An Amish Perspective On Health
As the Summer sun reaches its peak, casting long shadows over the rich fields here in the Heartland, the Amish community continues its timeless dance with the seasons. In this week's newsletter, we turn our gaze to the Amish approach to taking care of their health—a blend of tradition, faith, and communal support that offers insights into a life lived in harmony with nature and the Divine.
As the Amish community cherishes the Summer's bounty, their daily nourishment is drawn from the earth's abundance. Gardens teeming with vegetables and orchards laden with fruit are not mere backdrops to their lives but the very essence of their sustenance. The Amish table is graced with homecooked meals, a ritual of quality nourishment and family unity.
Fast food and restaurant meals are rarities reserved for special occasions, underscoring a commitment to a life of simplicity and health. This intentional approach to eating, deeply rooted in the rhythms of nature and the seasons, is an important part of their dedication to well-being and longevity.
Physical labor is woven into the very fabric of Amish life. From tilling the soil to raising barns, their daily activities are a natural form of exercise that keeps them robust and resilient. This physicality, an expression of their work ethic, is a testament to their belief in the value of hard work.
The Amish community is a tapestry of social support, where each thread is as vital as the next. In times of illness or distress, the community comes together, offering a network of care that extends from the cradle to the grave. This social fabric provides emotional security and fosters healthier lifestyle choices.
When confronted with grave illnesses such as cancer, the Amish community often finds itself at a crossroads between age-old remedies and the advancements of contemporary medicine. While some members of the community place their faith in natural treatments, others may embark on journeys to places like Mexico, where clinics offer a blend of alternative and conventional therapies.
Despite the varied approaches to healing, the Amish unite in their belief that health is ultimately in the hands of God, the supreme healer. They seek comfort and guidance through prayer and the collective strength of the community.
Aging among the Amish is a journey marked by dignity and respect. Elders are treasured for their wisdom and continue to contribute to family life, often living in close proximity to their loved ones. Their cognitive vitality is nurtured through engagement with family members, including children and grandchildren, which is a testament to the belief that a life well-lived is a life well-loved.
Here are a few home happenings the families dedicated to weaving the beautiful baskets featured on AmishBaskets.com have shared with us this week.
The Mast Family
During breakfast on Wednesday, the Mast family was greeted by urgent chirping near their front porch. Due to strong winds overnight, a baby Robin had fallen from its nest, which was perched too high to reach. Ingeniously, they stacked a chair on a picnic table and added a crate to gain the height needed. Swaddled in a towel, the little Robin was gently returned to its home. Now, they hope the mother resumes her nurturing duties.
The Yoder Family
Inspired by hearing about the Masts family's feathered rescue, the Yoders reminisced about their own avian adventure. Last year, they nurtured a fledgling Bluejay, teaching it to come to their whistles at mealtime. The bird had a particular taste for mulberries. They related that one day, they saw it sitting on a parked vehicle that was visiting their farm, and it likely took a ride as that was the last day they saw it.
The Gingerich Family
This week, the Gingerich household was bustling with activity as they preserved 80 quarts of red raspberry pie filling, along with a hearty batch of black raspberries. Their Thursday evening was spent hosting friends for supper, followed by a night of fireworks. Perched atop a hill, their home offered a panoramic view, allowing everyone, especially the children, to marvel at the distant celebratory fireworks of the 4th.
"Middle age is when you have two choices, and you choose the one that gets you home earlier."
— Amish Wisdom
