Zen and the Art of Walnut Gathering

I've been gathering walnuts beneath our trees in the Pet Paddock here at Struan Farm every day or so this past week. I've adopted a walking motion we'll call the "Walnut Shuffle," where I roll my feet along the ground to feel the nuts without putting pressure on them in the grass.  There's only an inadvertent crunch every so often, oops.

We have two walnut trees in the Pet Paddock that were planted by John's parents many years ago now. The rats and turkeys seem to prefer one tree while I prefer the other, so there's enough for everyone to share in the autumn harvest. Unless I get busy and leave too many nuts languishing on the ground, at which point they move in.

I sometimes think about things as I shuffle around. As you do. Gathering walnuts is a form of walking meditation, at least for me. What has been more of a revelation is that by changing directions and perspectives, I keep finding more nuts. Even where I've walked previously.  It's a bit strange, as if the tree puts out gifts for me to find by being mindful.

My lesson here is that changing one's perspective and being mindful are the key to gathering walnuts. In a nutshell (groan), rather like life itself.

Comments

[Jen Yates]

Love it! You were on a roll there. (or shuffle) Why did you stop?! :)

[Karen]

Only so many hours in the day! But the problem now is that the turkeys are roaming around down there, so I may have more competition for what remains....