Shepherd Bliss is a Sebastopol area farmer, writer, Vietnam vet and peace activist, and psychology teacher at Sonoma State…I’ve gotten to know him for his work as an ardent supporter of backyard chickens. He recently published an article, Agrotherapy: Farms Heal. Permies will recognize themes they’ve heard or experienced before:

Though the words agropsychology and agrotherapy may be bulky and relatively new, and perhaps a bit too academic, their practices are simple and ancient. Farms on monasteries and elsewhere have long been places in many cultures where people have gone for both physical and mental relief and healing.

Psychological literature documents that what has been called pet therapy and horticulture therapy can heal. Animals can help comfort people and draw them away from passivity and depression. Gardens are increasingly popular in hospitals for the beauty and healing they offer. People have long gone to nature and the countryside for relaxation.

Regular physical work–essential to successful agriculture—has been proven to enhance mental functioning and health and even extend one’s life span. It releases chemicals that make people feel better and stimulates a feeling of well-being.

Bliss goes on to make a number of points, and illustrated with stories from his own life. Give it a read…it’s good stuff.

Link: Agrotherapy: Farms Heal

This is the first post in the category we’re calling “Zone 00″…as you probaly know, the zone system in permaculture is a design tool that describes areas’ proximity to the center of a settlement…zone 0 is the home itself, zone 1 is the patio/deck/near-house area, etc. Zone 00 permaculture as it relates to our psychology…the inner work.