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A Land Full of Permaculture and the Power of Mindfulness
Permaculture and Living in Harmony with Nature
Permaculture is a way of life that works in harmony with nature, and that is exactly what Sandra and Santi have been striving for since 2008 at Simply Canvas Farm. Their goal was not commercial food production but creating a space where biodiversity thrives and visitors can rejuvenate.
With thousands of trees, shrubs, and herbs planted, they have created a resilient ecosystem. They immersed themselves in food forest principles, attended courses led by renowned experts, and Sandra even wrote a book about their permaculture experiences: Op Scheppen.
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Mindfulness as a Guiding Thread
Mindfulness is the guiding thread in their lives, a quest for a deeper connection with themselves and the world. This journey led them to Plum Village, where they lived as a nun and monk, studying under Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh.
Santi’s years of study in Buddhist psychology have made him a gifted teacher, and if you’re lucky, he might share his insights informally at the kitchen table. Sandra documented her journey from monastic life to France in her book, Levensreis naar Frankrijk (Life Journey to France). Together, they walk a path of inner peace and connection.
The Link Between Permaculture and Mindfulness for a Retreat Center
For Sandra and Santi, mindfulness and permaculture are deeply intertwined. This connection becomes clear when you visit their farm and retreat center. Permaculture requires a profound understanding and respect for natural processes and cycles. It demands attentive observation and listening to the land, plants, and animals—something that cannot be achieved without mindfulness. By applying mindfulness, we become aware of the subtle signals and needs of the ecosystem we work with. Through this connection between permaculture and mindfulness, and deeply listening to plants, Sandra has developed flower remedies.
The Benefits of the Mindfulness-Permaculture Link
The connection between permaculture and mindfulness not only benefits the land and crops but also enhances the experiences of the guests who visit Sandra and Santi, the retreats they host, and their personal lives:
"By being consciously present in the moment, we can more fully enjoy the beauty of nature, our work, and our conversations with people. It brings a sense of fulfillment, and we feel connected to our place and community when we see the fruits of our efforts. Moreover, mindfulness helps us better manage the challenges and stresses that come with running this place.
And there it is: the special connection between permaculture and mindfulness, our secret ingredient! As proud owners of a permaculture farm and retreat center, we’ve experienced firsthand the immense positivity this combination brings—to our work, our guests, and especially our own lives."
