Hello out there,
If you got my newsletter last week, you may have seen my invitation to the 4-week series I am hosting called Plant Medicine for Grief.
My experience with relating to plants in this way has changed my life and the way I navigate grief and transformation. I share more about this in a podcast interview recently recorded with Grief Refuge.
But today I wanted to share a quick story with you about a dear friend and teacher of mine, Rose.
Rose has been a powerful teacher in my life for many years. She has walked alongside me through deep change and has soothed my heart in ways I can’t ever fully comprehend.
Rose Medicine has reminded me of the power of my heart and the fierceness of the thorn when needed. She has shown me that radiance is a superpower and that I am truly never alone.
Roses have walked with us through our evolution as humans and, like all plants, are lifelong relationships we are born into.
Like blood relatives.
However, those relationships require tending and attention, just like our relationships with other humans.
Oftentimes, when I have been looking the other way as I get to know a new plant, an ally I’ve had for a while will start to tap me on my shoulder to get my attention. Almost as if to say, “Hey! Don’t forget about me… I have something to say, too!”
Last week I was walking on the beach in Southern California a few days before sharing a talk on working with plants for grief when an entire bouquet of bright red roses washed up on the shore in front of me.
I looked around to see if they belonged to anyone but it didn’t appear so.
I simply looked down at them, giggled, and said hello to my old friend. I picked them up and proceeded to walk a few miles on the beach with them in my hand.
I got a few curious looks from people on the beach and just continued to giggle.
Those roses are still with me.
Still with the light dusting of sand on the petals, beaming their radiance, and nudging me to share this story.
I have had countless experiences like this since I began to form deep relationships with plants and listen to their teachings. Countless experiences of magic that have now become the norm in my life, but still never cease to amaze me.
I created Plant Medicine for Grief, to be a reminder of that realm.
When we navigate change and transformation, these moments of communication to the natural world make all the difference.
If you have been seeking connection after times of loss, this series is for you. Together we will remember how plants are guides that can lead us back to the truth of our hearts and bodies. We will remember and experience this truth in community.
We begin on Tuesday, January 30th and there is still time to join us. I hope to see you inside.
xx Lisa Marie