Dr. Ivette Ruiz
The Healing Work of Farming
For Dr. Ivette Ruiz, farming is about healing. At her East Haven, Connecticut farm, Healing By Growing, she creates space for people to reconnect with the land, with themselves, and each other. However, nurturing others through culturally grounded farming and wellness practices also means making time to care for herself.
Self-care and well-being in the context of farming and creating a healing space like Healing By Growing Farms means prioritizing my own mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health. That’s what allows me to effectively support others in a way that’s culturally appropriate and truly nurturing.
As a farmer with an invisible disability, Ivette often has to adapt tools, adjust her workflow, and push through moments of deep fatigue. Farming with a disability means navigating physical, emotional, and systemic barriers, often quietly and alone.
That’s why Ivette has built practices into her life that keep her grounded: setting boundaries, leaning on her community, incorporating rest, and cultivating joy. Whether through therapy, mindfulness, or simply getting enough sleep, Ivette makes self-care an intentional part of her work.
By prioritizing my own well-being, I’m better equipped to create a nurturing and supportive environment for others to heal and grow.
With support from Real Farmer Care, Ivette is planning a self-designed mini retreat focused on restoration and skill-building. She hopes to spend time on another local farm that shares her values and philosophy, trading labor for room and board. “This would provide me with a much-needed break from the demands of my own farm,” she says. “It’s a chance to recharge, connect with like-minded people, and gain new perspectives.”
Ivette reminds us that rest is not just about slowing down, it’s about honoring limitations, celebrating adaptation, and finding joy in new rhythms. As she puts it, self-care, especially for disabled farmers, means being seen, supported, and equipped: “Having the right tools and mental health support, financial stability, time to recover—those are my most important needs.”
At the heart of her vision is the belief that care can be communal. When farmers are supported by community, policy, and programs like Real Farmer Care, well-being is no longer an afterthought.
By addressing these needs, I can improve my overall well-being and continue to contribute to my community through sustainable farming practices.
Follow & support Dr. Ivette’s farming journey.
Facebook: @healingbygrowing
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