Can Chamomile cure racism? Of course not. Can exercise support people who live in fear of their very existence being taken for a crime and a reason to be murdered? Obviously not.

So what’s an herbalist and exercise person doing wading into this? Shouldn’t I stay in my lane?

Well, here’s another question for you- if humanity isn’t ALL our lanes, what are we even doing on this planet?

This morning Kris and Tammi of Heartstone Center read these words: “To feel keenly is our necessary privilege.” (from The Book of Awakening. Watch their IGTV.) Feeling uncomfortable is necessary. Doing this dismantling work is necessary. Saying "I don't want to, it has nothing to do with me" is toxic privilege.

Learn. Talk. Write. Post. Donate. Read. Share. Help.

Don’t know where to start? Get educated. Put some effort into other humans. Open your heart, and examine what’s really in there.

Things to watch out for:

👉Just because someone has a social media account that calls out and educates on racism isn’t a reason for you to hop on the comments and ask for personal recommendations. I guarantee that’s already been covered, so do a little scrolling. Or better yet, check their links to see how you can PAY them to teach you.

👉Buy books from your local bookstore, or someone else’s local bookstore if you don’t have one. Redistribute your money into communities.

👉“Not being racist” isn’t enough. Active anti-racism is needed. The only people who can change this world are the ones who made it this way.

👉But you’re only here for your business? @marciegoldman put it SO. WELL. “You’re not a Wellness Advocate if you’re defending white supremacy.” Get on board with humanity.

​👉Thinking “But I’ve faced difficulties too” doesn’t excuse you. Others are also living those same challenges- financial, emotional, health, pain, grief, loss, all of them- PLUS fearing for their lives because their very existence makes them a target. Your life and experiences are valid, but they aren’t as hard as they could be

​Have you ever asked your friends to praise you? An outright, blatant, shameless request to tell you what your best, strongest qualities are? Last Spring, an online course I was taking asked me to reach out to people close to me and ask them what they think my superpowers are. It felt SO. WRONG. Asking others to do this is humbling, terrifying, and rewarding. 

​I sent out an email in a surge of positivity. I just said “You all are my friends. What do you think my superpowers are?” I didn’t apologize, didn’t hedge. As I waited for my friends to answer my email, my positivity positively fled. I felt embarrassed. I felt flustered. I felt unworthy, and even a little ashamed for asking in the first place. And my friends proved me wrong. 

​I’m here to tell you, this is a GREAT exercise. Think about it- wouldn’t you be happy to tell your friends about the wonderful things you see in them? Wouldn’t it be fun to heap them with praise knowing they’d have to listen, because they ASKED for it?! Wouldn’t it be great to point out those things that makes your friends unique and special? They enjoyed doing this, many of them even thanked me for asking, and asked me to let them know the outcome of the exercise!

​And in the vein of doing things that make me uncomfortable, I’ll toot my own horn here and share what my friends told me. It means the world to me that this is what they see, because these are important qualities that I’m not sure I always manage to bring. Doubting ourselves is human! Supporting each other is human, too. And learning what others see you bringing to the world is divine.

"Dear Friends. What do you think my superpowers are?”

• enthusiasm, expertise, connection

• You are (1) resilient, (2) have a forward moving spirit and energy, and (3) are industrious, creative and tenacious.

• 1. Theatrical and fun approach to teaching and life without any drama 
• 2. Always one of the most positive and vibrant people to be around
• 3. Penetratingly insightful when clarity of vision is needed

• 1. Your curiosity. This is the easiest one! I feel like you're inquisitive af; you constantly seek to learn. 
• 2. Your intuition. I've been trying to figure out how to describe your super power as an explainer-of-things. You're really excellent at that. And I think what it boils down to is that you're really skilled at figuring out how someone needs something explained, which is where your intuition really comes into play.
• 3. Your intelligence. This is maybe cheating because it's something I highly value in others so when others have it, I tend to think that that's one of their greatest strengths. But you're so super smart, and it's a hugely important trait.

• Also, you're a witch. So

• Compassion:  You are so dedicated to helping people improve their lives, not out of your own ego, but because you really care about others.

• Wisdom: You continue to learn, grow, evolve.  You seek out new information, explore new modalities, not simply to have the knowledge for yourself or to improve your own life, but to share with others (see “compassion” above!).  And you integrate your learning – you are not solely about Ayurveda or keto, for example.  Rather, you are curious about how those sciences relate to information that you already have, what do they have in common, where are they different, what new learning can you pull out.
•  Joy:  You always have a smile on your face and a gentle way about you.  You are approachable and trustworthy.  You don’t judge.  I know that I can be vulnerable with you, share the not-so-nice parts of my life, and you always make me feel better about myself (see “compassion” above!). You paint a picture of a brighter, more hopeful tomorrow that keeps me going.

• Conscientious 
• Empathetic 
• Curious
• Joyful
• Informed
• Knowledgeable
• .....and when you communicate instructions or information, you do it in such a way that your client feels you are advocating for them, on the same team, and not condescending or patronizing.  I couldn’t find that in the thesaurus ;-). Is that a teacher?

•  You manage to balance a practical, no-nonsense approach to life, teaching, and learning with a whimsical nature. You see the beauty and magic in everyday life and the knowledge you seek and dispense, even if at first blush it appears mundane to others.
• Related to the above, your attitude is infectious. You help others see the beauty and magic when you are talking about what you are passionate about –whether it be a book, herbal medicine, self-care.
• You are steadfast and loyal. And you do not suffer fools.

• compassionate, good listener, determined, resourceful

Aw shucks, guys.

And yes, there are some herbs that can help you through this!

Tulsi springs immediately to mind- she can help calm the stress of doing this asking in the first place, and you may find she helps you transition into a person who believes what your friends are saying.

Rose is also a powerful friend in terms of opening your heart to receive the love your friends offer. 

Chamomile can help you turn off the inner-child who is afraid and uncertain, and Calamus might help you digest everything you are told. 

What other herbs would you work with? And I was serious- go ahead and ask your friends about your superpowers. You can thank me later ;)

There's lots of pressure each December to spendspendspend your way into others hearts or good graces or respect. I don't want to add to that. Besides, I don't really make or sell anything that's packageable in a gift-giving fashion anyway, so why add to the noise?

But I do want to showcase some of my favorite people who are making a difference in the world, so if you do decide you need a perfect gift for someone, maybe you'll find it here. Or just give them a hug. That always works for me. 

In not much order, I present to you my favorites. 

• Wholisitics An appointment-only, women-focused wellness center. I teach reformer pilates here, and there's lots of other services like group and personal training, chiropractic, nutrition and therapy. And they sell gift certificates
• Glenside Acupuncture Margaret is a dear, the space is quiet and not intimidating, and you'll love it
• Painting with a Twist 2 pilates friends own franchises, so I can say with full support that you'll love your time at Jenkintown, NE Philly, and Warrington PWAT locations, and with full expectation that you'd love any other site too
• Tooth of the Lion amazing PA based herb farmers and remedy makers
• Arete more amazing PA based remedy makers, my partner in the DIY Herbalism program
• Barefoot Botanicals more amazing PA farmers, remedy makers, and educators
• Saltability Retreat local-to-me salt spa with salt cave, float tank, and more
• Backyard Beans Lansdale coffee shop with good light, good space, and good tea
• Round Guys, and The Underground Lansdale brewery and live shows, including the Ladies of Lansdale!
• Domani Star off the charts amazing regional Italian food in Doylestown
• Dishes and Knishes my go-to deli with great soup, in Lafayette Hill
• Fuller Chiropractic wonderful and excruciating Active Release Technique, has saved my ability to speak for a living
• Ace Hardware seriously, this store has it all and they're super helpful
• Kimberton Whole Foods a small local chain since 1986, with local food and great options
• MOYO Skippack PA yoga, including aerial yoga. Come see me teach about immunity and make some Garlic Honey in January
• Yoga Brain East Falls yoga, come see me teach about Herbal Digestion and Detox in January
• Yoga Barn Unionville yoga, home of the DIY Herbalism program
• The Studio St Michaels MD yoga, including the best aerial yoga every, with Paulette
• Lucia LaFerme CA botanical dyer of silks and linen, and a gorgeous IG feed
• Nicole La Pera on Facebook and Instagram soul-healing free content, and a Self Healer's Circle
• Claire Mockridge creator of Your Pelvic Matters teacher training program and a helpful weekly newsletter on functional movement and business things
• Stop Chasing Pain body education in a no-nonsense style I enjoy immensely 
• Katy Bowman my favorite expert on all things movement and feet. Books, videos, blog, social media, trainings, she's got it all
• Holly Hill my local independent health food store/magnesium supplier/well-curated shop of wonders
• The Square a renovated factory in Dublin PA full of small shops and businesses

I've probably forgotten some people and places. And I'll probably update this list as I remember them. I'd love to hear about your favorites too, in the comments!

Just make, and keep, one promise to yourself everyday. One little promise, one little moment of showing up for yourself. 

This was the post I saw from @the.holistic.psychologist, just when I was feeling overwhelmed and undeserving and defeated. She’d said it before, but that day I needed it. OK, I thought, I will. 

Now I encourage (Urge! Demand!) you do the same. We ALL need to remind ourselves that we’re there for ourselves; it builds such resilience and resolve!

In keeping with my spirit, I made 2 promises. In keeping with Dr. LaPera’s advice, I made them tiny. 

1. Journal every day, even if only for a minute
2. Plan tomorrow’s To Do list each evening

I’ve also been having trouble falling asleep, so the last few nights I’ve taken an herbal sleep tablet by Garden of Life (a sample from Expo East!) with a powdered Magnesium and Sleep drink (love this stuff), and doing a Deepak Chopra meditation after lights-out.

It’s amazing what a few nights of good sleep, and a few days of clear and ordered tasks, can accomplish. 

This morning’s journaling- from last night’s meditation prompts- showed me that lately I’ve been most in my “flow” when I’m writing about my passions, like developing the DIY program, or writing blog posts. Yet I don’t write creatively that often, putting it off in favor of other “more important” tasks. 

Since I don’t have any morning appointments today, I decided to have a sauna (we have a Relax FIR sauna tent in the bedroom, you can try one at Holly Hill, my local health food store), a quick stretch and shower, and sit down to write a bit. No guilt, no judgement, I just opened a few docs I had been working on recently but had put aside. I'm really looking forward to this!

Before I turn back to them, I really want to know: What’s ONE promise you can make to yourself every day? Comment below!

​Some of the above links are affiliate sources

Do you choose a Word of the Year? Do you actually work towards it?

I've had variable success doing this. Last year was mostly a "not so much" year, but in 2017 I was pretty good at remembering and reviewing and adjusting towards my WotY. 

In that spirit, my 2019 WotY is: CONSISTENCY.

There's lots of ideas and half-formed plans and unexecuted proposals banging around in my head. Recently I was listening to an audiobook when a passage struck me: 

Beauvoir was reminded of his grandmother... When Jean Guy had visited they'd collect little new peas together and shell them, sitting on the porch. He now knew his grandmother must have been very busy, but she never gave that impression, just as these monks now gave the impression of working steadily. Working hard even, but working at their own pace. (The Beautiful Mystery, Louise Penny)

Working hard even, but working at their own pace. That captures my goal for the year. Instead of throwing myself headlong into a project and getting distracted by every other thing life needs before I'm finished and never completing anything, Slow and Steady and Consistent are to be my mantra this year. 

​A WotY is a pretty good way to motivate myself towards a common theme or a long-term vision. I have to make it visible, writing it on a notecard for my bulletin board, on my journal cover, in my daily vision imaging. 

How do you keep yourself on track? 

This week I was invited to give a presentation at the Tamanend Herb Club in Southampton PA. We made Echinacea Tinctures and Immune Boosting Pastilles (aka cookie dough balls). It was SO MUCH FUN! The club was super engaged, asked lots of great questions, really had fun getting their hands dirty (so to speak) making the tincture and sampling the pastilles. A great time was had by all. If you live up that way you should check them out!

This week handed my butt to me on a platter. Just served it right up. It was a great week, busy and exciting, but I ended up not writing any posts like I promised I would.

I started to get all in a twist about it, then I stepped back. Some days I just don't have words in me to write, only to speak. And I speak to LOTS of people in a week! Some days I do have writing words, like today, and I'll get them out.

I apologize for the dead air this week. But I also encourage you to practice self-forgiveness when you encounter your own dead air. It's OK to take a shower or get 30 extra minutes of sleep or make a hot meal or even get a hair cut, instead of doing something else you ought to. It'll be there when you get back. 

Also today, a spring time picture! I spy with my little eye...