The Seed of Connection Grows Happiness
What herbs will you befriend this year?
Over the holidays I was at my folks house and found a gorgeous wool cardigan sweater my grandmother had knitted. I tried it on and instantly felt her with me. Now, I wear the oversized sweater daily around the house like a bathrobe. Winter brings about a chill and the need for extra layers, and wearing this precious garment feels like a warm hug. A connection to the woman I was named after.
I remember looking up at the night sky with her as a child. We lived in the country, away from streetlights. The night sky illuminated galaxies far away and transported my thoughts lightyears from where we stood, together. I could absorb the vastness at night and the equanimity during the day. Existential questions came to me at a young age. What’s my purpose? Why was I born in this time period? How did I get here? As I grew up, those existential questions evolved. What am I meant to learn? Does the soul live on forever? I guess I’ve always been a seeker.
What I know now — without a doubt — is part of this whole Earth experience is about connection. Having deep, meaningful, and authentic connections is what makes this human experience so powerful. From the age of 18 until the age of 44 I’ve dwelled within the boundaries of twenty zip codes. While moving around the country, I collected so many experiences and beautiful friendships. Friendships I’ll treasure forever.
Having deep connections with family and friends creates an invisible net. Life may knock you down and you will undoubtedly fall, but with connections a support system is there to catch you. There is a soft landing awaiting you. A safe landing. Your own version of a wool cardigan sweater waiting to be worn like a hug. And when life brings about magical experiences, you can rise up with a heart full of love mirrored back by your people. The joy you feel sprinkles around your community like fairy dust. Everyone feels the energetic upgrade. A healthy connection is always giving and receiving.
The importance of human connection feels intuitively powerful. Back in the hunter-gatherer days we needed human connection for survival. A primal code informs us to act in ways that connect with others. It makes sense. Our lives depended on connection. Today we depend on connection for different, but just as important reasons. Being around a group of friends that offer genuine kindness adds to the expansive life I aim to live. Each friend brings a unique gift to share. Each family member makes room for more love in the heart. True connection is a beautiful constant in my life.
Another constant in my life is connecting with the Earth. Plants are part of our connection to this extraordinary planet we live on. Like friends & family, plants have a warming quality. And herbs have always played a role in tending to the hearts of people and their communities. I’m going to invite you to explore plants that resonate with you as it's not too early to start planning the garden.
Let me introduce you to some of my plant friends I deeply connect with. All of these herbs can be easily grown in your backyard. You can eat them raw or dry them and use them for tea. I’ll explain that process once we start growing and harvesting. Now is simply the time to plan, dream, and ask yourself this: What do I want to grow this spring? As you read over the list, think about what plant speaks to you. What plant would support you just as a friend would as you travel along the path of life? Planning for spring makes the coldest days feel warm as you are getting ready for an exciting rebirth!
Lemon balm - a member of the mint family. It’s a calming herb. Mainly used to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, improve appetite, and ease pain and discomfort from indigestion.
Tulsi Basil - is an adaptogen and contains several nutrients, including vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, and zinc. This plant helps bodies cope with various stressors such as emotional stress, an infection, or stress related illnesses.
Peppermint - used to soothe an upset stomach or to aid digestion. It has a calming and numbing effect, and is often used to treat headaches, skin irritation, nausea, menstrual cramps, and mood disorders.
Thyme - is powerful! It’s known for antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic activities.
Rosemary - is another powerhouse! It can reduce headache, stomachache, mood disorders, mental fatigue, and improves memory.
Share a comment. How do you value connection? Do you believe human connection is one of our greatest resources for a thriving life? Your words will connect with another reader. As always, thank you for reading. I feel so much gratitude as we grow this community through connection.
When I look at the stars, and especially the moon, I think of all the creatures and plants that have lived under these celestial bodies and basked in them from all angles on our planet. I feel connected back through generations and have hope for those yet to come. The Universe abides, regardless of what we do here.
My go-to plant is lavender, which reminds me of my grandmother, as your sweater connects you to yours. My fruit trees and roses need pruning and the rampant weeds must be corralled before I can think of a garden! Got to wait til the rain stops.
Connnection is everything!!!! Thank you for this!! I can’t wait to hear about the harvesting process! ❤️❤️