Right now is one of the prettiest times of year… I encourage you to go out into the forest, be absolutely present, if only for 15 min… longer would be even better. Notice all the little things; a bud, a blossom, animal tracks, mushrooms, insects, trees in flower. Become an explorer. Discover some of the medicine plants, some are really weeds. Let go of judgments. Examine everything as if it were the first time you have ever seen it. Cultivate ‘beginners mind’ and forget what you know -to experience what is -at this moment. You will be amazed. I love looking at all the little vignettes of leaves, pine needles, moss and stones as well as the grand sweeping vistas. Vary your vision. Notice how Black Cohosh is sending up fairy wands of white flowers at this time of year to notify us that it is time to reclaim the magic of our wildness!
Tune into that wild aspect of yourself. What is your heart yearning to create in your life? The forest has a unique way of opening us to receive Creativity and many other gifts. Every tree, shrub, and all the native flowers are magnificent gentle healers by their very presence. There was a time when everyone knew the magic and message of each type of plant, each rock, each kind of soil. The magic is still there, waiting to be rediscovered, engaged in, interacted with and celebrated. Remember our traditional roots and create your own magnificent tree of human expression!
When you walk around the forest, feel into it and connect with vibrant energy. Let it beckon you into a deeper level of consciousness and feel the radiance of the life force. When everyday worries completely disappear as you connect with Nature, inspiration will guide your choices and your Value will be unquestionable. From this space, our collective future is emboldened with passion and clarity. Cultivate the riches of our ancient forests and share the wealth!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Cultivate 3
I love travelling around and giving my “Planting the Future” presentation. One thing that always amazes me is that over 60% of the plants that are on the endangered list and are encouraged for cultivation are plants that are actually locally abundant where we live. The global market for these herbs is increasing, exhausting the supplies in other countries, and these plants are still found in the wild here in our mountains.
What if WNC were to become a resource for these plants, growing them sustainably, increasing the healing power of the land and providing energetically superior herbs to use for medicine? We can also save seeds of wild populations as a source for genetically superior species for others to cultivate in other states, and serve as a model for these simple practices which sustain our very species. We forget that many civilizations have crumbled because they forgot to take care of the 6” of topsoil that all of us depend upon to live.
Farmers who want to add additional income can choose herbs that compliment their harvest schedule. There are many different plants to grow which suit different personalities. Since the land is already growing these amazing healing plants, why not partner WITH Nature? It would be a synergistic experience with benefits greater than we could possibly now imagine. Reclaiming our place within the Natural world is an act of power as well as humility.
What if WNC were to become a resource for these plants, growing them sustainably, increasing the healing power of the land and providing energetically superior herbs to use for medicine? We can also save seeds of wild populations as a source for genetically superior species for others to cultivate in other states, and serve as a model for these simple practices which sustain our very species. We forget that many civilizations have crumbled because they forgot to take care of the 6” of topsoil that all of us depend upon to live.
Farmers who want to add additional income can choose herbs that compliment their harvest schedule. There are many different plants to grow which suit different personalities. Since the land is already growing these amazing healing plants, why not partner WITH Nature? It would be a synergistic experience with benefits greater than we could possibly now imagine. Reclaiming our place within the Natural world is an act of power as well as humility.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Cultivate 2
Letting go of that which makes us separate and cultivating that which makes us whole is what brings us fulfillment on a deep level, both personally and as a community. Focusing on that which is greater than ourselves places us at the heart of Service. Sometimes the process is uncomfortable, risky or it can be adventurous, it definitely evokes the spirit of the wild heart.
Taking a walk in the woods can inform our wholeness in a short period of time because the natural world is always operating as a unified whole. Participating in the many aspects of growing crops for medicine or food places us in creative partnership with natural forces where we once again find ourselves a valuable part of a greater system.
There are so many easily accessible places in Western North Carolina where we can connect with the richness of Nature as well as our agricultural heritage. Visit a farm or take a hike. Both of these ventures can bring us to a place of connection and inspire such gifts as Humility, Awe, Creativity and Stewardship.
So celebrate living here in Western North Carolina! Let’s make the effort to reconnect with our forests, and also tune in to how we can reshape our relationship with agriculture. The agricultural landscape is changing and we can be agents of that process and plan now for a future niche that is yet unfilled. We all realize how powerful local plants are medicinally, energetically and nutritionally as well as the benefits of resource stewardship. Thinking long term, we create heaven on earth.
Taking a walk in the woods can inform our wholeness in a short period of time because the natural world is always operating as a unified whole. Participating in the many aspects of growing crops for medicine or food places us in creative partnership with natural forces where we once again find ourselves a valuable part of a greater system.
There are so many easily accessible places in Western North Carolina where we can connect with the richness of Nature as well as our agricultural heritage. Visit a farm or take a hike. Both of these ventures can bring us to a place of connection and inspire such gifts as Humility, Awe, Creativity and Stewardship.
So celebrate living here in Western North Carolina! Let’s make the effort to reconnect with our forests, and also tune in to how we can reshape our relationship with agriculture. The agricultural landscape is changing and we can be agents of that process and plan now for a future niche that is yet unfilled. We all realize how powerful local plants are medicinally, energetically and nutritionally as well as the benefits of resource stewardship. Thinking long term, we create heaven on earth.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Cultivate richness and share the wealth 1
Cultivate our riches and share the wealth
Isn’t the natural beauty of our region absolutely stunning? The Appalachian Mountains are the oldest mountain range on the planet. They are home to many beautiful creatures, some mighty rich soils and wise old plants. The Wisdom of the land is Sacred and healing. Western North Carolina is a repository of deep ancient traditional knowledge amid immense beauty. We are so lucky to be living in this magical kingdom. What a blessing it is to be surrounded by such Magesty.
Ever marvel over how everything in Nature is diversely grouped, interconnected and communicating all at once? It is so cool that you can see a plant, and then by that plants very presence, you can know what animals, birds and other plants will be there too. Collectively they radiate a specific kind of energy. Each and every forest has a different energetic signature, just like you can feel with groups of people. You can tell the health and power of a community by its radiant energy, you can sense the sheer force of its Being. It is a wordless communion greater than the sum of its parts.
When you look around at our community at the Coop, we see people who are committed, passionate and caring. We are defined as being a part of a larger system and the energy speaks for itself. Whether our passion is focused on buying local produce, encouraging sustainable farming, eating pure foods or promoting organic stewardship of the soils, we honor our connection to the land in many ways. Many folks practice recycling, composting, or vermiculture; they enjoy learning to grow mushrooms, raising chickens, buying these products or gardening. These skills weave us intricately within the web of life. We feel our value tangibly in this grand evolving wealth of life sustaining practices. This is how we create true richness.
Isn’t the natural beauty of our region absolutely stunning? The Appalachian Mountains are the oldest mountain range on the planet. They are home to many beautiful creatures, some mighty rich soils and wise old plants. The Wisdom of the land is Sacred and healing. Western North Carolina is a repository of deep ancient traditional knowledge amid immense beauty. We are so lucky to be living in this magical kingdom. What a blessing it is to be surrounded by such Magesty.
Ever marvel over how everything in Nature is diversely grouped, interconnected and communicating all at once? It is so cool that you can see a plant, and then by that plants very presence, you can know what animals, birds and other plants will be there too. Collectively they radiate a specific kind of energy. Each and every forest has a different energetic signature, just like you can feel with groups of people. You can tell the health and power of a community by its radiant energy, you can sense the sheer force of its Being. It is a wordless communion greater than the sum of its parts.
When you look around at our community at the Coop, we see people who are committed, passionate and caring. We are defined as being a part of a larger system and the energy speaks for itself. Whether our passion is focused on buying local produce, encouraging sustainable farming, eating pure foods or promoting organic stewardship of the soils, we honor our connection to the land in many ways. Many folks practice recycling, composting, or vermiculture; they enjoy learning to grow mushrooms, raising chickens, buying these products or gardening. These skills weave us intricately within the web of life. We feel our value tangibly in this grand evolving wealth of life sustaining practices. This is how we create true richness.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Tree Teaching Class starts tomorrow at ICC, Columbus
Learn about the trees...survival lore, medicinal properties and even how to recieve wisdom from the trees themselves! We will have a few field trips to see some magnificent and powerful Grandmother trees. This class will be offered at the Polk County Agricultural Center in May so check out polkcountyfarms.org for class postings.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Medicine Making Class to start up Monday April 11th
Four week course on the basics of making medicine will start Monday April 11th from 1-3pm For more information, go to www.polkcountyfarms.org
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