the web of many weavers
sunrise, nov. 8th, 2016
i'm not usually an early riser by choice, so these past few mornings since the time change, getting up with the first light have been extra special for me. i go out to release the grumbling chickens into the day, then turn towards east to be met with a sea of spiderwebs connecting every single solid object. i kneel down for a few minutes to just watch, noticing how every plant fence trellis random stick and structure are connected, and settle into a quiet heart and mind. some time goes by, my body says "cold now", and i decide it's time to go make tea. before i get up, i turn to look behind me for some reason, and see a long thread of silk connected to my back. there is no difference between me and the fence post it seems (really). i'm comforted in being included in this landscape of connection, and let the strand float from my back as i make my way to this human day.
T h r e e T r e a s u r e s
I touch his cheeks and say “this is wild oats.”
I kiss him lightly and say “this is passionflower.”
I wrap my arms around him, snug, and say “this is skullcap.”
I like this place. It’s safe here. There’s weeds.
i've been noticing how at ease i feel watching my child bomb down the driveway on his bike towards a makeshift ramp to launch from. seems like i should have some heart palpitations or something, right? so i got to thinking about how often i turn to certain plants in the herb garden for comfort and reassurance, and thought i might share my top three plants to always have growing close by. these are the plants that i go to again and again for first aid moments. here it is.
1. big gash? blow to the head? stitches needed? my big rambling bed of yarrow leaves will save me. they staunch deep wounds, and draw the capillaries together to heal quickly and fully. antiseptic too. and helps with pain and bruising. grows all year around here. a must have. native plant and permie people love it too:)
2. bee sting? splinters? stomach ache? itchy rash? plantain is so my friend for all of these. fresh plant poultices draw poison and foreign objects out, leaves in tea help sooth a hot, dry, tight digestive system. in oil, on the skin, does wonders for strange rashes that usually surface in the late summer with latent heat in the body. and really, this plant doesn't dry all that well, so having it growing is essential.
3. kind of a toss up here, but since i'm only doing three, i'm gonna go with lemon verbena. surprising? well, it's just the one i go for that seems to always have at least a few leaves for nervous system reset and digestive relief. the fresh leaves in tea is so completely calming, and delicious, and helpful with anxiety, upset stomach, and overall 'drama'. if skullcap is up too, i'll definitely add that in, but verbena is a nearly year round ally. they remind me that although life is full of suffering, there's always room for an exhale, and with that, acceptance.
4. rosemary. for sinus steams and food soaks and broth and smelly shoes and and...just sayin'. :)
now is a good time to get perennials in the ground, and since the drought is "officially" over (for the moment), you can watch the rain encourage deep roots.
may your garden give you easy belly and open heart!