In Kingston today,

Yarrow, wild pea, chickweed.

Next to a telephone pole and an unclaimed parking strip, sprouting out of roses gone by, beginning without a plan next to a driveway.

What’s abundant where you are?

The microcosm of your block (of whatever acres) has a story of balance to tell.

These things grow because the condition is right .. and how do they grow? And what does that tell you?

I’ve been making nettle infusions and feeling the boost! Here’s the “how to” from Susan Weed:

“To make a nettle infusion: Measure out one ounce of the dried herb. Boil a quart of water. Put the dried herb into a quart jar and fill to the top with the boiling water. Stir with a wooden spoon and add water until the jar is full to the top. Lid tightly and set aside to brew for at least four hours, or overnight, whichever is easier for you.

To use: Strain and squeeze the liquid out of the herb. Be sure to refrigerate your infusion, as it will go bad at room temperature once it is done brewing. (If that happens, I use it as plant food. And you should see how my roses adore it!)”

Here’s a link to Susun Weed’s page for more nettle information: http://www.herbshealing.com/herbal_ezine/October08/healingwise.htm

“If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” What happens when we say something “nice” about a person who isn’t present? Is this gossip?

Nearly ten years ago I read a book by Jean Smith called “The Beginner’s Guide to Walking the Eightfold Path.” This refers to Buddhist principles of living and was a huge influence on my life. Reading about “Right Livelihood” inspired me to explore what became a path of Chinese Medicine. Reading about “Right Speech” challenged me in ways I think of almost daily.

I remember Jean Smith pointing out that the even when saying something “nice,” if you’re speaking about someone in the third person you may need to consider if it is “Right Speech.”

For one thing, what is “nice” is subjective. What you value and intend as a compliment may be an adversity or unkindness to someone else.

It’s also possible that pointing out something special about a third person who isn’t in your conversation can diminish the connection to the person you’re with.

I invite you to an experiment: to avoid speaking about someone who isn’t present. That might make your story about a canoe trip a little peculiar but it focuses in on your experience and what you have to share with your particular, current company. It can be difficult. Sometimes nonsensical sentences start – it’s an experiment! Then maybe an ongoing practice.

Albums of music I love to listen to and share during healthcare sessions and yoga classes:

* Brian Eno, “Ambient 1: Music for Airports”

* Marina Raye, “Liquid Silk”

* Music for Deep Meditation, “Healing Power of Ocean Waves and Tibetan Singing Bowls”

* Nawang Khechog, “Tibetan Dream Journey.”

Years ago I lived with a family including youngsters whose dessert during down-time was a video animation called “The Backyardigans.”

I joined the viewing one afternoon with low expectations. I remember very little of the bright shapes and headlight-eyes of the characters and their adventures but I remember very well, and occasionally reference, a brilliant line from one of their songs:

” Do it afraid. ”

I thought of it yesterday as I dropped tender baby bok choy into hand-dug holes in a garden plot newly my own. I’m a Master Gardener through Cornell Cooperative Extension but in the moment of transplantation I felt afraid to dive in to making my community garden plot into an actual garden. I didn’t have a plan. I didn’t do the soil prep I know is key to success. I’m behind on starting from seed on my own, including the chamomile I covet. I felt afraid of killing these eager brassicas and afraid of failing to put into practice the education and experience I’ve cultivated in garden know-how.

” Do it afraid. ”
And into the ground they went.

I’ve thought of this slogan during times of perilous growth – darker and more urgent times of being. The slogan is comprehensive and pushes me into acceptance of my fear, that fear is a part of the journey. Fear is also informative and can keep us safe, keep us out of doing. But sometimes we need to ” Do it afraid ” !

” Do it afraid ” in the garden, in communication, in wellness.