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Holding Sacred Space: A Conversation

3/26/2015

Client: How do you do this?
Me: what is that?
Client: Bring me this clarity. When I am here, all the other stuff just falls away and I am able to feel and hear exactly what is important.
Me: That's called holding sacred space. Think of it like this. When we are out in the world, most of the time we are so inundated with information and energy (both from within our minds and in our environment) that it feels like we are walking around in between radio stations. Static, feedback, voices talking, a random tune floating through…it can be challenging to hear our inner voice, if we even know what it sounds like anymore! When someone holds sacred space for you, they are tuning in the channel, so your voice and your truth is loud and clear. And then they teach you how to do that for yourself.
Client: Doesn't that exhaust you?
Me: It is one of my greatest joys. It is the gift of my work in biodynamic craniosacral therapy.

xox Maria

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The Gift of Death

3/26/2015

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When someone we love dies, we feel this burning ache in our hearts, we cry...it is labeled as grief and sadness. It feels like pain and pain is labeled as "bad," something to be overcome.

But, what if the burning ache we feel in our hearts is not a broken-ness but a fullness...a pure infusion of love from our departed one? One, no longer bound by flesh, who is able to enter our hearts and push us open beyond our barriers, filling us so fully with their love for us that we feel as if we could burst.

What if our pain was opening and our tears, the melting of yet another barrier in our hearts, the icy walls that we erect to protect us from the hurt of love?

What if death was a gift?

Thank you Aunt Nancy for the full gift of your life... Your joy, your generosity, your infectious and beauty full laugh... and for the infusion of pure love gifted to all of us through your passing.

xox Maria

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Touched by an Angel

3/20/2015

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As I sat cradling her head while she wept lamenting a part of her life that was ending, a gentle voice whispered in my ear as it has done so many times. "Tell her how strong she is, share with her that only those who are infinitely powerful receive the hardest lessons. Tell her." As the words hung in the air between us, a palpable force electric with life, the dam broke allowing the torrent of emotion and pain to flow free as tears. "I don't feel powerful." She responded meekly. "I understand. Will you allow me to hold that vision of you as a powerful being in my heart until you are ready to see it yourself? I believe in you."

I love these moments, not because I feel powerful or because I enjoy the misery of others. I feel so profoundly honored that I am trusted with this most dark and vulnerable space. This deeply human place that plucks a chord within us all. It is my opportunity to pay a gift forward many times over; it reminds me when I felt I was dangling at the end of a rope and Spirit reeled me in.

The year was 1999, I was 33 in what I have come to call my "year of jesus." Not because of some weird and awkward conversion (that would be 6th grade and a story for another time) it had more of a "why hast thou forsaken me?" flavor. 1999 was the year I, or who I had known to be me, began to unravel. My engagement was abruptly and unexpectedly broken and I was asked to leave the home I had immersed 2 years of my life into. I had thought I was "done." You know that program, the "I'll be able to relax and just live my life once I'm married" program. The "I'll finally be able to exhale once I'm married" program. Yeah, that. That's where I was standing in the midst of a steaming pile of shattered programming; when I was moved beyond this body, beyond this world…I call it my "Touched by an Angel" moment.

Earlier in the day, I had called the plumber because our tub needed service. So, here I was standing in the bathroom with the Roto Rooter man and things were not going well. He was having a bad day and I, well, I was busy projecting my steaming pile right at him when he stopped and took a breath and asked "can we start over? It appears we are both having a really bad day." He held out his hand for me to shake and we introduced ourselves again. Then he asked "are you alright?" Some unreasonable force possessed me in that moment as I began to bear my soul to this man, a complete stranger. He listened intently (do they teach therapeutic listening in plumbing school?) and then asked me "do you believe in god?" "Yes" I replied. "Then you must know that he has something so much better lined up for you." I swear he had the glowing aura behind him when he said it, he lit up just like in the show…

I wept. Tears of recognition, of release swept through me with his words. In that moment I was reminded of who I was, who I am. His words jolted me out of my ego's pity party and back to the remembrance that I am OK. This is not the end, this is the beginning. A wonderful opportunity. I never looked back.

A wonderful opportunity. That is what my heart held for my client today. That this loss she is experiencing is not the end of her life but the beginning of a new and wonderful adventure. The chance to begin again. Awakening like the first crocus of spring rising victoriously from the snow, flocks of robins returning to the thawed and fertile earth, sap rising salaciously within the trees their arms outstretched to the heavens…

This, the second Spring of your life, I hold in my heart for you.

xo Maria

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Nourishing Infusions

3/20/2015

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Spring is coming, I promise, and with it the bounty of green blessings! Every spring I look forward to the return of my many green friends, welcoming back the simplicity and restorative wholeness only plants and digging in the earth can bring. Just the aroma of warm soil quickens my heart with anticipation of the joyous partnership forged over the years with my earthly allies. Quiet early mornings spent, sun warming my face, tending lovingly my personal plot of the Mother, joining with Her in singing Her gifts to life.

Memories of gardens past, their bounty and their failures, adorn my inner landscape, beauty full, all. But for all the tomatoes and peppers that I have grown, the plants that hold the keys to my heart are weeds. Yes, weeds or as I call them Wondrous Edible Earthly Delights. In her infinite wisdom and love, the Mother provides us (her children) precisely what we need to thrive—as surely as the sun rises each day.

Much maligned, weeds offer service, healing and protection.

They are the truest warriors in the green movement and often the least understood. They blanket the bare earth preventing erosion and waste. They draw nutrients to the surface to feed superficial plant roots and to store nutrients. They appear for us when we need them most, sensing our physical imbalance and spiritual morass. They fill a certain void within us, both physical and spiritual, the longing for partnership with the unseen yet loving force that is nature (god/dess). Communing with plants is a joy that fills my heart. Whether sampling the dew off a ripe crabapple or munching fresh chickweed as I cultivate my garden beds, the plants and the Devas who tend to them, offer wisdom as well as nourishment.

There are myriad ways to incorporate healing weeds/herbs into your daily routine to promote radiant health and restore balance. Of them all, I love the simplicity of nourishing infusions. More potent than a tea, not as strong as a decoction nor as medicinal as a tincture, the nourishing infusion offers a powerful healing impact. Nourishing infusions are a great way to get to know a plant. It’s beauty lies in its simplicity and in it’s wholeness.

The first step, choose a plant ally. You want to choose a nourishing plant versus a plant that contains high amounts of volatile oils, resins, alkaloids, or glycosides. While volatile compounds pack an impressive punch, this is not what we desire in a nourishing infusion. We want an herb that is of a gentler nature, one that is higher in protein, minerals, and vitamins, an herb you would consider food. I would like to add that I, personally, would only use organic/chemical free herbs for my infusions.

Herbalist and nourishing infusion Deva, Susun Weed, explains it best. “Because nourishing plants, by definition, can't kill, they are scorned by many herbalists. Their effects are said to be slow and weak. Yes, poisonous plants do create instantaneous results, and I do use them when I need that immediate reaction. But they always undermine health. Nourishing plants always build health. Their effects are slower, but still rapid -- with significant improvement in well being seen in ten days or less -- and powerful, often life-changing. I call the nourishing herbs ‘people's herbs’ because they are safe for anyone to use for any reason. And the use of nourishing herbs is ‘people's medicine,’ our birthright of health. People's medicine is a direct threat to hierarchy medicine, whether mainstream or alternative. It returns the power of health to the hands of the individual, out of the hands of the elite. Nourishing herbs are powerhouses of protein, minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals that counter cancer and prolong life. The best ways to extract this richness are those that rely on water and dilute acid as solvents: that is nourishing herbal infusions and mineral-rich medicinal vinegars.” Perfect! Viva la revolucion!

Here is a simple guide to get you started. Please practice due diligence before consuming any herb. See this blog article by Susun Weed for more herb specifics.

Here are just a few ideas.

If you are feeling stressed and frayed, your hair and nails a mess? Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is your gal. Are your hormones out of whack? Red clover (Trifolium pratense). Feeling stagnant and gluggy from a long winter? Chickweed (Stellaria media). Nerves frazzled and shot? Oatstraw (Avena sativa).

Second Step: Procure your herb. You may do this by mindfully harvesting and drying the plants yourself or by purchasing from a reputable source. Frontier wholesale has organic bulk dried herbs for a great price. I run a Frontier coop if you live near me. Mountain Rose Herbs is another favorite of mine.

Third Step: Make your infusion. You will need a clean quart Mason jar and lid. Add to the jar 1oz by weight/approximately 1 cup by volume of dried herb to the clean jar. Top with boiling water, lid and set it aside for a minimum of 4 hours to overnight. I like to make mine before bed so that when I wake, it is ready for me! Strain, really squeezing the juice from the plant material, compost the used herb and consume your infusion. Your goal will be to consume the entire quart in one day. But if you cannot do that at first, refrigerate what is left and use within 3 days. Water your plants with any infusion older than that.
1oz dried nettles

I like to keep a journal when beginning any new routine, especially when it involves consuming anything with consciousness. Paying attention to any changes I experience both subtle and overt; provides the opportunity to fully embrace my process and embody new discoveries. Although this step is not necessary, I find it thoroughly enjoyable and quite complementary.

Simple. Extraordinary. Wholeness. Living in harmony with all of life. ♥

xo Maria

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GLF: Cloud Seeding

3/20/2015

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The clouds swelled, spilling love onto the lands; cleansing, purifying, balancing…Love recycled raining down. Sound like fantasy? Perhaps…

Cloud seeding is not a new idea but it is one whose time has come. It is pure guerrilla lovefare in action and it is so easy. You begin by collecting crystals, they don’t have to be big or pretty or perfect. Then you fill them with pure love from your heart. You fill them with compassion and well wishes. You fill them with joy. Then you toss them into rivers, streams, lakes and oceans. The vibrational patterns of the charged crystal bonds with the waters, charging it with your good vibrations. As the waters evaporate, returning to the clouds, they take the vibrational charge with them, seeding the waters in the clouds. Then when it rains, it rains love. It rains compassion. It rains joy.

The classic study by Dr. Masaru Emoto, Japanese author and entrepreneur claimed that water molecules took on the resonance of the energy directed at it. Water charged with love created a beautiful crystal when frozen. Some have called his studies pseudoscience so why does this matter? Water defines life here on this beautiful planet. Our Earth and our bodies are comprised of 60 to 70% water. If there is even a slight chance that what Dr. Emoto found is true, what a wonderful opportunity for all of us to create change, first in ourselves then in our world. Based on your inner dialog, what shape would your body’s waters make when frozen? Since we are resonant empathic creatures, the energies we are around all day affects us on a deep level. How do you feel at the end of a day with really negative people vs. really happy people? Exactly. Cloud seeding is a really easy way to influence the energetic atmosphere around you and in your community. Plant seeds of love and watch them grow!

xox Maria

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Stinging Nettle Pesto

3/20/2015

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Elven food porn. Yep, that’s what I’m calling it. That’s was happens when you combine fresh spring stinging nettles with organic garlic, organic raw walnuts, sheep’s milk romano and lemon juice to create a taste bud-gasm. One that is good for you to boot! It is a definite win and so easy.

Stinging Nettle (urtica diotica) grows wild in meadows and fields everywhere. She is a shining jewel for herbalists and foragers alike. She is best harvested before she flowers so get out there soon!

Urtica has very high levels of minerals, especially, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, silica, iodine, silicon, sodium, and sulfur. Is also a good source of vitamin C, beta-carotene, and B complex vitamins and high levels of easily absorbable amino acids. I have read varying sources stating the protein content ranges between 10 and 25 percent! That’s heavy for a leafy green!

But what about the sting, you ask? Yes, there is that. There is no doubt that when you brush against her, it hurts! With this chemical cocktail it’s no wonder: acetylcholine, histamine, 5-HT (serotonin), moroidin, leukotrienes, and formic acid. The remedy? Approach her with respect and mindfulness.

No. Sudden. Movements!

Seriously, when I harvest her leaves, if I mindfully pick one at a time, slowly, I do not get stung. If you do get stung, look around you…you should be able to find some plantain or dock within a few feet, pick a leaf, chew it up and spit it out onto the sting, it will relieve the pain right away. It’s called a spit poultice and it is stellar field first aid.

But we are making pesto, so we need more than just a few leaves. Wear gloves and a long sleeved shirt, and simply snip the top 3rd of the plant into a big bowl. No touching needed. When you get home, you will want to blanch the leaves for 3 minutes in boiling water. Then plunge into cold/ice water. This will neutralize the chemicals that cause the sting. Take it from me; eating a raw nettle leaf…may cause gagging and coughing. Been there, while I was being interviewed for the local newspaper about foraging. Embarrassing.

Once your nettles are blanched, strained and cooled, pop them into the food processor and grind with the rest of your ingredients! Simple. Use your nettle pesto the same as you would basil pesto!

Stinging Nettle Pesto

Makes 4-- 8oz jars

8 cups of nettles
1 cup pecorino romano or parmesan if you prefer
1 cup walnuts (any nut will do, really)
5 garlic cloves, peeled
Juice of 1 lemon and zest
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup olive oil (or just enough to pull it all together)

This is the basic recipe. I added a few random leaves from the garden. Five sprigs of lemon balm and 3 small bunches of wood sorrel for a lemony touch and a handful of mizuna lettuce to add a peppery zing. These extras are not necessary if you don’t have them.

♥ Enjoy! Maria

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Author

Maria is a spiritual writer and a self-love warrior with a deep and diverse background in both the culinary and healing arts. As a teacher, integrative healer, business owner, craft herbalist and cosmic gardener it has been her path throughout her many lifetimes to guide others (by sharing her process) to find strength and direction, gently planting seeds of heart centered, connected awareness. She is most passionate about guiding people to connect with their inner voice, a midwife to the joyful birth of inherent authentic creativity that lives within us all. When she is not busy writing, taking care of the farm or unschooling her feral daughter, she can often be found playing in the woods, communing with the flora and fauna and dancing with the faeries.

Holding Sacred Space: A Conversation

The Gift of Death

Touched by an Angel

Nourishing Infusions

GLF: Cloud Seeding

Stinging Nettle Pesto

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