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THE MIGHTY TEPARY BEAN
Written by Ashley Babcock, Co-Author of The Triumph Program, Chronically Thriving Ed. Photograph: davesgarden.com
Hot is an understatement when describing much of the Sonoran Desert of Northern Mexico. In some parts, there is as little as 2-5 inches of rain per year, and temperatures routinely exceed 118 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer months. It is hard to imagine crops growing in such scorching conditions, but the tepary plant, which was cultivated by ancient Native Americans, not only survives there, but thrives.
Compared to the common bean, this small, wrinkled legume isn’t easy on the eyes, but there is so much more to it than its appearance. Beneath the blaze of an unforgiving sun, the tepary plant digs its roots up to 6 feet into the ground to find water. Its bright green leaves, which flourish even in temperatures above 110 degrees, contract with the rising of the sun to preserve its limited moisture. And despite the seemingly barren conditions it grows in, tepary beans are more nutritious than common beans, containing higher amounts of protein, calcium, iron, and potassium. It is one of the most drought resistant crops in the world, leading some researchers to call it
The Bean of the Future.
Living life with a chronic illness can feel a lot like being in the desert. Many resources necessary for human survival are in scarce supply, including energy, meaningful relationships, financial security, and certainty about the future. Sometimes it is all you can do just to cling on to what little hope you have left in a desperate attempt to survive.
Perhaps like many people, you wish it were possible to return to what life was like before you became sick; back when rain fell plentifully and the heat of life’s challenges wasn’t so overwhelming. Perhaps you believe that you will finally be happy IF you can go back to work or IF you can get your hobbies back or IF you can get out of the house again.
But how long are you willing to put off your happiness, hoping for some cure that may never come? While you may eventually get better or learn to manage your condition, odds are your life will never be the same. In a world where we are defined by what we DO, that can be terrifying to consider. But it doesn’t have to be. You can learn to THRIVE with your chronic illness, exactly as you are today, no matter how difficult, demanding, or overwhelming your health conditions may be. You can become a tepary bean, and this program will help you set foot on the path that will allow you to do it..