Exploring the Spiritual Alliance of Maintaining a 5-Acre Tropical Farm Through the Lens of Occupational Engagement

Credentials Display

Jose Rafols, EdD, OTD, MHSA, OTR/L

Amy Wagenfeld, PhD, OTR/L, SCEM, EDAC, FAOTA

Abstract

Large-scale commercial farmers and small scale “hobby” farmers engage in growing crops for subsistence and survival for themselves, their families, communities, and beyond. Their reverence and passion for farming make them good stewards of both community and world population nourishment. We suggest there may be a collective physical, emotional, and spiritual draw to farming that is interwoven with occupational engagement. Through a personal narrative approach, we reflect on the meaning and the work-focused occupation of farming and specifically how spirituality may be a guiding force that supports engagement despite seemingly insurmountable environmental and personal hardships. With an increasing interest in community practice as well as environmental and social sustainability, occupational therapy’s role in supporting the farming community is important to consider.

Comments

The authors declare that they have no competing financial, professional, or personal interest that might have influenced the performance or presentation of the work described in this manuscript.

Recommended Citation

Rafols, J., & Wagenfeld, A. (2024). Exploring the Spiritual Alliance of Maintaining a 5-Acre Tropical Farm Through the Lens of Occupational Engagement. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 12(1), 1-4. https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.2155