We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nicky Pitman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Nicky, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I have always longed to be in community; to be part of something bigger than myself. Summer camp was where I first found connection, meaning, and the desire to make the world a better place. That may sound a little hokey, but it made this only child feel like I belonged. My professional background began in theatre. I’ve worked as an actress, director, writer, producer, and educator. I’ve helped found two theatre companies. My interest has always been on the ensemble aspect of the craft. As a theatre teacher, my philosophy was O.T.O. (Other Than Ourselves): whatever we think, say, or do is going to affect others, and we should always strive to have a positive affect. As time moved on, I found myself pulled towards contemplative practices: mindfulness, meditation, and yoga. I discovered that these practices also supported the work I was doing with social justice work. Last July (2022), I assumed the role of Director of Shemesh Farms, a social enterprise that employs adults with diverse abilities and special needs. This job has given me the opportunity to utilize all of my skills and passions, and gifting me with an even broader purpose than I could have already imagined: to be part of a community beyond my wildest dreams.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I have just celebrated my one year anniversary as Director of Shemesh Farms, a social enterprise that employs adults with diverse abilities and special needs in Malibu, California. Shemesh means “sun” in Hebrew. And no matter who we are, what we do, or where we live, we are all given the gift of the sun. Our farm and enterprise are built upon a foundation of sustainability, inclusion, and interconnectedness.
Shemesh Farms follows in the footsteps of or parent organization the Shalom Institute, whose mission is to facilitate transformative experiences grounded in Jewish values that foster community, cultivate leadership, inspire social action, nurture Jewish tradition and culture, and instill a responsibility for the environment.
Our community is made up of Farm Fellows, their coaches, volunteers, and staff members. Together we tend to our in-soil and hydroponic tower gardens, till our compost, harvest, sort, and dry our herbs, and curate them into recipes. We make herb and salt blends, teas, lavender sachets, and jar our own honey (having lost our own apiary to the 2018 Woolsey fire, we are currently part of a honey collective). Everyone works at their own pace and everyone is welcome.
Our blends can be found at our online store, in six different boutique stores around the country, and at various festivals and farmers markets.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three main qualities, skills, and knowledge I believe that have been most impactful in my journey are the ability to be flexible, to remain a life-long learner, and to understand that our lives expand when we step into being part of something bigger than ourselves. My life has been a series of twists and turns. Flexibility in mind, body, and spirit has been key. To be able to take things as they come; to pivot and trust the process; to maintain a sense of humor; to practice acceptance of what is and choose to respond rather than resist or play the victim – this has been a mainstay for me in this adventure called life.
I am grateful to be a life-long learner. To be curious, to be open-minded, to be willing to push past my comfort zone and adopt what the Buddhists call a “beginner’s mind” – these have all helped me navigate relationships, change careers, move across the country (several times), travel solo, have compassion for others, and grow as a human being.
The quest to be of service; to be part of something bigger than myself has helped keep my ego in check, has inspired me to be a better citizen and leader, and given me the chance to truly see and feel our true interconnectedness with one another and our world.
All that said: I certainly don’t do any of this perfectly in the slightest, but my awareness and willingness to continue to practicw all of them (no matter how much I falter) keeps me upright and moving forward.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
There are hundreds of books that have played a role in my development. Two books that have remained on my bedside table, giving me guidance and serenity, again and again for the past 15 years are Jack Kornfield’s THE ART OF FORGIVENESS, LOVINGKINDNESS, AND PEACE and COMFORTABLE WITH UNCERTAINTY: 108 Teachings on Cultivating Fearlessness and Compassion, by Pema Chodron. Kornfield’s book offers quotes, stories, and meditations that allow me to pause, breathe, practice, and begin again. Each teaching in Chodron’s book is like a succinct “aha” shot and almost every time I pick up that book, I am able to put it down feeling like I received a new pair of glasses that help me see my world, in that moment, from a new perspective.
Lovingkindness and Tonglen practices/meditations are my go-to: when I am any uncomfortable state of being, when I am overwhelmed by emotions, these two practices open my mind and heart and give me space to sit in care and compassion of myself and others.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shemeshfarms.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shemeshfarms/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicky-pitman-b649b116/
