Making a supply of the "Maple Medicinal Mushroom Concoction" I learned how to prepare during my study in the "Herbal Immersion" program offered by Chestnut Herbs. 

I love the smell and flavor of the concoction, and enjoy the tonic benefits when I have it daily. I ran out almost two weeks ago, and my body is persistent in reminder to make a fresh batch. 

So I set up the crock pot, toss in the ingredients, and let the concoction simmer for hours and hours - giving time for the complex constituents in the mushrooms to extract into the water bath. 

Want to learn to make it? 

Enroll in Chestnut Herbs excellent courses - (I share from my joy and satisfaction, not as a paid promoter) 

What are the tonics in your life? A walk in nature? A roll through the park? Sitting under a blue sky and daydreaming? A comforting meal? A laugh with friends? An herbal tea blend? 

Emerges the sun

 While I was doing sun salutations in my morning yoga sequence, the sun emerged from the grey that has been omnipresent here for days upon days. 

With the rays my energy and mood lifted. Sun, I salute.

I am feeling activated and engaged, and proud of myself, for I have completed 13 consecutive days of yoga. An accomplishment, and an achievement of personal goals. 

With the yoga I simultaneously look inward, connect to the greater beyond self, and build strength - both of mind and body. 

What are you doing to build your inner and outward strength? 

Be not overwhelmed by the chaos of our current world and its many glaring concerns. Acknowledge them, yes, fight for peace and justice, and the wellness of community and natural world, yes, and be not overwhelmed. 

So - find that balance, that activation of self. 

I do it through activity - yoga and walking mostly - making sustaining tea blends, and writing in my journal. 

Want to talk tea? Journal prompts or ideas? Garden Planning? Let me know. 

 Hello folks, 

How are you? Are you digging deep into your stores of patience, perservereance, and peacefulness? I find inspiration in the words and acts of others in my life, like a well-crafted email from a yoga instructor, or the quick text with photo from a family member. 

I sit at my computer on this late November day, cheered by the sun shining through the clouds. 

Yes, this is a more solitary season than most folks generally experience. Yet there are bright spots too. 

Some days I feel lonely, or down, or anxious. How will my sense of connection withstand this extended isolation? How will I feel comfortable in public situations after this time of tension? 

And, I have learned, again, that the days when I do yoga and go for a walk outside I always feel better than on the days I don't. 

Find your solace stimulation. Do the things that support your smile. 

Be well, darlings.... 

You are wonderful. 

A big sort

I am a fan of a project - a task on which to focus with clear steps, and preferably with some sorting or categorization.
Inspired by a couple recent events (couldn't find a recipe for a spicy chicken soup I wanted to make from scratch when my brother, who was fighting off a respiratory infection, visited and a 'do you have a recipe recommendation' request from my niece) I decided to finally organize my collection of recipes ripped out from various magazines and stacked, tucked, or gathered in a binder.

What are the projects you undertake in your life that bring satisfaction? Provide meaning? Connect you with your interests and passions?
It all matters. Do what you love - in big and small ways.

I will enjoy the process, the categorizing is very satisfying. The removal of clutter and getting a task that I have long intended to do done reduce stress levels. Seeing the recipes will inspire me and help me to make a meal plan, which in turn will support my making and eating wholesome, nutrient-dense, flavorful meals. I could go on and on in a 'the-house-that-jack-built' way...

Kombucha, Yoga, Chia, oh my.

My reading nook is adjacent to my continuous-brew kombucha crock. I started the brew 14 days ago, and now I taste test it every day. Since this is my first kombucha brew, I am learning about the process each step of the way. I am thrilled to report the brew is maturing nicely, the kombucha developing tang and depth of flavor. I like my kombucha tart and strong, so I am awaiting a but more development before bottling and adding fresh sweet tea to the brew. Also, since it is the first batch, allowing the scoby to grow without disturbance ensures a better long-term kombucha system. I am humbled by the success so far, and grateful to have the time, space, and supplies to establish a system. I am also amazed by the interplay between organisms of the symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (scoby) that makes a substance that sustains me. I read a novel and drank my morning pot of jasmine green tea next to this ceramic crock housing such a marvelous symbiotic system. 

Feeling stiff and sluggish, I turned to my yoga mat for flexibility and the deepening of breath. I ritualistically set up my space for practice, which means I ran the dust-mop over the floor to remove dust and debris, noticing the lovely hue of the oak hardwood floor. I accepted the beauty and the honor of living in such a space, and breathed in gratitude. Next I rolled out my green leaf-print mat and de layered so my cowl-necked sweater would not impede breathing or movement. I opened the computer browser and found a Yoga with Adrienne video to guide my practice.

As I settled into the initial pose, I paid attention to my body, how I felt, where tightness and soreness emerged, and how I moved. I realized the initial video I chose did not resonate with my ability for the day. Rather than give up or feel disappointed in myself, I searched the Yoga with Adrienne youtube channel in search of a shorter routine, or a routine with a focus and intention that I would be able to follow. *well done Brooke, way to acknowledge your needs and make a choice to support your wellness* (I make this statement transparent to you, reader, to acknowledge that sometimes I struggle with making choices to support or promote my wellness, and that learning to reframe is a valuable skill, as is recognizing and acknowledging each choice that supports wellness, lest discouragement out balance intention).
The yoga practice was a challenge today; my muscles stiff, my joints sore, and my entire body experiencing inflammation. The movement will help, the blood circulation and lymph flow will improve not only my state of mind, but also my physical well-being. Feeling awakened by the 5 minute video, and knowing I had more stamina for practice, I found another Yoga with Adrienne video and extended the session. *well done, Brooke, way to dig deep and extend*

I linked to a Downshiftology video sharing chia-pudding recipes, viewing the short video as I re-layered into sweater and socks and put away my yoga mat. The recipe was so simple, and I had ingredients on hand, so I opted to make a batch of chia pudding, saving one serving for morning snack and freezing the remaining portions for easy snacking in the coming weeks. Having delicious, healthy snacks prepared and on hand enables me to make food choices that support my body and lessen the frequency and intensity of my Hashimoto autoimmune hypothyroid condition. *well done, Brooke, way to be inspired and act on inspiration to prepare quality food*
As the photo shows, I gathered all my ingredients an the followed along with the video to make the freezer ready chia pudding. I used freezer-proof glass ball jars. The blue painter's tape is for clearly labeling the jars before placing them in the freezer, this way I will know not only what is inside the jar, but also when it 'expires'.  I added some store bought frozen fruit (blueberries, strawberries), and some frozen fruit I prepped and stored myself (pears, bananas.) I will cut up a fresh apple to add to serving I will eat this morning. Yum. 


Now I sit down to write (this blog post, and develop existing writing projects) and to work on tasks related to the upcoming book release of "Travels of the Heart: A Collection of Short Stories and Poems Celebrating Love in its Varied Forms". *well done, Brooke, way to create space and time for meaningful work that forwards your professional goals*. I will be sure to intersperse time at the computer with movement and delicious herbal tea or water to stay hydrated.

What do you do to start your day well and strong? How to you infuse gratitude into your actions? When do you celebrate yourself?
BeWell, dear friend, you deserve to.

A note on wellness and inspiration

I want to share an excellent yoga resource, for those of you who are curious about yoga, but not sure where to begin, or unable to pay for class or instruction, this is a great resource. For those of you resolving to improve your health with increased activity, movement, flexibility, or strength, this is an excellent resource. For those of you who enjoy yoga and like exploring styles or 'meeting' other folks who enjoy yoga, this is a fabulous resource. I am not affiliate, I am just sharing a resource that I enjoy, that bring joy, inspiration, and empowerment to my world.

Yoga with Adrienne.
Her style is friendly and welcoming. She is fun, and provides clear explanation of poses. I have enjoyed each session / video. Some are more challenging than others, so explore to find the videos that allow you to be where you are, without being too advanced.

I recently purchased a book that activates my interest in yoga and anatomy and physiology. Anatomy of Fitness, Yoga: the Trainer's Inside Guide to Your Workout by Goldie Karpel Oren. This book shows both how to do the pose, and provides a drawing indicating the muscles activated by the pose. I love learning about how the body works, so having a look at what the pose activates gives me a clearer idea than the names of the muscles alone can provide.

I find the journey to wellness in many-faceted, and I am building my body, mind, and spirit with intention every day.

Be Well,
you deserve it.

Coffee and community

Yesterday I listened to "Katja's Decaf Herbal Coffee Replacement", a recent episode of Commonwealth Center for Holistic Herbalism podcast. When I listen to their weekly podcast I feel as if I am engaged in an interactive conversation. The content interests me, I learn new information, ideas, and resources, and I laugh along with the hosts as a response to their friendly and inclusive style.
The Herbal Coffee Replacement episode stimulated my curiosity about coffee processing. I tend to not drink coffee, unless I am using the caffeine as a method of soothing and managing migraine pain. I miss the robust flavor and subtle bite of strong, well-made coffee. So, when Ryn introduced Swiss Water processing to create decaf coffee, my ears perked. I did some follow-up research this morning to learn more.
I visited the Swiss Water Coffee website. I was impressed with the apparent attention to detail and care about the coffee from farm to cup, and all the steps in between.
Consumption of goods involves much critical thinking and care choosing. Or, at least, I think it should. I try to consider the origin of any item, and its related packaging. I think about how the item was created or prepared, how it travelled, who was involved in each step of the journey, and how the people involved were treated. I cannot always know the details, sometimes from lack of transparency, sometimes from lack of research on my part. Nonetheless, I strive to make informed choices, and for my choices to reflect my values and honor the beings involved.
Back to coffee, I buy organic, fair-trade, shade grown coffee. The farming practices, the philosophy behind those practices and the consideration of fairness in respect to the grower are important to me. Additionally, the protection of habitats matters to me. What I see of their company aligns with my preferences.
I Amy purchase some Swiss Water process decaf coffee, and see what I think.
I also will use it to make an herbal coffee blend, featuring some medicinal mushrooms and adaptogenic plant roots.

Resilience is like....

A bank of tulsi in bloom and going to seed. 

Feeling resilient and persistent this morning. 

Calendula bloom

I awoke early and feeling wonky and unwell. Despite the physical discomfort and emotional weight of dreams of loss and fear, I chose positive attitude anyway.  The choice an accomplishment, for I so easily succumb to pain, allowing the physical sensitivity to subjugate emotional well-being. My work with nervous system supporting catnip and tulsi are supporting not only nervous system function, but also emotional wellness. Persistence. 

Pollinator on tulsi 

I moved slowly and steadily, with patience and compassion for self, through morning rituals: ablutions, tea making, animal tending, and the like. Centering myself with intention for each act. After a cup of lavender  catnip, jasmine green tea I reflected on my morning yoga. I chose, in the face of preference not to, to complete my yoga routine. As I stood facing the morning sun in the clear eastern sky, I thought about circulation and moving lymph as I moved through postures. Noticing the oak tree solid and simultaneously fluid in the wind, I thought’ about accepting emotion and self as I moved through the breath. 
Stretched and alert, I then felt well enough to walk the garden. I made a morning harvest of the bounty offered by tulsi and calendula. Conversed with the chamomile, whose leaves and flowers are still damp; therefore not suited to harvest for drying. I will revisit later, today maybe, or tomorrow, and harvest blooms. Chamomile does so much to support wellness. 

Chamomile blooms

I check in with myself, and acknowledge that today will be a day of little physical exertion, for my strength is low and my pain is high, yet I shall have a day of gratitude and creativity. I am proud that I am able to frame the day with positivity, possibility, acceptance, and wellness.

Wellness is a Journey

Herbs are an aspect of a larger wellness journey I undertake. Wellness is an interconnected state of being involving physical aspects of movement, nutrition, rest;  mental aspects like thinking, relaxing, learning; emotional including experiencing, accepting, letting go emotions such as  laughing, crying and the myriad more;  and spiritual involving ritual, the sacred, connecting to the deep-self, awareness, presence and connection beyond self to the greater. Wellness also involves relationship to community, a good friend once said “humans are social creatures.” This morning I made many choices that support my wellness, immediate and long-term. I awoke after hours of restful sleep, did my yoga routine in the grass looking to the rising sun, I walked the yarden, weeded beds while the soil was soft from rain and air cool, harvested fresh vegetables and herbs to make nourishing meals today, made morning tea blend, in which I have reduced amount of caffeinated green tea by blending in catnip and lavender, and finally sat down on the porch to read and research. Today’s resources focused on managing my auto-immune condition by addressing and managing inflammation through intentional and aware food choices. July has been a struggle for me -lots of pain, which undermines my strength to get moving and make nourishing meals, the lack of which exacerbates the symptoms (the familiar vivacious circle). So I am pleased to have made nourishing meals and wellness-supporting choices the previous two days. 

I revisited my library and pulled out some relevant books for a re-acquainting. Reviewing and comparing what various sources have to say helps me make informed choices. I think critically about what I read, compare it to what I have learned and to my personal experience, then I draw conclusions. From the conclusions, I form plans, take action, record results and revisit my conclusions to revise based on the data. 

I also remind myself, that wellness is an ongoing journey, intricate and multi-faceted. 

So don’t be discouraged. Even though wellness is an ongoing journey, each step matters. Even though wellness is multi-faceted, facets can be addressed individually. It is okay to make small choices. There is not judgement, only support. BeWell, in your way, you deserve it. 

Winter walk, and business steps

Procuring 1st BeWell Bohemia booth registration

Mid-march, and time to procure the premier booth registration in preparation for BeWell Bohemia Herbs' and Things inaugeral event, the 2019 Master Gardener's Association of Tippecanoe County (MGATC) Garden Expo, held each April. The deadline early registration for a vendor booth loos, so I made my way to the Extension Office to complete the paperwork, submit payment. While at the Extension Office, I picked-up the 'avoid these invasive plant species' list the Extension Office provides. I don't want to grow or sell any plants that can negatively impact local habitats. Weeds are one thing, aggressive invaders are quite another. 

The preceding couple of days, had been sunny and in the mid-sixiets, so I thought surely some spring ephemerals were emerging, I need to get hiking in the woods to remain connectted with the natural cycles, and say hello to woodland plant friends. On the way home from the Extension office I stopped at Purdue Horticulture Park for a hike. The weather hand turned back for a few final days of winter before the equinox. Overcast skies, stiff winds, and a temperature of below 30 degreesFarenheit made the day feel brisk. I had only moderate layers, so I kept the hike brief. The woods showed minimal sign of spring growth. I did not even find skunk cabbage in the lowlying wet areas. Woods, you may not show it, but I trust you are stirring with the turning of the seasons, and soon shall burst forth with green. 

The brittle and pale birch leaves cling atop winter branches, providing a soft whispering rustle soundtrack to my walk. I stop and listen, loving every whisper.

 Next I made a close inspection of the soft mosses on the tree trunk. So many shades of green, bright hued and dark. A magical world in miniature. Do tiny faeries luxuriate in its softness of a woodland eve?

I meandered my way along the path out of the woods. Time to head home to a warm cup of herbal tea, and a cozy book, "Herbal Constituents: Foundations in Phytochemistry" by Lisa Ganora, perhaps.