Years ago, we could go out for a walk through orchards of peaches, apples, pears, and plums. If you live in a warm climate, the walks probably take you past mango, oranges, or even avocado. Eating as much fruit as you could was easy, once you climbed the tree, tossed up a stone, or pulled down a berry branch.
One of my teachers, when I was first thinking about training in nutrition, told me that fruit trees are symbols of abundance. I’m using the word “abundance” because I feel that most people understand it. I must admit that for a while, I was turned off by the word, because it seemed to be overused, and it wasn’t something I truly believed in. I’m continuing to work through these personal beliefs every day.
I live in the apple state, and I see trees everywhere that will have fruit rotting below them once apple season passes. We will get sick of plum sorbet as the trees finish with their ripe fruit, and we may even get bored of apples. The natural world is overflowing.
I have a question that I don’t know the answer to:
Does paying money for fruit keep us from experiencing the true abundance of nature?
In nature, the trees keep offering fruit, and you can eat as much as you desire, until your stomach is satisfied, or the tree or bush is empty. If you pay money for fruit, you must stop when the money that you have runs out. For example, I went to the farmer’s market today with $40 in cash, and stopped my purchases when I had spent it all. Using money puts a cap on the food that we bring into our lives.
Or, does paying for fruit from local organic farms contribute to abundance and help us experience more of it? The farms are supported, lush land is preserved, and the nutrients cycle through our food to keep our body supported. I’ve also been given free produce from farmers I know who want to see me smile.
I am learning from my mentors that money is also abundant, and the stream never ends. It’s been a hard idea to 
believe in, but it’s true that the flow will never stop. It’s not going to stop, even if you spend it today. More will come.
I’d love to hear what you think about the overflowing quantity of fresh food on this planet, and if using money to purchase food limits the feeling of abundance or adds to it. Please comment on the facebook page.
Whatever we end up believing in is still a good reason to toss a few extra seeds into your garden for autumn, and plant a fruit tree this fall. They will keep giving back to you in a supply that doesn’t want to end.
© 2011 Ava Waits
