(Part 2 of 3)
grat·i·tude
/ˈɡradəˌt(y)o͞od/
- the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
One of the values many of us hold onto in times of crisis is gratitude.
We have all experienced the lockdowns, the uncertainty, and perhaps a great deal of fear during the last year and a half. More than ever, we had to search for pieces of joy and look for something that made us feel whole, in a world that felt (and may still feel) fractured. During tough times and to keep our life stable, we benefit from developing a thankful attitude for the blessings in our life.
Is gratitude a daily practice for you?
In our last blog, the women of Wild Rose showed you their vulnerable sides. They also shared which herbal remedies they leaned on for support. Today Nicole and Katie also open up.
When I asked these ladies what they were grateful for and what brought them joy during this last year’s challenges, it wasn’t as basic as bubble baths and candles.
Dirt bikes, Video Games, and a Chinchilla
“I have an obsession with downhill mountain biking and dirt bikes. When I’m not foraging in the forest I’m blasting through the trails on 2 wheels! Morning meditation was (and still is) a huge one for me – the internal quietness at the start of each day really helps set the tone for the day ahead. Also, kitchen dance parties!” Becky (Education Manager)
Nicole (Education Coordinator):
“I really enjoy playing video games! Some of my favorites are RPG games, The Sims, Pokemon, and Animal Crossing. My main strategy was distraction and trying to keep busy the best I could indoors to keep my mind off of things.”
Katie (Student Services Coordinator):
“I love animals! I share my living space with three dogs, three cats, and a chinchilla. Also, I’m a part-time dog groomer and a retired canine first aid instructor. I had time to explore the land around me through epic hiking trails and adventures with my dogs!”
This is a great example that while some of us made the most of being inside, others needed to get into the great outdoors. Finding your happy place and things you are grateful for can take many forms.
Nervines and Nixing Negativity
And of course, I had to know: What was your biggest herbal support?
“Milky Oats 100% to hug my nervous system each day!”
Nicole: “Lemon Balm! I find it really calming and anxiety was one of my biggest issues.”
Katie: “I relied greatly on my collection of cleanse/detox teas from Harmonic Arts. I was mentally purging the negativity from my headspace, and physically the teas helped to remove the negativity from my body to bring together my whole self.”
Knowing there are herbs to calm your nervous system and support you in effective ways in times of extreme stress, is enough to make anyone grateful!
Once again, we would love to hear what herb(s) helped you through any challenges that you may have faced during these uncertain times. What ritual and plant medicine helps you to cultivate an attitude of gratitude? Please leave a comment below!
In the last segment of our 3 part series, the women of Wild Rose talk plants and passion!
(Pssst… we also have a big announcement coming in September… we will be dropping hints soon. Stay tuned!)
6 thoughts on “Up Close + Personal with the Women of WRC: Pt 2”
Chaga tea daily in the afternoon, blended with a Harmonic Arts tea for flavour (I.e. Thought Flow), has been one of my favourite rituals this year. Also enjoy adding H. A. Radiance blend to our daily morning smoothies. Grateful to have this goodness in our lives!
Photography has a real calming effect on me. Taking my camera for a walk around the yard seems to focus my energy in a positive way. I see the world around me with a narrow view, often with a macro lens, which allows me to see the details of plants and bugs up close. Other times I am focused on the broad expance of the heavens and photograph the night sky, 2020 had some amazing opportunities. In these moments I find gratitude for the small and simple details or in contrast stand in awe of the big pictures of life. As for plants that cultivate an attitude of gratitude, those would be plants I have grown and dried from my garden. Among my top favorites are: corn silk (tastes like summer sunshine), dill seed, sunflower petals and strawberry leaf. Knowing that these came from my garden and are healing brings me gratitude for the world around me.
Tea in the afternoon sounds like a great transition into feeling grounded and creating gratitude! And nobody can deny the comfort of those Harmonic Arts Blends. 🙂
2020 definitely didn’t change the view of the vast sky or colourful plants! I think photography is a perfect example of something that expanded for many during this time. Sounds like you really embraced it. 🙂 I especially appreciate a nice macro shot and my f 1.8 lens to create a nice bokeh! And there is something to be said for harvesting from a garden you put so much love into. Glad to hear you created such gratitude!
Lots of time in nature.. walks in the forest, and relaxing on beaches. I found so much joy in nature that was true and pure. Paired with eating as healthy as possible, it kept me feeling good and positive. Also playing music often brings a great balance… and herbal tea!! 🙂
That all sounds like a recipe for a very balanced life. 🙂 Good for you for taking care of yourself and creating the good vibes during this trying time!
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