It’s never too early (or too late) to start building towards a long, meaningful, and prosperous life for your little ones, yourself, and your community. At Little Learners Village Garden, we help you do just that – here’s how…
The Manna of Japan
Japan is one of the world’s greatest examples of long-lived prosperity and, with an average life expectancy of 85, many residents even reach 100 and beyond, largely free of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, dementia, cancer, and other lifestyle-related ailments.
What’s their secret? Well, along with a diet low in animal protein but rich in a rainbow of anti-oxidant laden fresh fruits and veg, they attribute it to their active community life, plenty of time spent outdoors, and a strong sense of what they call ‘Ikigai’.
The Japanese sense of Ikigai is something every one of us has – but hasn’t necessarily found yet. It roughly translates to ‘life’s purpose’ or ‘reason for being’ and it’s that perfect overlap between:
- what you love
- what you’re skilled at
- what the world needs
- and what pays.
In Japan, citizens tend to engage their Ikigai by joining a ‘moai’ or community group where peers connect over shared skills, interests and hobbies, pooling money and services to assist those in need and to support the community as a whole.
This was our inspiration at Little Learner Village Community Garden.
Ikigai at Little Learners Village Garden
In our sustainable community, children and community members are taught the value of owning and connecting to the food they eat through sustainable gardening practices, permaculture, and water conservation.
It’s about the joy of putting a little energy in to get a bounty of energy out – food, real sustainable food, grown from the seed, and a community bound by mutual interest and a shared sense of purpose.
Our garden allows you to engage in a shared space for the benefit of your community and the earth, in a way that’s both spiritually and physically rewarding. In our garden, kiddos and the community can get a taste of that holistic sense of connection and prosperity, that reason for being, that Ikigai.
Benefits of getting involved at the Little Learners Village Community Garden
While the kiddos at Little Learners Early Education regularly tend to the compost and mulch plots, herb plots, communal fruit and veggie plots at the garden, we strongly urge other businesses, schools, groups, and community members to get involved by volunteering or becoming a plot holder, sponsor or partner.
What do members get? Well, in the ancient spirit of Ikigai, you’ll have the opportunity to do:
- what you love: Young and old members can enjoy light recreational activity while immersed in nature and connecting with their community.
- what you’re skilled at: Members can learn and share skills as they plant, harvest, and maintain organic herbs, veggies and fruits together.
- what the world needs: In these times, there’s no calling more sacred than giving back and nourishing the world through sustainable practice. This is what’s needed, and this is what the garden provides.
- and what pays. The garden is open to members and the public 24/7, so the local community can enjoy the herbs, veggies and fruits of their labours – totally free of charge!
