At Creation, Adam and Eve are told they must cultivate and care for their world. Many see this as a punishment, but RILH sees this directive as an instruction on how to find wholeness and fulfillment; for humans only find peace and clarity in their service to others, the world and their environment. At its core, the Cultivate & Care movement is one of discernment and humility. It directs us to find the answer to the question, "How can I reach my full potential?" or "How am I called to Cultivate?". However, the Cultivate & Care movement pushes us further to ensure we can also honestly answer "no" when asked "Is my success at the expense of another?" or "yes" when asked, "In achieving my success, do I also care and protect the resources and people around me?"
To teach these principles, the Cultivate & Care movement brings us back to the Garden in a literal way. In coordination with the Mercy of God Retreat Center, participants learn about farming and gardening in a way that protects the resources we have been given and allows us to discern what practices best promote environmental sustainability. Ultimately Cultivate and Care allows us to produce but also protect God’s original design for our earth and its inhabitants.
Participants will actually cultivate the garden, prepare their food, care for the animals and participate in facility improvement projects. By partaking in this fruitful and creative process, retreat and seminar participants learn about proper nutrition; a greater appreciation for our resources, fellow man and animals; and improved health offered by physical labor and whole foods. Additionally, they are equipped with life skills that increase their sense of self-worth, that decrease the anxiety associated with dependency on the market system, and help them to avoid the grasping, gluttonous nature of our modern world. In the end, the intertwined spiritual components will ultimately promote self-esteem, educate on work ethic and foster discernment regarding one’s natural gifts that will bring them the most joy.
