I have discovered Yoga…. again.

I was probably around 19 when I first heard about yoga. 

I was working at an athletic club at the time. I remember the class was later in the evening (by that time I was already looking forward to going to the next party). Yoga wasn’t really my ’style’. Frankly, at the time it seemed a little woo woo and wimpy for my taste- I could go on a mountain and contemplate the world some other time, I used to joke to myself (of course I view things a little differently now).  I already got plenty of stretching in my Tae Kwon Do class, I also reasoned (my least favorite part of the class at the time). I thought Yoga was all about gentle streching and relaxing – something I didn’t have the patience or time for.

I have always been into more ‘agressive’ type sports. I was pretty into weight lifting (I won 1st place in the Jr National Championships in Chest press power lifting if you could picture that-  has it been almost 20 years?….) I loved high risk/ high energy sports- playing around with downhill skiing, mountain bike riding, riding 4 wheelers, and high impact step aerobics as well. I used to have quite a bit of stress in my life- so all these aggressive sports were a literal counter balance, at the time it worked out nice and probably saved me in many ways.

Don’t get me wrong. Working out the ‘hard core’ way had it’s benefits (and it’s downfalls, I can still feel the huge bone spur on the front of my knee from asgood slaughters disease- an ailment that is usually reserved for boys who play soccer or football- but I was lucky enough to get it when I was 12 in both knees ). The main benefit for me was the self esteem boost I got from meeting and exceeding my goals and the stress reducing endorphin rush. Even though I was more prone to injury because of the high risk sports I choose, overall my body was strong and I was confident because I found something I really excelled at.

  Back to the benefits… I tend to be high energy and happy on my good days, but on the flip-side can be aggressive and snappy if I don’t burn off that energy. I tend to start nervously doing things like cleaning around the house or searching for new projects to take on- sometimes it is hard for me to just be.  Or, if I get exhausted from not getting enough exercise (sounds weird I know, but I am the type who really needs to move my body) I can start getting the blues big time.

In general, I like to jump right into things- really going for it. Again this tendency has it’s advantages and disadvantages. I have worked for many years to try and balance this, and I do have a gentle and sensitive side, but I just tend toward the latter if I am not too careful. Spring and summer are great because I get to be out in nature- this is when I feel the most ‘myself’. Working with the plants, hiking, this was my center, but in the off season, whew hewww look out!

All that being said I have really calmed in my old age, but some of those old tendencies are still there- I tend to get edgy if I don’t get enough movement in my body. This has been fine so far, I have a double stroller and I am able to take my kids most places with that, there are beautiful places to walk here with challenging hills for a nice workout. Both of my kids are super active, so lifting them off counters, breaking them up from their baby brawls has really been a workout in itself.

 Fast-forward to these last few months. I live in the Pacific Northwest. It rains here (yes the rumors are true). Not to convenient to take the kids for a stroll. Don’t get me wrong, I love and appreciate the rain (I know it is why it is so beautiful and green here) but these past few months it just seems to go on and on and on….. So I have been getting a serious case of cabin fever here. I don’t keep weights or my exercise ball around because it can be downright dangerous (OK I guess you need to know  my kids- trust me). So my body has not been getting the movement it needs.

My husband has insisted on turning back on the cable TV for his sports obsession, that has made matters worse - or has it? I ran across Yoga on TV!

WOW what have I been missing all my life! I feel wonderful! I am not concerned with the amount of calories burned, or if it is a ‘real’ workout. I am going on how it makes me feel. All my muscles feel awakened- it is literally like getting a drink of much needed water after walking in the desert for the past few months- (or should I say getting dried off and  cozy by the fire,  in an snuggie, after being submerged in the Pacific Northwest rain). 

I have been practicing daily for about a week now. It is really amazing. I am a total novice of course, but that is not even an issue with me! I was lucky enough to try my first session when the kids were napping so I got to feel that real connection. I am not able to experience that every day because usually my daughter gets a kick of trying to hang off my back leg (great for resistance, not so great for concentrating) when I am attempting Warrior 3- or my son is laying under  my head when I bend over to perform ‘downward- facing dog’ - I get to see the backwards, upside down smile on my son’s face as he grabs the back of my head so I can’t come out of the pose.

But really, it is no big deal, I am  not on a mission to perfect Yoga. I am going with what my body tells me and how I feel. It does not have to be done perfectly, and I accept even the few poses I am able to get in (without interruptions from the adorable rapscallions) and am very grateful for it!  Other than hiking and wildcrafting, this is the only ‘workout’ or exercise I have done where I don’t try to compete with myself, or have some goal I want to attain, it is really all about being in the moment and the process.

I am so glad I decided to give Yoga a try! It has become part of my morning routine and I am lovin’ it! Some other interesting ’side effects’ I feel much more in touch with and aware of my body. I have even been eating more healthy and feeling more energetic overall- because I am just so in tune with my body, I am also in tune with what it needs food-wise. My posture has improved tremendously in just one week, and my hips feel like they are getting more aligned (they never felt quite right after my son was born). My stress (a side effect from not taking care of/ making time for myself like I should) seems to be gone.

I have also been inspired to pencil more time for myself~literally~ doing creative things that I love. I have been writing some fiction short stories (something I have wanted to do forever) and have been making even more time for reading.

In general I just feel more balanced and ‘with it’. Yoga along with my herbs (like my old stand by milky oats) and I am good to go- I feel relaxed yet energized for the entire day, with more energy to spare in the evening after the kids go to bed. And dare I say it, but I don’t even need my morning coffee—God I never thought I would give up that- you have no idea how much I enjoy being the rebel herbalist who refuses to give up her coffee addiction!

 Yay! I never thought making one small change like this could make such an impact!

Do you make resolutions this time of year?

If so, please share!

Why do I feel called to write?

For the past few months I have not been writing at all. Something that happened here on the blog took the wind out of my sails. This has not been an easy journey for me, yet I continue to put myself out there by the things I choose to write about.

Someone that is close to me does not agree with my take on life in general. They went on a search of everything I have ever written (both on my blogs and on forum posts) and then told me how messed up I was because of it- using my own quotes against me like ammo in some kind of declared war. They even went so far as to say I am on a road to hell, taking my kids along with me. Don’t get me wrong, I knew I was open to this when I started writing. When it happened though, I was just tired.

Admitting that this effected me at all sounds ridiculous to me now. But as I said, I was tired. The monitoring of the comments, the phone calls, the emails, (although I nipped this in the bud quickly) if this person who used to be so close to me acted this way- what do I have to look forward to in the future from others? As I evolve and change on my path (and it is all written down on the net) will I have to face this judgement? Yep- is the answer. The question is am I willing (being a sensitive and normally private person) to put up with it all?

So I retreated into other projects with my herbs and reading- finding other ways to nurture my creativity and my spiritual life.

But back to the ‘why’ of it all.

I wanted to inspire people to find their own authentic path, connect with their own passions and spirit. I wanted to change the way people looked at life and themselves (the good and the bad)- because this is what other people’s writing did for me.

Guess what? I did!

I started to think about all the energy this person put into examining every aspect of my writing/ comments/ life- and how this must be effecting them personally. The fear and control that is wrapped up in thinking that someone has to think like you- be like you- and that your way is the right and only way- how exhausting!  Although it may seem negative, it had some profound effect on them, and who knows what it will do for them in the future! Maybe it will make them more in line with their own spiritual journey.

The point? I don’t expect everyone to agree with me on this blog. If you are still here (after months of  me not writing) can I tell you how incredibly humbled and grateful I am that you are reading my words?

What an incredible lesson. The courage to be myself and express myself to SPITE whether others think it is positive or negative – to be authentic- even when the pressure really heats up. To be able to strongly face the ‘investigation’ and ‘interrigation’ into every aspect of how I think and live. To be able to stand up and say- your damn right this is the way I choose to be- THIS IS ME! I am not what you think I should be- but a unique person who does not fit into any label. Just like the wonderful plants I love so much I am always growing and changing.

Another interesting thing, I am not writing this with the intention of saying ‘O poor me’ rather, to show that it is completely normal to have this happen if you don’t just go along with the crowd. Really, this was bound to happen sooner than later. I spent a long time in my life ‘not rocking the boat’ and seeking approval from family and friends. It reminds me of “the logical song’

Won’t you please, please tell me what we’ve learned
I know it sounds absurd
but please tell me who I am.

Thank you for being on this journey with me. I am going to keep writing, I am going to keep experiencing my life in the unique way that I do.

Hey, I may not fit into any  box- I have came to the conclusion- I DON’T WANT TO BE IN A BOX!

If you are still here, thanks for reading!

As you probably know I have been working pretty hard on the course for for the Wildcraft game. But also, along with that, I have been creating Ella’s preschool curricula. We have attended a playgroup (that gave me some great ideas for my home program!) But for an all natural play group we had to drive an hour all the way to Portland (plus it was a little spendy, and in this economy we just couldn’t spend the money). So I became very inspired by Kristy Earthschooling.com  - she has tons of great video tutorials, creating a program, natural toys and activities etc. It is wonderful!

So I have decided to start a nature based program  myself! Since there is nothing like this anywhere near where I live, I am hoping I will get a few moms that may be interested.

So, I made these squirrels really fast for me and the kids ‘circle time’ today.  

Every morning during circle time me and the kids sing songs and tell stories. I thought it would be really cute for my ‘5 squirrels’ story if I could make some finger puppets.

I had no idea these would be such a hit. The kids LOVED the squirrels. So since then I have made a few birds as well.

 Now I am on an craft kick LOL! Not only is it economical but really fun! The kids love the handmade toys.

I am really excited to start needle felting small bendy dolls for the kids. My kit arrived today (needles, felt, wool) this starter kit is only $12.71 and it has everything you need to get started, including a nice amount of wool, pad,  and 3 needles!

 Have you heard of needle felting? If you have not here is an example of some really cute ideas. I don’t have any affiliation with Forest Whimsy or The Rowen Tree, I just though I would show you a really cute needle felting project.

http://forestwhimsy.net/dolls.htm

And this one from the Rowen tree http://beneaththerowantree.com/ROOTEDnov08.html

What I love about the felting is you have to stab the felt several times with the needle- I find this stabbing really relaxing! LOL!

The felting projects I make will be a little more simple right now (nothing attached that the kids can pull off). My plan for Ella’s birthday is to make a felt family (a fantasy theme complete with a wizard, fairies, a woodsman and his wife) I have built a small wood kitchen table for them to sit at- later on will be a bigger project of a tree house to scale to fit the dolls.

Kristie over at Earthschooling.com has some great needle felting projects on video - even ones that you can do with 3 yr old and chop sticks (instead of sharp needles)! Also, some great knitting projects- she has TONS of other great info as well, check it out!  

Anyway, I am looking forward to blogging more now that my major herbal project is complete. Look for more articles on being an authentic mama soon!

This is what I have been working on for the past few months- AND the reason why you have not seen many posts!

 The coolest part of this is for one week only, Kimberly and John Gallagher the creators of Wildcraft are giving away a FREE Wildcraft game with the course! The launch is at 9 am PST this morning!

We had so much fun creating this course. I have to thank John Gallagher, L.Ac., CCH from herbmentor and learning herbs for all of the work he put into this, as well as putting up with my TOTAL ignorance when it comes to technology!

If you are not a member of the learning herbs email list, and you have not heard about this course, you can check out the details HERE (plus learn how to make Elderberry syrup just in time for flu season!). If you love herbs you should definitely sign up for the learning herbs list, the offer free recepies and videos, all about herbs and health- it is an awesome resource!

Please forward to any parents you feel may be interested!

I want to invite you to the ACHS 4th Annual Herb Day Celebration this Friday, October 9. Come join us from 11 am to 3 pm to learn more about using herbs with children, antioxidants and herbs for the immune system, and an introduction to traditional Chinese medicine.

To RSVP, please call 503-244-0726

The ACHS Campus is located in John’s Landing at:5940 SW Hood AvenuePortland, OR 97239

You’ll hear from Master Herbalist Angela Goodloe, Herbalist and Aromatherapist Amanda Lattin, and ACHS & Acupuncturist Scott Stuart.

Schedule for the day: 11:00-12:00: Introduction & Welcome and Overview of ACHS Holistic Health Programs with ACHS Dean of Admissions Tracey Miller and Senior Admissions Advisor Chris Fierro.

12:00-1:00: Herbs and Children with Angela Goodloe, MH Angie will be discussing creative ways for parents to incorporate herbal remedies into their everyday lives at home. Examples of safe and effective herbal remedies to include in your home apothecary, how to prepare them, and their uses will be discussed. Fun and creative ways to include your child in the process as well as approaches to holistic healing in the home will also be discussed.

1:00-2:00: Basic Concepts in Traditional Chinese Medicine:

Qi, Yin & Yang and the Five Elements with ACHS Instructor Scott Stuart, L.Ac.Scott will provide an overview of basic concepts in traditional Chinese medicine as well as present information about a few herbs from the traditional Chinese medicine perspective.

2:00-3:00: Herbs and Antioxidants with Herbalist and Amanda Lattin, BA, MA, Dip.Aroma, MH

Herbs and antioxidants – what are antioxidants and what do they do for and against the body. This lecture will include herbal sources of antioxidants and how their actions can help aid the immune system. Amanda will also discuss why these herbs are important at this time of the year.

Don’t worry, I haven’t disappeared. It is that time of year again… wild plants galore. Above is a wild tiger lily that has volunteered itself in my yard. Like a child, I have been waiting for days for it to bloom. This is one of my favorite flowers, I wrote about it some time ago on my other blog, you can read the short post here if you are interested.

For those of you who don’t know, I am an herbalist. So this time of year I spend a lot of time outdoors with the plants. I have also been drying medicinal plants, making salves, oils, tinctures, elixirs,  vinegars, freezing plants, making tea smoothies, you name it- working with the plants and lovin’ it.

I have wrote a few quick posts over at The Herbalist’s Path blog, but really, the outdoors and the plants have been inspiring me, not so much staying indoors and writing. Yep, living my passion and purpose!

So my writing schedule won’t be as consistent in the next few months, I will be busy with the yard, harvesting plants, spending time with the kids while the weather here in the Pacific Northwest is a comfortable 70-80 degrees. I absolutely love the beauty of the fall here as well (coming soon)- we usually have weather in the 80’s sometime into October, nice soft breeze, and beautiful autumn foliage. This is the perfect time of year for long contemplative hikes through the woods, It is also the time of year to collect roots of medicinal plants so I will be doing this as well. Most people review their year during the month of January (new years resolutions) but I find myself reflecting during the autumn season, when the plants are ending their life cycle, I am connected with nature so I find my natural body rhythms are more with the plants- seeing them change reminds me of endings, slowing down, taking a brief time for reflection and rest before the nesting of the winter months- and then spring when it starts anew once again!

If I feel that spark, I may just create another fun authentic mama post.. but in the meantime I wanted to leave you with this beautiful photo of the tiger lily.

When we first bought our home a while back, I liked the idea of a pool. What I didn’t like was the chemicals. I thought I would find a way (like a salt water base) to get away from it. Turns out that was an expensive fix. The deck and the pool took up a HUGE part of our backyard. we do have a good size garden in back, but the more I time I spent in the yard, the more I wished the pool was gone. The structures that surrounded the pool just felt so ‘fake’ to me- the blue slide…. so unnatural.

This year as fate would have it the pool liner ripped during our ‘arctic blast’ storm. Tony went out to fix it, the deeper he started looking into the project the more he realized everything to do with the pool was falling apart.

So we had a choice- replace the entire pool and a lot of the rotten wooden deck- or demolish it.

My birthday just happens to be on the July 29th, as Tony does every year he asked what I wanted. I said “I want a natural backyard’. So to my surprise Tony promptly went to a class at the local nursery about creating man-made ponds, waterfalls, and streams.

I knew this would cost money (not the demolishing but the rocks etc), but at the same time something told me this would work. When I think of rocks I think of my Dad (a retired brick mason) so I gave him a call. He offered not only to burn all the deck wood on his property, help with the demolishing of the pool and deck, bring in machinery to dig a bigger hole and move the rocks around, but also he can get us all the natural rocks we want for the pond, waterfall, and creek bed! Turns out he knows a lot of construction friends that have rock from construction sites that they need to get rid of.

I know it is going to take a while, but can I tell you how excited I am that we are transforming our backyard! This frees up so much space, and I can’t wait to continue to plant my native garden!

By the way, everyone thinks we are absolutely crazy for getting rid of the pool – the temperatures are in the 100’s this week. But the good thing is not only does our local athletic club have a pool (salt water- and they maintain it! ) that the kids can swim in for free, but we are surrounded by beautiful natural lakes, rivers, and streams a 10 minute drive away, how lucky I am to call Oregon our home!

Nadia my friend over at Happy Lotus (who was recently experiencing a respiratory infection) explained it this way in one of her recent posts I am what I am

Here is an excerpt;

“What I do know is that sometimes my desire to be a good girl overrides the need to be good to myself. Some people are designed to carry the weight of the world on them and I have always seen myself as that kind of person.

I can take care of everybody but truly ignore my own needs until I am stuck in my bed as I was this week. My husband and friends have been pointing this out to me for years but I never really listened.

Of course, I always knew what they said was right, I just never knew what to do to stop it. How do you change course when you are always on high-speed? It’s kind of hard especially when you have no clue how to put yourself first.

I have no idea how I am going to switch paths but I know that I will. I am currently working on figuring out all the details.”

It is so wonderful how we can learn from illness!

Sometimes we can learn from others who have are experiencing illness as well.

My daughter Ella is feeling better today after a battling a stomach bug for the past few days. I am so proud of how she (at only 2 1/2 years old) embraced the moment and handled her illness with such grace. She is so brave! Of course we were with her all the way, spending a long night of heading to the bathroom back and forth every few minutes… we assured her not to fear, that this is a normal part of life and sometimes happens when we catch a bug or eat spoiled food. Slowly after the initial period of throwing up had past, she enjoyed sipping on her favorite herbal tea (chamomile) to sooth her tummy.

As parents, how we approach illness when it comes to our own children can have an effect on how they perceive it as well. Do you approach illness with compassion and understanding? Or is it considered a battle that must be won? I wanted to share with you my thoughts on illness and wellness… this is a post I wrote back in 2007 on my blog The Herbalist’s path. Enjoy!

Holistic Wellness and our Kids

Many times I hear statements like “my kid wont take herbal teas” Certainly some herbs can taste bad or too strong to a kid, but there may be something deeper going on. Are herbal teas only introduced when there is a “problem”? Have you asked yourself as a parent how you view healing and medicine?
Traditional Western medicine is necessary and often life saving, however the mind body connection and the miraculous ability of the body to heal itself with the assistance from nourishing foods and natures medicine is often ignored. The Traditional Western medicine approach is to attack disease, you feel as if something is being done to you and that can often feel very invasive. A child is going to naturally want to rebel from this approach, it is scary and intimidating. “Take your medicine” can sound like something of a punishment.
Holistic medicine is about nourishing the body and living a healthy lifestyle. When I say “nourishment” I don’t mean to simply take vitamins and minerals and eat good foods. Nourishment is a healthy loving emotional environment, exercise, rest, herbal remedies, connection with earth, connection with community and loving one another. It’s reading fairy tales to your child, planting a garden, taking time to listen, & having a loving home. Involve your children when collecting healing medicines from the wild, show them how to make healing teas and infusions, help them to cultivate a healing kids garden. My mother and I often wildcrafted together and Ella being only 9 months old has gone with me on all of my outdoor adventures. Kiva gives a wonderful example on her blog of spending the day with wonderful wise women and her daughter Rhiannon.

We can be good role models for our children by showing them the beauty of their bodies and nature. Approaching sickness as if it were an enemy or something bad reflects badly on the child. If we teach our kids that sickness should be avoided at all costs, or attacked, we are denying that illness is a natural part of life. Even if you are extremely healthy, if you participate in life illness or “problems” will eventually occur. Explain issues when they arise in an age appropriate way that the child will understand, let the child be involved rather than approaching illness as a problem that needs to be attacked. Explain that the natural remedies support the bodies own ability to heal rather than a remedy being a magic bullet cure.

The “detox” rage is in my opinion is not approaching herbal medicine with a holistic view in mind. The extreme idea that we are somehow dirty and full of toxins is damaging. This illusion that we must live perfectly and become more pure will only lead to disappointment and disconnection from our bodies. Health is not about attaining perfection. There will be birthday cake, pop cycles, and chocolate. Balance is the real key, everything in moderation, even moderation! Extreme ideas are just as damaging as not taking responsibility for your health at all.The inner stress and guilt this causes is the opposite of being holistic. This view does not teach our kids to feel relaxed about themselves, enjoy life, be confident about their bodies, and celebrate good health. If and when illness does arise the child will feel defeated, like they somehow brought the illness on themselves because they are not “pure” or “perfect”.
The goal is not to somehow fight the enemy of illness and toxins. The focus should be on avoiding unnecessary illness by nourishing ourselves with local grown foods, herbal medicine, exercise, fresh air and getting out in nature. When illness does arise we can attend to it with compassion instead of guilt, fear, and blame like the child is somehow doing something wrong and needs to be punished by “taking medicine”
If natural holistic living is part of your life as a parent, the child will be much more likely to accept it. Children are inundated with media messages that health is a perfect size 2, and skinny, COOL, active young people eat at McDonald’s (or other fast food). Our goal should be to empower our children and try to send a different message.