Embracing Mindful Sustainability at Dana Village:
A Farm Stay Like No Other
Step into a world where mindfulness and sustainability intertwine, where every bite and every action carries meaning. Welcome to Dana Village, the organic farm stay that not only cultivates vibrant crops but also nurtures a deep sense of awareness and connection with the Earth. During our week on the farm, we witnessed firsthand how Minori & Wik Ogawa, the visionaries behind Dana Village, seamlessly weave mindfulness into the fabric of sustainable living. Let’s delve into the enlightening practices that breathed life into each moment of our stay.
From Field to Fermentation
Dana Village embodies the cycle of sustainability, with every aspect carefully considered. The farm not only grows its own crops but also embraces the ancient art of fermentation. We watched in awe as jars brimming with homemade pickles and kimchi lined the shelves. Fermentation is a way of preserving food, minimizing waste, and unlocking incredible flavors. It was a testament to the farm’s dedication to harnessing nature’s transformative powers.
Embracing Mindfulness in Daily Practices
“As a mother to three children and an advocate for mindfulness, I incorporate mindfulness meditation into my daily life to stay grounded and focused. Guided by the Mantra ‘Be the change you want to see in the world’, I strive to embody positive transformations and contribute to a better society”.
One of the most simple but profound examples of this in practice was our “moment of silence” before each meal. “It’s a pause to appreciate the journey our food has taken,” Minori explained. “We reflect on the effort, love, and resources that brought these ingredients to our plates.” It was a powerful reminder that each meal is a gift to be cherished, not devoured in seconds or be eaten in front of a screen.
One afternoon following a craniosacral therapy session, Minori shared, “we aim to empower individuals to shift towards a more sustainable, authentic, and holistic way of living. We hope to inspire our guests and readers to embrace mindfulness, awareness, and compassion in their own lives. We want them to take away a deeper understanding of the transformative power of these qualities and how they can positively impact both personal well-being and the world around us. Ultimately, we strive for individuals to become agents of positive change, bringing about a better society through their actions and choices”.
Portion Control and Repurposing
Waste not, want not—a mantra that resonates deeply at Dana Village. Minori stressed the importance of portion control to combat food waste. “We encourage our guests to take only what they can finish,” she explained. It was a mindful practice that eliminated waste and fostered a sense of responsibility toward the food on our plates. Leftovers from lunch magically transformed into delectable creations for dinner, showcasing the farm’s commitment to resourcefulness and sustainability.
The Rice Revelation
Rice, the humble grain that sustains billions, holds a special place at Dana Village. During dinner one night, Minori shared a poignant Japanese saying, “There are 8 gods in each grain of rice.” It’s a reminder to honor the gift of nourishment and to be mindful not to waste even a single grain. This reverence for rice extended beyond words. Dana Village cultivates its own rice paddies, demonstrating their commitment to self-sufficiency and connecting intimately with the land.
A Transformative Journey
As our time on Dana Village drew to a close, we bid farewell to the fresh soil and newfound friends. We left with hearts brimming with gratitude and a renewed commitment to sustainable living. Minori Ogawa’s vision has created a sanctuary where the rhythms of nature intertwine with the human spirit. Dana Village is more than just a farm stay; it’s a transformative journey that encourages us to embrace our connection to the Earth and each other. But don’t just read about it, watch our video recap then go to Japan, be a part of this organic adventure, and let the mindfulness in Japanese culture inspire you.
being better offers personalized coaching for executives and individuals to support personal growth in the realm of self awareness and personal fulfillment through a personal mediation practice.
