Jan Loomis

janrloomis@yahoo.com

Awareness came slowly for me. In my early years I accepted the confident assurances of my parents. Certain that all understanding was invested in One who knows all things. My social development was slow as well. Therefore, I had no grounds for the rebellion which helps so many define their understanding of life. Even though I had pre-teen doubts, largely, I just accepted.

In this sheltered place, I grew certain of so much. My choices were made from within this protected, and provincial space. Progression developed along a predictable path.

My experience came in a broad array. I learned from traditional avenues of education; traveled much; married; raised children; climbed the rungs on the ladder of success recognized by the world I knew. But as I did these things, I started noticing many different ways of living. Slowly, assurance that my understanding was the only correct one, gave way to doubts. Doubts encouraged re-assessment. Re-assessment led to a tolerance of “difference.” This took a long while – shaped by some suffering!
Raised on the East coast, I am grounded in tradition. I find most beneficial change comes from steady, serious application of effort. There is some truth in my Mother’s teaching that Inspiration is important and represents 2% of accomplishment. She believes that Perspiration represents the other 98% component. She backs up these beliefs with a long life of productivity as Teacher, Mother, and as a nationally-acclaimed Administrator caring for less fortunate – completing her work-life at the age of 90.

Here are some of the things I now believe:

Hating another for contrary beliefs, politics or philosophy, is personally destructive one must rid yourself of these energies.

Religion espousing only One Way, encourages divisiveness, hatred, war and destruction.

Tangible production is necessary for survival; whether personal or national economics.

Love is better expressed than discussed-- By tolerance, forgiveness and caring for other people.

Government is constructed from the frailties of humanity. Representatives place self-service above public service. A people too dependant upon government to repair social problems must fall behind on progress.
For world change, a steady application of hard work with a focus on realistic goals is necessary.

Efforts that tend to offend, rather than persuade, large segments of society usually fizzle out.

It’s time for a new world perspective which protects rather than exploits our natural habitat.

It is with the above standards of belief and experience that I have evaluated my observations of “the farm.”
I liked what I saw at the VerdEnergia Bio Farm. I was impressed by the innovation and creativity in designing and building infrastructure. Impressive too, was the dedication to purpose demonstrated not only by Josh and family, but also by Mike and Samantha, and by Carlos and Homer. I applaud the way Josh, Emily and Kaileah have blended with the surrounding community. I am hopeful that the Farm will continue to develop as a productive and innovative expression of a new world perspective which protects the environment.