Tepid spring days Looking for something a little different on those cool, spring days when you can’t get the chill out of your bones? Or maybe you are clearing a pathway, opening up an energetic channel?This is my favorite infusion because it warms up body, has a calming and loving effect on my heart. It’s perfect also when you are about to start a new project or are coming through a new transition. The effect is boosting and sustaining the higher levels of yourself. Cinnamon Rose Infusion3 to 4 cinnamon sticks6 to 8 cardamon pods (green)1/4 cup dried rose petals1/8 cup dried violets Boil 8 cups of water in a large pot. Add the first two ingredients. Let boil for 1 to 2 minutes. Turn off the heat and let steep for about 2 hours. Then add the rose petals and violets. mix around and pour the contents into a glass gallon container. Let steep for a few more hours in the sun or during a full moon then strain. You can enjoy this on its own or add some lemon and your favorite sweetener. This infusion reminds me to go out into spring time with a loving, easeful, warm heart. To co-create with nature and connecting with the potency that is blooming in front of you. Remember, what is popping up in your garden is for you. Ayurvedic hits:Sweet and astringent- cinnamon/rose/sweetenerBitter- rose/violetSour- lemon Enjoy! With much love, Helen
Bodhisattva
Warrior 2 is Love Bodhisattva is a term that means the heart of the yogic warrior. In Pema Chodron’s book, the places that scare you, she describes this: “. . . we can let the circumstances of our lives harden us so that we become increasingly resentful and afraid, or we can let them soften us and make us kinder and more open to what scares us. We always have this choice.” This is the center of the spiritual heart, that soft spot within, that is never wounded. It is walking around with this vulnerability that allows us to appreciate everything a little deeper and have a greater sense of joy for life. You can practice tuning into Bodhisattva by placing your hands on your heart and simply feeling. You can also play with any of the asanas (yoga poses). For example, hold Warrior 2 and listen to the energy of your heart in this pose. What are you sensing? I often feel like this . . . I am not what lies ahead, nor what lies behind, I am present in Bodhisattva, center of the yogic warrior, that soft spot that doesn’t need to be protected. I am doing a Wild Medicine Mentorship with Sheryl Edsall and last week the focus was the medicine of Hawthorne. This plant supports the heart, lowers blood pressure and has a calming effect. As I drink and meditate with Hawthorne, I am experiencing greater awareness of the temple of my heart. I am sent to a vast, warm space; like coming in from being outside on a cold winter day. Funny enough, I have been jogging and sprinting a lot lately. The grandeur of tree medicine reminds me how big and strong I can be. Brew your own Hawthorne tea:1 tsp of dried hawthorne leaves and flowers (find at your local health food store)1 cup of boiling water Pour the hot water over the leaves and let steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Sip the tea. Slow to really take in the qualities of the medicine of Hawthorne. How do you feel after you drink or meditate with the plant? Journal, sing, dance or do what you really love to connect to the magnificence of the tree. Hawthorne messages to me . . . I am the cave of the heart. I protect you from heaviness there. I am a safe refuge, like a home. I am massive, patient love. The creatures come to gather under me. I have a great affection for them. But I am more . . . I am a portal to their inner strength . . . your deeper loving self. With much love,Helen
Reflect on the Light Within
The Holiday season is coming with its sparkly lights and glow and feathery celebrations to keep us going in the darkness of earth’s winter. Soon, the solstice will be upon us and the light outside will gently redirect. It’s a great time now, to get in touch with the light aka the prana that flows within us . . .
When A Publisher Says Yes
When a publisher says yes and accepts your work in their journal, without knowing you, you know you stand out from the slush pile, from the hundreds of entries they are reading and 99% of the time they are rejecting work. So it’s a victory. . . a small humble feat I haven’t pursued or felt in years. . . and here, on the day after the 10th day of Navartri, when our Hindu brothers and sisters all over the globe celebrated Vijayadasami, a day of triumph, where good conquers evil. May I be bold enough and honor my little win in the name of this day?