The Lost Coast is one of the most truly spectacular, rugged, wild, awe-inspiring places I have ever experienced. My family has come to know this place very well and it has become like a home-coming when we visit. Being there always helps us to unwind and relax into that place within, where we feel our most natural and peaceful selves. It is an amazing example of the profound effect of deep nature connection and 'knowing our place'.
There is so much beauty in this place that it is hard to know where to put your attention. Golden Eagles and a myriad of other birds fly overhead, the ocean sounds the constant call of its roar, elk graze contentedly on the bluffs above, but it is the low-growing plants that captivate my attention mostly. I am always scouting for edible and medicinal plants and once I get a sense of what is around and ripe for harvesting, I am always looking for more plants like them. The excitement of seeing another yummy Chickweed plant or aromatic Pennyroyal stand, sticky Gum Weed, plump Rose Hips or mineral rich Nettles never diminishes.
One day while visiting the Lost Coast this summer I took a short walk to a bubbling creek behind where we were staying. In one small area around the creek I identified at least a dozen plants that could be used for food or medicine. In that moment I was filled with awe
thinking about how ALL things of the Earth have their own unique medicine. Each species has it's specific potential and characteristics, but no two plants, like no two people are the same.
Each individual plant, rock, animal or person has its own MEDICINE to offer the world. We all have gifts, talents and strengths that can be healing and often life-changing when shared with others. When we take a closer look at natural systems we see balance and interconnection. We are all children of the Earth and were once part of helping maintain that balance and flow.
As human cultures have changed around the world, our relationships to the natural world and to each other have shifted. We have forgotten our place and our gifts. Our unique talents are often directed toward work and personal achievement rather than offerings to others and the Earth. Small acts of kindness, mentoring or sharing our skill-set with others, parenting with compassion, and making music are all potent medicine. All have the potential to help, to heal and to restore our world to health and wholeness.
If we were to each recognize the power of our personal medicine and the beauty and healing properties of the things around us, we could co-create a healthier and more peaceful world.
For the children (or yourself): Make a list of your gifts, strengths, and talents and then take each one and write how you could use It to benefit someone else, your community, or the Earth.
There is so much beauty in this place that it is hard to know where to put your attention. Golden Eagles and a myriad of other birds fly overhead, the ocean sounds the constant call of its roar, elk graze contentedly on the bluffs above, but it is the low-growing plants that captivate my attention mostly. I am always scouting for edible and medicinal plants and once I get a sense of what is around and ripe for harvesting, I am always looking for more plants like them. The excitement of seeing another yummy Chickweed plant or aromatic Pennyroyal stand, sticky Gum Weed, plump Rose Hips or mineral rich Nettles never diminishes.
One day while visiting the Lost Coast this summer I took a short walk to a bubbling creek behind where we were staying. In one small area around the creek I identified at least a dozen plants that could be used for food or medicine. In that moment I was filled with awe
thinking about how ALL things of the Earth have their own unique medicine. Each species has it's specific potential and characteristics, but no two plants, like no two people are the same.
Each individual plant, rock, animal or person has its own MEDICINE to offer the world. We all have gifts, talents and strengths that can be healing and often life-changing when shared with others. When we take a closer look at natural systems we see balance and interconnection. We are all children of the Earth and were once part of helping maintain that balance and flow.
As human cultures have changed around the world, our relationships to the natural world and to each other have shifted. We have forgotten our place and our gifts. Our unique talents are often directed toward work and personal achievement rather than offerings to others and the Earth. Small acts of kindness, mentoring or sharing our skill-set with others, parenting with compassion, and making music are all potent medicine. All have the potential to help, to heal and to restore our world to health and wholeness.
If we were to each recognize the power of our personal medicine and the beauty and healing properties of the things around us, we could co-create a healthier and more peaceful world.
For the children (or yourself): Make a list of your gifts, strengths, and talents and then take each one and write how you could use It to benefit someone else, your community, or the Earth.
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