Going to the Farmer’s Market is such a nice start to any weekend. There are good smells, usually music is playing, and you can’t help but feel healthy and good about yourself while shopping for fresh produce outside. Recently, my mom and I had planned to go to church on a warm sunday morning and then stop by the Farmer’s Market after. However, it was a chaotic day and we were running late, so we unfortunately missed the start of our service. Instead of going late, we decided to just go to straight to the Farmer’s Market and spend the morning there. Even though I felt bad about missing church, I could not help but feel like being at the market was a spiritual experience. These are some reasons why:

1. You are so close to nature.

When you’re surrounded by so many fruits and vegetables and natural, freshly made items, it’s a different feeling than one would get from being around processed and artificial food. It’s amazing to have the mindset that the items you are purchasing will nourish your body and give you energy to do positive things with the rest of your day

2. There is so much diversity.

These events give you the opportunity to converse directly with people that you never would have otherwise. All of the farmers and other people growing and making food are usually so passionate about what they are selling. It is so refreshing that they often so open to talking to you and educating you, even if you do not end up buying something, You feel so connected to others and you can appreciate the positive things about these people and learn from them, which is so valuable.

3. You are benefiting the community in so many ways.

This is especially true if you are buying mainly plant based foods and staying away from animal products. Either way though, supporting local farms takes away from the abuse, chemicals, and hormones that are present at factory farms. This makes a world of difference for not only the animals but for ourselves, those around us, and the environment. This helps you recognize your place in the world and how you can make a difference, and most of all how we are all interdependent on each other.

Being surrounded by products that are directly from the earth, having engaging and uplifting conversations, and knowing the positive impact I am making on myself and my community gives me emotional strength. I am not suggesting that you skip attending your place of worship, but I am saying that it can be wonderful to find spirituality in new or everyday activities.