New Skills, New Perspectives

There is something deeply satisfying about learning or perfecting a craft. It is not the applause, recognition, or even the results that bring the most joy. It is the quiet, steady sense of growth and mastery that unfolds with time. It becomes a source of pride that does not demand validation from others but feels like a gift to yourself.

While managing our orchard, I have been learning new skills in farming and orchard care, things I never knew before. From nurturing young saplings to understanding soil health, these practices have become part of my daily routine. What began with simple methods like composting has expanded into discovering the intricate ways trees communicate with one another and how fungal networks enrich the soil. Every new piece of knowledge deepens my connection with the land and its natural cycles.

What excites me most is how these skills are helping me tune into the environment by reading signs from nature such as changes in the weather, how clouds form, or how insects and birds behave, which give hints about what is coming. Weather apps and government’s messages help, but in addition these subtle messages from nature also provide a lot of information. This knowledge brings a sense of preparedness and calm in the wild spaces around the homestay.

I have also grown more confident navigating through forests and fields by learning to identify landmarks and read the terrain. Observing how vegetation thrives depending on the direction of the rains and sun, how plants lean towards light, how moss and lichens cover tree trunks, and where birds choose to build their nests – all of these, and many more clues from nature, help me find my way. What once felt like an intimidating wilderness now feels familiar, inviting, and full of quiet guidance.

And then there is the incredible joy of discovering the world around me. I can identify birds by their calls and colours, recognise trees by their leaves, and distinguish wild berries, mushrooms, and herbs. Some are edible, some medicinal, and some simply fascinating to observe. Nature’s abundance feels like a treasure waiting to be explored. Sitting under a tree, sipping on some hot coffee, I frequently make an effort to listen to all the sounds around me, and feel happy when I can identify some of the bird calls. This has now become a kind of a daily routine for me.

At the same time, over the past few years, as I have been running a homestay, I have found myself learning and perfecting the way I cook by experimenting with fresh ingredients, local produce, and new recipes. Cooking for guests has become more than just preparing meals. It is about creating experiences, sharing comfort, and bringing people together through flavours and warmth.

The free time that comes between tasks or during quieter days has been just as rewarding. It has given me the opportunity to read, reflect, and improve my understanding of various things, from ecology and weather patterns to human behaviour and spirituality. This uninterrupted space to learn has enriched my perspective and made every experience more meaningful. Every time I learn something new, it feels like a veil lifting and revealing a clearer view of the world.

Learning a craft teaches you that mastery is not a destination but a relationship. It is about practising, observing, and listening deeply whether it is cooking a comforting meal, tending to the orchard, or learning from the land’s quiet signals. The small, consistent efforts build into something meaningful over time.

This journey has never been about perfection. It has been about showing up every day with curiosity, patience, and persistence. I have stumbled, made mistakes, and forgotten things along the way, but each experience has made me stronger and more aware. What is important is to be persistent and keep perfecting whatever I want to learn. If you are thinking of learning something new, be it cooking, gardening, or anything else, focus less on where you will end up and more on the process itself. The journey, the discovery, and the connection you build along the way are far more rewarding than the end result.

A few months ago, I was having a conversation with a gentleman, a professor researching theories and different aspects of happiness. While working in the orchard yesterday, I realised that the continuous learning of new skills and the sense of accomplishment that comes with it are also essential ingredients in experiencing true happiness.

For me, this has been a journey of discovery and wonder. The most meaningful accomplishments are often the quiet ones, nurtured by care, curiosity, and the simple joy of learning. These small achievements have filled my days with a sense of purpose and joy, bringing a deep, lasting happiness. They remind me that growth doesn’t have to be loud or dramatic; it’s in the steady steps, the newfound skills, and the moments of understanding that we find true fulfilment and a profound sense of accomplishment.

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