We asked past participants from our Rising Earth Immersion to share with us about their experience as well as what they’re up to now. Here are a few words from Abbey.
Abbey Cmiel
Fall 2019 Cohort
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
What plant do you identify with at The Eco-Institute?
Amaranth! Bright, spriggy, full of seeds, and a little silly.
What was your favorite ritual during REI?
I loved the practice of going into the garden in the morning and being with all the plants. There is a beautiful calm and energy that comes from walking barefoot between the rows, nibbling on a tomato, or picking a few flowers. I felt so energized by admiring the beauty of the fruits, veggies, and greens growing and creatively crafting a meal that showcased their flavors and personality.
What are you up to now?
While at The Eco-Institute, I spent hours poring over a stunning cookbook from the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center (OAEC) in Sonoma, CA. Every page is filled with beautiful images of their lush garden, stories behind the meals they prepare, and sustainable farming tidbits. I found so many parallels between the way we lived during REI and the values of OAEC. I was so inspired by their work in environmental and social activism and organic gardening that I applied to their year-long intern position...and here I am. I am learning so much already by hosting different activist retreats and helping out in the garden. If anyone wants to visit me, please reach out!
Something inspiring you right now…
This morning I listened to a powerful recorded talk from Satish Kumar — an Indian activist, editor, and teacher — about “Elegant Simplicity.” He tells the story of how he felt inspired by Gandhi and political suppression in his country to walk to the four main centers of nuclear development at the time —Russia, France, the US, the UK — and deliver packages of tea to the leaders of each, with the hope they would drink a cup of tea before they launch a nuclear attack. He shares how he has lived his whole life without a job by living simply, gardening, cooking, teaching, learning, and diving head first into fighting for a better world. I love how he has no excuses and lives fully into caring for the Earth and all people.