I'm finding so much goodness in this book already. At one point I noticed I had more words highlighted than not highlighted. Robin reminds me of the importance of reciprocity and gratitude. As an herbalist, this resonates on many levels. I try to grow many of my herbs and when I need to wildcraft something I do it ethically and responsibly with thankfulness in my heart. Then I try to think of some way to give back, whether by picking up trash when hiking or sending prayers for protection to the wild areas that I love.
Oh I love that so much. What an amazing way to be connected to the land. I really appreciate your perspective as an herbalist, knowing the amazing healing power of Mother Earth firsthand. Your tinctures must be even more resonant, being made with your pure intentions and gratitude! Did you do your training in herbalism alongside your nursing career, or did one or the other come first?
Thank you Rachael, you're so kind. I did my herbalism training in 2019 and had already been a nurse for 15 years at that point. Of course, I love the medical side of herbs but the connection to nature has been the greatest reward. And once you grow your own, there's an even deeper relationship. I definitely feel like I get the better side of the bargain, but I try to show my appreciation and gratitude in any way I can.
Hi Sue, So glad you're enjoying the book so far! Such a great point to reflect on scarcity of resources and food waste. I feel how those tie back in to the commoditization of the natural world that Kimmerer talks about. Food waste really is something tangible we can all be more mindful of in our own homes, what a great reminder - thank you. Do you live somewhere where there are local farmers or farmers markets nearby?
Yess that's so nice! I miss the farmers markets in California. Here in Belgium we have big markets but weirdly the produce is all the same stuff that the grocery store gets. There's a very small local farm near me that I can get some eggs and seasonal produce from, and also a dairy farm where I can get fresh raw milk. It's a nice connection to the land and to my neighbors.
I love to support our local farmers as much as possible. However, I'm getting to where I prefer to grow my own veggies and fruit because chemical-free food is important to me. We do have one farmer who grows organically and his produce is amazing (and you can even visit his farm to see his practices), and now we have a local garlic farmer who grows organically. I think we are getting more folks who are more aware of the dangers of chemicals to us and the land, and of course, all the little creatures that reside there too.
Seeing your posts about the herbs you're growing in the garden really inspires me to do the same. It's a beautiful thing that you can literally live and grow your values, right there in your own garden! You remind me that even 'local' doesn't mean without chemicals - we still need to be diligent about checking in on this wherever we buy our food.
I don't think you would regret growing your own. Even if you don't use herbs for medicinal reasons, many have culinary uses, and they bring such beauty and peace to your space. And, of course, the insects and pollinators love them, too.
That’s so true! In California I always had a small garden, everything was so easy to grow, but I haven’t hacked the weather here in Belgium yet. It would certainly be worth the effort!
Ooh where in California where you? I lived right in Los Angeles so we had a lot of options near by - the farmers would come from all over the state. The next time I go to the Belgian farm I'll have to snap a photo for you. There's a chalkboard with scrawled letters of what he has that week, it's very small village feeling!
I'm finding so much goodness in this book already. At one point I noticed I had more words highlighted than not highlighted. Robin reminds me of the importance of reciprocity and gratitude. As an herbalist, this resonates on many levels. I try to grow many of my herbs and when I need to wildcraft something I do it ethically and responsibly with thankfulness in my heart. Then I try to think of some way to give back, whether by picking up trash when hiking or sending prayers for protection to the wild areas that I love.
Oh I love that so much. What an amazing way to be connected to the land. I really appreciate your perspective as an herbalist, knowing the amazing healing power of Mother Earth firsthand. Your tinctures must be even more resonant, being made with your pure intentions and gratitude! Did you do your training in herbalism alongside your nursing career, or did one or the other come first?
Thank you Rachael, you're so kind. I did my herbalism training in 2019 and had already been a nurse for 15 years at that point. Of course, I love the medical side of herbs but the connection to nature has been the greatest reward. And once you grow your own, there's an even deeper relationship. I definitely feel like I get the better side of the bargain, but I try to show my appreciation and gratitude in any way I can.
That’s amazing! Very inspiring <3
this is a lovely idea!
Oh wow, Sue! How wonderful. I’m off to read it right now. Thank you!
Hi Sue, So glad you're enjoying the book so far! Such a great point to reflect on scarcity of resources and food waste. I feel how those tie back in to the commoditization of the natural world that Kimmerer talks about. Food waste really is something tangible we can all be more mindful of in our own homes, what a great reminder - thank you. Do you live somewhere where there are local farmers or farmers markets nearby?
Yess that's so nice! I miss the farmers markets in California. Here in Belgium we have big markets but weirdly the produce is all the same stuff that the grocery store gets. There's a very small local farm near me that I can get some eggs and seasonal produce from, and also a dairy farm where I can get fresh raw milk. It's a nice connection to the land and to my neighbors.
I love to support our local farmers as much as possible. However, I'm getting to where I prefer to grow my own veggies and fruit because chemical-free food is important to me. We do have one farmer who grows organically and his produce is amazing (and you can even visit his farm to see his practices), and now we have a local garlic farmer who grows organically. I think we are getting more folks who are more aware of the dangers of chemicals to us and the land, and of course, all the little creatures that reside there too.
Seeing your posts about the herbs you're growing in the garden really inspires me to do the same. It's a beautiful thing that you can literally live and grow your values, right there in your own garden! You remind me that even 'local' doesn't mean without chemicals - we still need to be diligent about checking in on this wherever we buy our food.
I don't think you would regret growing your own. Even if you don't use herbs for medicinal reasons, many have culinary uses, and they bring such beauty and peace to your space. And, of course, the insects and pollinators love them, too.
That’s so true! In California I always had a small garden, everything was so easy to grow, but I haven’t hacked the weather here in Belgium yet. It would certainly be worth the effort!
Gardening is one of my absolute favorite activities :)
Ooh where in California where you? I lived right in Los Angeles so we had a lot of options near by - the farmers would come from all over the state. The next time I go to the Belgian farm I'll have to snap a photo for you. There's a chalkboard with scrawled letters of what he has that week, it's very small village feeling!
I’ve never been up there! How lovely. And I’ll definitely snap a photo next time I’m at the farmstand (probably in the spring!)