Strolling down Denver’s South Pearl Street Farmers Market on a sunlit Sunday morning is an experience that stirs the soul—a Taoist journey of aligning oneself with the rhythm of the natural world.
With each step on the cordoned off thoroughfare, one is enveloped in the energetic vibe of a market that is more than a gathering of stalls and shoppers; it is a celebration of life itself.
The radiant Colorado blue sky stretches infinitely above, a pristine canvas against which the vibrant colors of vegetables, fruits, flowers, and people come alive. What I love about the market is that it’s not just a place to buy produce but it’s a sanctuary where the senses dance and where Epicurean pleasures abound.
The market emanates an energy that invites you to lose yourself in the present moment, much like the teachings of Zhuangzi, who would have appreciated the effortless flow of life here. The cacophony of vendors promoting their wares mingles harmoniously with the chatter of patrons, the laughter of children, and the occasional strumming of a street musician’s guitar.
Here, the Tao—the Way—is found in the simplicity of an organic apple pie or the heady scent of freshly baked bread. There is no need for grand spiritual gestures. Rather, to be fully present amid the abundance of a farmers market is to embrace life as it is.
I have visited many farmers markets in my time—each one unique in its charm—but none quite capture my spirit like the South Pearl Farmers Market.
There is a magnetic pull that this place has over me. Perhaps it is the way the sunlight plays upon the faces of the vendors, their eyes as bright as the vegetables they sell. Or maybe it’s the easy camaraderie among strangers, woven together by the shared joy of a good find—whether that be a ripe peach, a loaf of sourdough, or a jar of lavender honey.
There is something grounding about it all. This market is alive with a sense of interconnectedness that transcends the mere exchange of goods for money. It is a community woven into a web of nature's bounty and human spirit.
The farmers’ market, in its essence, mirrors the principles of Epicurean philosophy. Epicurus taught that the pursuit of pleasure, when done wisely, is the key to a happy life. Here, pleasure is found not in excess but in simplicity and quality. Each bite of a farm-fresh tomato bursts with the flavors of the earth, the sun, and the rain, reminding us of the simple joy of nourishing ourselves with nature’s gifts.
The market offers a feast not just for the body but also for the spirit. The joy of discovery, the delight of tasting something new, the beauty of the flowers in full bloom—all of these are small pleasures that, when savored fully, create a rich and satisfying life.
As I walk through the market, I am reminded of how the beauty of a Colorado blue sky can amplify the radiance of everything beneath it. People here seem to glow, not just because of the altitude but because of the altitude of their spirits. Vendors engage with the same vitality as the produce they sell, their eyes bright with the confidence that comes from being part of a cycle that is as old as time.
It’s a market where humans and nature converge, where the Earth’s abundance is celebrated, and where life’s simple pleasures are held up as the ultimate treasure.
In this spirit, I leave you with a list of five benefits of immersing yourself in the joy of a farmers’ market:
Connection to Nature: For me, every visit to the market is a grounding experience, a reminder of our deep connection to the Earth. Touching, smelling, and tasting fresh produce brings us closer to the natural rhythms of life.
Nourishment of Body and Soul: Eating fresh, locally grown food is nourishing on a physical level, but it also nourishes the soul by supporting the local community and fostering sustainability.
Mindful Consumption: A farmers’ market encourages a slower, more intentional approach to shopping. Each purchase becomes a choice to support small-scale farmers and artisans who care for the land and their craft.
Community Building: Farmers markets like South Pearl foster a sense of belonging. Regular visits turn strangers into familiar faces, creating a web of social connections that enrich daily life.
Simple Joys: Amidst the chaos of modern life, the market offers simple, unpretentious pleasures—a juicy peach, a freshly baked croissant, or a friendly conversation—that remind us of the beauty found in everyday moments.
The South Pearl Street Farmers Market is, to me, a little corner of paradise where the hustle of life slows to a gentle sway. It is where the Epicurean and the Taoist can agree: to savor the present moment and to relish the simple, natural pleasures that life offers. Here, under the expansive Colorado sky, I find a bit of the Tao in every smile, in every radiant vegetable, in every breath.
Since 2022, I, Diamond Michael Scott, aka The Chocolate Taoist, have delivered uncommon nomadic wisdom to help you live a more interconnected and expansive life.
If this publication has been a source of wisdom for you then please consider helping me sustain it by becoming a monthly or annual contributor.
For just $6.00/month or $60.00/year, you’ll have the opportunity to share your lived experiences with fellow nomads, fueling fiery discussions that provoke, inspire, and challenge you to think differently.
So I hope you will take the plunge today and contribute to my mission of helping human travelers on this life journey.
At that very market, I met the maple syrup maven who stores his brew in whiskey barrels. Epicurus would approve.