I studied with Robin Rose Bennett, teacher of the Wise Woman path. Students of the Wise Woman path enjoy the study of nature, how its interconnectedness and individual elements help us understand our bodies and our vitality. In the Wise Woman path time spirals offering opportunity for understanding our patterns with compassion, nourishing ourselves to grow. I studied with Robin for three years, then completed two years of Robin's monthly community clinic training, along with garden study. I continue to work with Robin as a chef for her retreats and workshops. I have also studied regularly with Claudia Keel and Julia Graves. Forever in the school of learning, I give gratitude to all teachers!

Long before I met Robin, I stirred spring blossoms in plastic pots and made blossom mud pies. I was young and I was listening. Then for a long time I did not want to listen and I read many books and forgot to explore outside. Through a series of health challenges as a teenager and through my twenties, I found that while Western medicine had some good to offer, lasting healing came when I could align myself with the seasons and rhythms of our earth. 

Wise Woman says, "We are in a web of life. May we protect and honor this web. May we be humble, quiet, and listen to the breath of the planet. May we affirm our connection with the earth by giving worth to the web of life, and by learning to take better care of the earth, including ourselves. When we align with the natural cycles of our bodies, the moon, the seasons, the chapters of our lives, we attune our bodies to the beating breath of life. From that place of centered self knowing, we are empowered to take positive action in our lives. "

A Wise Woman several generations ago would have known all the plants in her yard and growing nearby. She would have known how to use those plants to feed and tend herself, her family, her community. To reclaim this knowledge forges renewed strength in trusting the natural world. By living with awareness of the living web, we mend wounds of isolation, and ease sadness, anxiety and depression. 

To help shift the lens, the Wise Woman path utilizes plant allies to restore a connection between you and one or more plants. There are many ways to be in relation to plants including drinking, eating, steaming or smoking them; making another preparation with them for example using alcohol, vinegar, oil, or honey; writing, drawing, or meditating near them; bathing with them. My role is to help facilitate your connection with plants by matching you with the plant/s that will create more balance for you. This balance may touch upon physical, spiritual, emotional, or mental patterns. This work can be short term, addressing a specific concern, or it may be a longer term study. Sometimes plant allies will ask us to change our stories about ourselves or others. To get the most from this practice, one should be ready to examine oneself and open to editing one's own narratives. 

The ability to tune in to the wisdom of plant beings exists in all of us. In the past, I have had a complicated relationship with my own ability to tune in. Since I started embracing the multifaceted potential to receive wisdom from the plant kingdom, my perspective has changed dramatically. Where I used to see nameless trees and some weeds, now I see known allies who offer support in different situations. Intervention can come in many forms: plantain can ease bug bites; mud draws out stings; nettles and greens nourish; roots make sure we are grounded; berries delight. Plant guidance shows up in many ways. 

My hope is to share some of what I have learned with my writing, photography, and in individual consultations so that you will be inspired in your own study and supported in wellness. I also hope that you will be empowered to develop your relationship with local plants and inspired to use them in your daily life. The practice of tuning in to the living wisdom of nature is a opportunity available to all of us.

Green blessings!

Emily

"Natural forces within us are the true healers of disease."

-Hippocrates

Disclaimer: 

Remember your health is in your hands. The information on this site is not intended to be an alternative to medical advice from your healthcare provider and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a medical professional with questions, concerns, or if you may be suffering from a medical condition.