A New Direction

Catnip

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I've made a decision. I'm going to further study herbs. I have always been interested in them, but I never had any formal education or serious conversation with people at my own level. They either seem to be experts or disinterested, and while I have attended many conferences and talks, and have read many books and identified and used many wonderful plants, I want to take it one step further. I want to make helpful concoctions in my kitchen, along with the good food. I want to balance on the edge of delicious meals and helpful nutrition, using indigenous plants and home grown vegetables. I want to be an herbal locavore...more so than I was before.

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So here's how I'm starting: I'm taking an online course (for enrichment) first, and creating an organized notebook (and an organized digital file). I'll do that while the weather is cold and I'm starting my seeds for this year's garden. Then, in the spring/summer, I'll decide my next move. I'm not sure what direction it will take, but it's something I've always been interested in, and once again I feel like I'm coming home (to myself).

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I've already learned a few things that I didn't know before. I've learned what "Ayurveda" means, and what my "Doshas" are. I've learned about the progression of the history of herbal medicine throughout time. I've learned about the need for balance, in a more gentle system that's not reliant upon chemicals for maintenance (and I hope I can get to that point!), and I've learned that there is a strong, safe relationship between traditional medical practitioners and practicing herbalists. I don't know where I'll fit in this continuum; I only know that I've always been someone who relates to plants and nature, and that I have great faith in natural balance. I'm not "in" balance, really. It's going to be a journey. I'm ready for a journey. I have my foot on the pedal, and I'm about to take off.