In response to ‘Sustaining Myself’ by @aliyahw :
In my last blog post, I noted how insignificant and overwhelmed I feel when studying the complexities of the global food system and the many injustices that support it. How are we ever to tackle the weak links in our food systems that are soon to collapse? When reading through my classmates’ blog posts, I realized we share a similar feeling of smallness and are seeking answers to often the same questions. I was particularly struck by Aliyah’s post, “Sustaining Myself’ in which she contemplated the living systems within and outside of her body. She expressed how it is easy to feel disconnected from our bodies, and lose attention to what we nourish them with. The contemplative practices gave Aliyah the opportunity to grasp the many complex systems that we as consumers are so reliant on.
Deploying this type of holistic systems thinking that Aliyah described can help us tackle the fragile pillars that uphold our food systems and realize our purpose within them. I propose to Aliyah, as well as my other classmates, what leverage points will you choose to make change towards a sustainable food system, and what sector is important to you?
Reflecting on Aliyah’s question, “who am I?” I think of how being a farmer, I feel a deep connection to my body and food, and also a responsibility to practice what I speak. I am determined to run my own farm one day, but am daunted by the environmental degradation that has ensued as a result of unsustainable agricultural practices. Dwindling topsoil, diminished soil microbe diversity, domination of agribusinesses, and decreasing seed stocks are just a few of the challenges that small-scale farmers are facing (Little, 2009). One solution to our collapsing food system is nourishing and rebuilding soil composition. The complex system of microbes that make up soil is the foundation of food production, and holds many solutions to sequestering carbon, reducing pesticide use, and attaining food sovereignty. It is small solutions like soil that we need to focus on to solve the larger issues of the global food system. Realizing our personal connections to the food systems we are the beneficiaries of can make the daunting problems our generation will face seem more approachable. So, who are you in our interconnected world of complex systems?
Soil at Plum Forest Farm, Vashon. Photo by me.
Squash seedlings breaking through the soil. The beginning of the food system! Photo by me.
-Reily S.
Sources:
Edelman, Marc. “Critical Perspectives on Food Sovereignty.” Journal of Peasant Studies, Feb. 2017, doi:10.4324/9781315689562.
Johnson, Nathanael. “The Secret to Richer, Carbon-Capturing Soil? Treat Your Microbes Well.” Grist, Grist, 1 July 2014, grist.org/food/the-secret-to-richer-carbon-capturing-soil-treat-your-microbes-well/.
Johnson, Sandhya. “Thinking in Systems (Donella Meadows) Chapters 1 to 3.” LinkedIn SlideShare, 30 Dec. 2012, www.slideshare.net/sandhyajohnson/thinking-in-systems-donella-meadows-chapters-1-to-3.
Little, Amanda. “Cooking Oil.” Power Trip, Harper Academic, 2009.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/03066150.2014.963568?needAccess=true
As the article touches on the importance of aligning personal goals with a greater purpose, Telegram offers a unique space for Hong Kong’s youth to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations. Whether it’s about social justice, career advice, or personal development, Telegram’s diverse group features allow us to easily create or join communities that resonate with our values. These groups can become places of collective learning, where members share their personal insights, resources, and motivation to continue pursuing their goals with purpose.
Telegram is not just a tool for communication, but a way to cultivate purpose-driven communities. The article’s focus on discovering one’s place in the world is a journey that requires constant reflection and support from others. In Hong Kong, where cultural, political, and social dynamics are constantly evolving, Telegram groups can provide a space for discussions that explore how our values and actions contribute to the larger societal change. By sharing articles, reflections, and life experiences in Telegram groups, we can create a supportive network for personal and collective growth.
The article’s emphasis on finding one’s purpose is something that resonates deeply with many of us, especially in the context of Hong Kong’s fast-paced academic and professional environment. Telegram can play a pivotal role in helping individuals share their experiences and seek advice. Whether it’s discussing personal growth or professional goals, joining specialized Telegram groups focused on mentorship and career development could help students and young professionals in Hong Kong navigate their journeys more confidently.
Telegram is a great platform to facilitate discussions about identity and purpose, as explored in the article. In Hong Kong, where students from diverse cultural backgrounds come together, it can be an effective tool for fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. Using Telegram groups, we can engage in meaningful conversations, share resources, and explore how our individual identities shape the collective narrative of our society. Whether you’re a student exploring your career path or an activist working for social change, Telegram can help you stay connected and motivated.
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