Choices, they’re everywhere but often very hard to make. What’s also difficult to do right now is remembering that there is so much goodness and reason for hope – we just need to choose to see it. I, personally, had fallen into the habit of listening to the “news” and tuning into social media and then feeling exhausted and insecure afterward. I’m choosing to change the channel right now – right after I put this message into context for you.
After the past two years of isolation, loss, confusion, injustice, destruction, and countless other harms to life on earth, we are all grieving. Even with all the nuances of language there are still too few words to describe what we are feeling now and I recognize that grief does not begin to express the fullness of the existential crisis we find ourselves in. Whether the origin of your grief comes from loss of a loved one (due to the pandemic or not), loss of one’s identity (i.e., your true gender expression is not recognized or you feel that your job is your identity), loss of control (the world is changing so quickly beneath your feet that you have become ungrounded) – or from any other disturbance – you are not alone.
In these days of so much loss, it may be as simple as looking into the eyes of a fellow human to see your own sorrow reflected back at you and, it is this recognition that can be the beginning of healing. For me, my personal healing journey began about two years ago when I discovered that, after looking around and within, that my true purpose is to be on the plant path and, with that responsibility, comes self-realization. The time afforded me by the pandemic gave me the space to explore and uncover aspects of myself that needed to be acknowledged and accepted; dark corners and sharp edges alike. Ultimately what I realized is that from the time I was a small child, I have been grieving for the person I had the potential to be but never honored because I was too distracted by how others (or how I thought others) saw or didn’t see me. Stick with me here because that is a heavy load and it has potential to help others who also need to shed unwanted devices or protection that are no longer serving them.
All the ways I felt unseen is material for another post, but the point is that we humans are social beings, born to be seen, and when we (animals and planet included), become invisible, the value and respect for them disappear from view. While manifesting for a long time, countless examples of this rampant dismissal have magnified over the past 20+ months, from recurring mass shootings, deepening economic disparities, systemic racial inequities, inaction on climate change, and political fracturing. And what is a common thread among all these assaults on humanity? You guessed it, we are losing our ability to see each other because we are focusing on what makes us different, looking at what is disagreeable, dissimilar and foreign. But, there is a choice here hidden in plain sight. Instead, we can choose to see one another as a being with merit, spirit, unique gifts and worthy of love. The same principle works on yourself and actually begins there.
So, what do we do? Let’s simply see each other in 2022! I will start by choosing to truly see myself through a different lens, one of self-compassion and acceptance that needs nourishment not self-deprecation. I will make choices about what I look at, what I listen to and with whom I share my time. These active habits have the power to transform a world that looks lonely, dark and scary to one that is bright, magnificent and inspiring. Collectively, I know that so much human potential and so many possible friendships are just one shared meal or community garden away. While we respect our own boundaries, we can still create space for someone who needs to have a good cry, a warm hand to hold, a kind face to look into.
In addition to looking deeply within yourself and at those around you, other remedies for soothing and repairing humanity are well within reach; many of them are common plants that may be growing right in your yard. Oh, and don’t forget the ancient practice of abhyanga that I talked about in my Highly Sensitive Person post! But back to the plants… With their ability to help profoundly shift our emotional and physical hearts, here are a few generous plants to consider that are particularly supportive of the heart.
*Please know that all these herbs (only a small representation of what’s available), can be taken in forms that are most agreeable to you, i.e., tincture, powder, flower essence, etc., and that before you do, you should consult with your healthcare team. These suggestions and the content here are meant for informational purposes only and are not to be construed as medical advice, diagnosis or prescription.
Borage, Borago officinalis – Borage is a protective plant; one to reach for when you need courage, courage to face whatever life presents, courage to face your own limiting patterns, courage to work through overwhelming grief. This works especially well with those who feel heavy-hearted.
Hawthorn, Crataegus spp. – With its massive thorns, hawthorn is a truly defensive ally celebrated for its support to the cardiovascular system. Hawthorn berries and flower essences are exceptional heart protective remedies particularly for the broken hearts suffering from overwhelming grief.
Motherwort, Leonurus cardiaca – This bitter herb, a member of the mint family, is a potent heart protector and gentle stress reducer. Motherwort is truly a lion-hearted plant (as its botanical name implies), as it can guide you to understanding your own boundaries and how to hold the line with conviction and diplomacy.
Mimosa, Albizia julibrissin* – Also referred to as the silk tree or “tree of happiness,” this Asian native offers uplifting emotional support through its flowers and bark. It has been widely used to elevate mood and temper chronic grief and excessive anger.
* NOTE! Considered to be a vigorous invasive here in the States, please do not cultivate this one as it seeds readily and easily out-competes native trees and shrubs for nutrients and sunlight.
Pine, Pinus sylvestris – Known as a symbol of peace, the white pine also brings its ancient grounding wisdom to the nervous system. When used as a flower essence, this ubiquitous herb can assist the spirit in finding self-acceptance and provide space to move forward despite past mistakes and to overcome guilt and self-criticism.
Rose, Rosa spp. – This uplifting flower (petals, hips and leaves) has more deeply supportive powers than just a pretty face. It can remind the body and spirit to meet oneself with compassion and gratitude while supporting inner growth.
Self-heal, Prunella vulgaris* – Heal-all is another common name for this diminutive herb that enjoys sprawling and reaching from the dappled shadowy margins in which it grows. Its tiny stature does not suggest nearly all the healing gifts it contains in its dainty leaves and flowers. An exemplar of the deep intelligence of plants, self-heal can mend wounds from external cuts and bleeding gums to internal damage such as infections and heartbreak.
*Self-heal should not be taken in combination with blood thinners. Consult a medical professional before working with this herb.
Tulsi, Ocimum sanctum – This versatile member of the mint family has the intelligence to go where your body needs support while gently calming the nervous system. Through its ability to move blocked energy, tulsi can facilitate emotional expression and help to lift the spirit.
I wholeheartedly encourage you to explore plant medicine further in whatever form it speaks to you. Take good care and I look forward to seeing you in 2022!
Hugs,
Abby
