“Though the problems of the world are increasingly complex, the solutions remain embarrassingly simple.” - Bill Mollison
The world needs reconciliation
We believe that the world needs reconciliation; that harmony, balance, and friendly relations are desperately needed in both nature and humanity. Everything we do at Reconciliation Homestead is aimed at facilitating this process. Empowering people to engage the natural world, equipping them with the tools to restore harmony and balance, and using these primarily food focused spaces as a medium to foster connection among diverse people.
What is Reconciliation?
The definition of reconciliation is “the restoration of friendly relationship or harmony.” It is the process of reconnection. If division is the problem, then integration is the solution. Unity is not the same as uniformity, or conformity for that matter. Harmony is the synchronization of distinctly different notes played in partnered unison. Reconciliation is the process of making divided parties whole.
We believe that the fundamental problem facing the world is disconnection, division, separation, and segregation. The world is growing increasingly fragmented and divided; people growing distant from one another and the world around them. We see this most poignantly when it comes to our relationship with food. Ask yourself the question, “what was the story of my meal before it made it to my plate?” Or more precisely, “What are the plants and animals on my plate, and how were they transformed into food?”
Food is humanity's lifeline to the natural world. Even in our fragmented society, it is proof that we are dependent on the natural world for our survival. However, our relationship is severely broken, many times a mere transaction. If you described a relationship as transactional with a friend or family member this way, would you agree that some reparative work lies ahead to restore the relationship? Try as we may, we cannot walk away from our relationship with nature. Divorce is not an option. Nature can live without us, but we cannot live without her!
Food as the Gateway
People + Kitchen = Connection
Food is for many of us our last remaining connection to nature — it seems appropriate that we should seek to start our reconciling work in the kitchen and at the table. When we begin to take more ownership over our food journey, and participate more fully in the story of our dinner plates, we take the first step toward a right relationship with the natural world. How fitting then, that meal preparation and celebration has throughout our history been a uniting force among a divided people. Sharing a meal can build connection and foster intimacy, and participating in the preparation of dinner can be a vulnerable task, further catalyzing genuine connection. Having laid this atmospheric groundwork, mealtimes offer spaces for conversation.
About RH
A Certified Permaculture Designer, David Benoit’s passion is the lifeblood behind the work at Reconciliation Homestead.
In addition to his reconciliation work, David enjoys and collects many hobbies, including: camping, playing music, and photography. Currently he lives happily in Kansas City with his wonderful wife Jamie.