to yourself and at one with the world. “How could this happen,” you wonder, “Is it this place?”
As you near the paved road ahead, you again notice the “For Sale” sign — Harmony Farm seeks new owners/new caretakers to love it and help it thrive. You make a mental note to check the property’s website: www.315NorthStreet.com.
You imagine what it might be like to live on this sacred land – a holistic haven. You dream of its potential future as a yoga studio, holistic school, small retreat center or intentional community. You wonder, “Is it calling to me?”
Turning onto the black-topped road, you enter the flow of traffic. You hold onto your sense of wellbeing, storing it deep within your heart. Such is the power of this place.
Lesley Irene Shore, Ph.D. is a psychologist, organic grower and earth-steward of Harmony Farm.
Note: All the above photos were taken on Harmony Farm, Medfield, MA.
