We asked past participants from our Rising Earth Immersion to share about their experience as well as what they’re up to now. Here are a few words from Jay, who is beginning a new role as the Garden Manager here at The Eco-Institute. Congrats, Jay!
Jay Grala
Fall 2019 Cohort
Hometown: Cream Ridge, New Jersey
What was your favorite ritual or routine during REI?
There were quite a few rituals and routines I adopted over the 10-week journey; some old rituals and some newly found ones. For the past few years journaling has really given me some mental clarity and a new perspective to my mind from an external view point. So naturally, I stuck to this practice whenever necessary. As a collective we encouraged some form of morning practice however the individual saw fit, including but not limited to, silent breakfast, singing, morning walk around the lake, morning jog, or yoga. Being an athlete myself, a morning run has always got the blood flowing first thing in the morning, coupled with yoga and I would feel unstoppable. Thereafter any and all opportunity to spend in the garden would complete a transcendent day!
What are you most excited about for the garden manager position?
Nothing, and I mean nothing, gets me more jazzed up about this Garden Manager position than how much potential opportunity there is. Opportunity to build community, relationships with people and Earth, a space to grow figuratively and literally. Then there is just the freedom and opportunity for the land; what crops to try, what trees to grow, experimenting and trying different farming techniques. Really the sky's the limit; containing my ambitions will be the real learning curve.
What is one thing you hope people take away from garden co-op days?
For quite some time and even to a degree to this day, I struggle with over complicating things and feeling the need to “know everything” before I start a new project. However, this poses a lot of problems like never actually getting started! Experience is the best form of knowledge and all the mistakes made along the way. Ultimately, I hope Co-op members take away this: that gardening can be as easy or as hard as you want it, it can be as hands-off or involved as you make it. It all comes down to the individual and where they wish to take the land. Gardening and farming can seem intimidating at first, especially with the over saturated amount of information and techniques out there today. All it comes down to is starting with one or a couple plants you really enjoy eating, some soil, water, love, and patience. Nature will teach the rest.
What’s your favorite plant in the Eco-Institute garden?
I love Plants of all shapes and sizes, down to the white clover between my toes, but if I had to pick favorites, I’ve always been a little sweet on the one-and-only Holy Basil, otherwise known as Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum). This plant is beyond rich in history, culture, medicinal value, and flavor! I have really gotten to know Tulsi more during the 10-week Rising Earth program. Nothing beats when the wind blows just right and the nose sings to the sent of Tulsi.
How can the community support you as you transition into this role?
I have been completely overwhelmed by the love and support of this community. I have felt nothing but open arms and acceptance from very early on. There really isn’t anything more I could ask for; knowing I have an encouraging, supportive community in my corner gives me great peace of mind, giving me an immense amount of mental clarity to focus on myself and the land. I am truly excited and blessed to explore this next chapter of my life with some awesome people.