Herbalism as a Path to Self Empowerment
We know the herbs are wonderful and we all love them very much, but let’s be honest, what we’re really on about standing in our own power. At its root, herbalism is another thread in the tapestry of the work that reconnects. We can use herbalism as a tool to understand who we are: individuals working towards participating in a reciprocal relationship with our environment.
Working with the plants teaches us about awareness. When we’re out on walk, we can begin to notice the plants growing all arounds us. Upon closer look, we see the patterns of the plants - the way the look, smell, taste, and their effect on our bodies and minds. Plants offer us a pathway to presence, teaching us to live in the moment.
Living in presence show us how to let go of the past. As the trees drop their leaves in the fall, they let go of all they’ve accumulated over the summer. Those leaves fall to the ground and nourish the soil. This is the same for us - letting go of that which no longer serves frees us up to grow.
Developing a new mindset isn’t easy. We often get stuck in old stories that keep us ignorant to the expansive truths of the universe. Plants can help us shift our awareness by providing deep nourishment. There is some truth to the old adage ‘change your diet, change your mind’. Consider how plants and trees use the mycelial network to share information and nourishment. Let’s take a note from them and perhaps we’ll be inspired to use the mushrooms in new and creative ways. There’s always more to learn!
The future can be daunting. Willful ignorance isn’t the answer, but neither is worrying about what’s going to happen. Follow the cycles of nature and remember that change is inevitable. It’s true that a bud blooms, blossoms, sets fruit and goes to seed all too quickly. Take the time to enjoy each step along the journey rather than focusing on what is going to happen next.
Have faith. Trust in the resilience of nature and you will begin to see the resiliency of your own self. I trust that the sun will rise tomorrow; I trust that the plants will grow in the spring; and when I’m feeling weak, I trust that my strength will return with each infusion I drink.
Recognizing the support that we have allows us to stand tall. We are all supported by external elements. Just as the plants are supported by the sun, rain, and soil, we too are supported by their forces, both visible and invisible, so relax - you’ve got this.
This leads us to responsibility. Everything wants to be of use, the herbs in our gardens, the animals on the farm, even the tools we have at our disposal. We are much the same. We have a responsibility to living in community with the world. Share your gifts just as the plants, animals, and elements share theirs.
The act of making a tea or infusion for ourselves is a bold statement. It shows our willingness to be present with our needs, teaches us to live in the moment, opens us to new experiences. Herbalism builds a practice of trust, engenders feelings of gratitude, and helps us relax. Working with the plants shows us how to be useful and take responsibility. So stand up and be a herbalist - we need more people in their power!
